The Greatest Puzzle

Totally unrelated, but Happy National Waffle Day! If you missed National Bacon Lovers Day last Thursday, maybe you can celebrate them together. 😁

After breakfast, here is an interesting recent devotion from Lutheran Hour Ministries...

[Jesus said,] “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” (Matthew 13:44)

Jesus’ parable of the hidden treasure is number five of seven parables in this chapter. The stories come from everyday life: people working to secure and prepare food—bread mostly, but also fish and some mustard seeds for seasoning. It’s all very ordinary. But the stories have puzzling components. One farmer is wasting his valuable seed, indiscriminately scattering it in places where it’s sure not to grow. Another farmer doesn’t care that his field looks untidy, riddled with weeds. Another lets his garden become overgrown with an embarrassingly large mustard bush. And it doesn’t even bother him that it’s infested with sparrows who are sure to pick apart his produce piece by piece. He’s strangely happy that these greedy little parasites are here. And, what’s with this woman—an unremarkable domestic day laborer—making enough bread to feed a small army? What’s Jesus up to, ushering us into this pedestrian, yet puzzling world to imagine?

Jesus’ stories can leave you puzzled. And not just for the parts you don’t understand, but also for the parts you do. Because the stories closely resemble what Jesus Himself has been doing, and why He’s facing such opposition. He’s been spreading His teaching among people who probably won’t amount to anything. And He doesn’t care that the neighbors are whispering about the unruly condition of His fields and His pest-infested garden. For a guy putting Himself forward as the commander of the armies of God, it makes you wonder: is He writing checks His day-laborer salary can cash?

It’s in this context that Jesus tells the parable of the hidden treasure. Often, Christians have taken this to be a parable about us, in that we’re supposed to be the main figure in the story, the one who sells everything to buy the treasure, which is supposed to be a symbol of sold-out commitment to Jesus. Now, Jesus does call us to be “all in” with Him. But is  that what this parable’s about? In the other parables of Matthew 13, the main actor of the story always represents what God is doing in Jesus to reclaim His good creation. So why would this one be any different? Maybe Jesus isn’t demanding anything here, but making a statement about His commitment to us, to everyone who trusts in Him despite their persisting puzzlement.

See, you are treasure to Jesus. He sold everything and gave His life on the cross to purchase you back from sin, death, and the power of the evil one. And because of that, you can let Jesus sort out everything in the end—the weeds from the wheat, the bad from the good, what to do with all that dough once it rises, and how to find joy in an overgrown, sparrow-infested mustard bush, because the greatest puzzle of all these stories is that Jesus thinks you are treasure worth dying for—you and everyone you meet.

Friday Fun - Michael Joiner

First, Happy National Senior Citizen's Day! There are over 61 million of us in the United States and I think we should party like its 1999 (at least until about 8:30 p.m.) 😉

This Friday I am featuring award-winning comedian Michael Joiner, known as "God's Smart Aleck!", recognized as the “Funniest Comedian” by Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame and winner of The Hollywood Improv’s “Funniest Comic in LA”,  has been recognized for his for his sarcastic humor world-wide. His quick witted audience interaction and improv ability with the audience is unequalled in the world of stand up Michael’s brand of comedy is, in a word, familiar. Not in the sense that you’ve heard it before, but more so that he knows you and you know him. He speaks about the things you are thinking in a way that sounds so much like your inner voice it is astounding. His effortless delivery will resonate with you.

With a career spanning over 25 years, Michael Joiner has headlined some of the most prestigious comedy clubs in the country, including LA’s “The Ice House” and Kansas City’s “Improv” Comedy Club. His sharp wit and crowd-engaging humor have earned him a dedicated following and recognition as one of the most talented observational comedians in the industry featuring Clean but savage stand-up. Crowd work, quick punchlines, and comments about real-life stupidity.

Music Spotlight - Francesca Battistelli

Francesca Battistelli is an American Christian singer and songwriter. She was originally an independent artist and had released an independent album, Just a Breath, in 2004. Her first studio album on Fervent Records, My Paper Heart, was released on July 22, 2008. Her first single, "I'm Letting Go", was released to on radio stations on July 15, 2008, and charted on national Christian CHR charts. The song was the 16th most played song of 2008 on Christian radio stations according to R&R magazine. 

Battistelli received her first Grammy Award nomination in 2009, for Best Gospel Performance with her single, "Free to Be Me". She later received her first Grammy Award in 2016 at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song with her single "Holy Spirit" written by the worship band Jesus Culture from her album If We're Honest. One of my favorites from this album is "This Is The Stuff."

Eight years ago, at the height of her career after releasing her last album, 2018's Own It, Battistelli intentionally stepped away from the spotlight to invest in her growing family. Now a mother of seven, the seven-time GMA Dove Award-winning songstress has naturally rooted herself in the quiet rhythms of everyday life as she's embraced homesteading and homeschooling in the midst of motherhood.

She is a devoted wife and mom of seven whose heart for home and family anchors her acclaimed music career. She balances the joys and chaos of parenting with the same clarity and grace she brings to the stage and studio. With multiple platinum and gold RIAA certifications, a GRAMMY® win, numerous Dove and K-LOVE Awards, and a string of No. 1 singles, she's achieved remarkable professional milestones. Yet it's in the everyday rhythms of family life -- tucking kids into bed, singing hymns around the dinner table, and juggling rehearsals with playtime -- where Francesca finds her richest inspiration and deepest purpose. After intentionally stepping away from music to invest in her family, and with more to say now than she ever has.

Here is a recent interview from last year with Francesca and her husband Matt Goodwin (who by the way, was a drummer for the award-winning group NewSong)...

While she was away, the music kept working. She secured another No. 1 at radio, bringing her total to eight chart-topping hits. She amassed multiple RIAA Gold and Platinum certifications, and her catalog crossed 2 billion streams -- all without a single new release. The songs simply would not be quiet. During a plaque presentation this week, alongside her family and her team, Battistelli celebrated 2 billion career streams and 3 million RIAA certified units across five titles; "Holy Spirit" is RIAA certified Platinum, "Defender," "The Breakup Song" and "Beautiful, Beautiful" are RIAA certified Gold, and the If We're Honest album is RIAA certified Gold.

Now, she's back! After 8 years, Francesca makes her long-awaited return with "He Will." "He Will" offers a soaring anthem of hope about putting your faith in a God who still does miracles. Backed by a choir, Battistelli's signature vocal is steady and sure as she sings of her need for rescue and her certainty that, while she may not know how God will intervene, He will come through. The single marks the beginning of an anticipated wave of new music from one of Christian music's most beloved voices.

Are you a follower or just a fan?

Are you a fan or are you a follower? 

Well, that's a powerful question right there. In Matthew chapter 16, Jesus brings all his disciples together. He's about to die. He looks at them and they look like fans. They've been fascinated by the ministry of Jesus. They've been seeing the miracles: the lame are walking, the blind are seeing, the deaf are hearing, and the dead are coming to life. But Jesus is not looking for fans who will admire him. He's actually looking for followers that are ready to obey Him. 

Jesus says to them: "If any of you desires to follow me, let him deny himself and take up the cross and follow me." The word "deny" in the root text means to refuse, to separate, to disown, to refuse to associate with the person that you are right now. The greatest person that you are in love with is you. Your plans, your desires, your aspirations. God is saying, "Are you ready to surrender your plans and your dreams at the foot of the cross, and to live under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, and to live a life of faith trusting in him?

"Cross" in the Scripture is not a fashion statement. It means death to things that you hold so close in your life. What does that mean for you? Maybe it means to walk away from a relationship that you're not supposed to be in. Maybe to forgive even when it hurts. Maybe to be a preacher of the gospel and to talk about the gospel even if you know that you will get persecuted. Maybe it's to surrender your plans or ambitions at the foot of the cross. 

The big question is: are you ready to go where he wants you to go? Are you ready to do what he wants you to do? Are you ready to say what he wants you to say? Are you ready to be a follower instead of just a fan? 

Then Jesus said to his disciples, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me."     Matthew 16:24

Here is a short devotion on this scripture...

The Cost of Following Jesus

We know from Scripture that salvation is a free gift that Jesus offers to those who trust and believe in Him. But just because our salvation is free—doesn’t mean the rest of our lives with Jesus will cost us nothing as well.

Jesus says that following Him will cost us everything. This doesn’t mean we have to earn our salvation or work for acceptance, but it does mean that following Jesus requires everything that we have.

When we become disciples of Jesus, we follow in His footsteps. We let Jesus teach and guide us. If we are serious about this, then our lives will become patterned after His life. This means that just as Jesus took up a cross and gave up everything He had, we also must be ready to carry our own cross.

So what does it mean to take up a cross and follow Jesus? It means that we should be ready to give up everything for the sake of Jesus. It means denying ourselves by surrendering our own desires and plans for God’s desires and plans. Rather than focusing on ourselves, we center our lives around God’s mission in the world: loving Him and loving others as we make disciples. 

Taking up one’s cross isn’t easy, but there is nothing in this life that is better than following Jesus. While immediate pleasure often feels more desirable in the moment, it quickly fades and leaves us searching for more. No possession or position can lead to true satisfaction in life—that is found only in Jesus.

Take a moment to think about your life. Are there things that you’re holding onto that you would be hesitant to surrender to Jesus? Are there relationships that serve your own desires rather than God’s? Commit to following Jesus regardless of how difficult or challenging life might become. The cross, while painful, is temporary—abundant life with Jesus is eternal. 

Tuesday Testimonial: Sadie Robertson Huff

Sadie Carroway Robertson Huff is an American Christian speaker, actress, businesswoman, podcaster, and author. She rose to fame on the A&E reality television show Duck Dynasty. She is a prominent Christian social media personality, host of WHOA, That's Good podcast, and founder of the ministry Live Original.

She is a granddaughter of Phil Robertson, founder of Duck Commander. Her parents are Korie Robertson (née Howard) and Willie Robertson, the company's current CEO. 

Sadie, first introduced to the world as a star of A&E’s Duck Dynasty and ABC’s Dancing with the Stars, recognized she could be a positive voice to those in need of an inspiring presence in their lives. At the age of 24, she’s become one of the most prominent voices of her generation. Sadie’s passion is to speak, to write, and to encourage. She is a sister and friend to more than five million followers on her various social platforms, which she sees as a direct line of communication to her peers.

Sadie’s creative and entrepreneurial spirit has helped her become a 'New York Times Best Selling Author', and launch her Live Original brand, which speaks to millions across her various platforms, including YouTube, social media, the Live Original blog, LO Fam Community, the Live Original tour, and her Whoa That’s Good podcast.

Additionally, Robertson has long poured her heart into philanthropic efforts. She has loved partnering with Roma Boots, Help One Now, World Vision, and the World Food Program over the last few years. To date, Robertson has been able to be a voice and agent of change in many countries, including Peru, Somalia, Moldova, and the Dominican Republic.

Sadie is married to the man of her dreams, Christian Huff, and they have a daughter named Honey James. They look forward to continuing to learn what it means to truly live and celebrate in every moment of life.

Sadie Robertson Huff delivers her full life story and testimony of how she has seen God’s faithfulness through the pages of her life. Sadie dives into Luke 5 : 1-11 and encourages those listening to evaluate their own lives and the purpose God has individually for them. 

Weaving A Masterpiece...

 From a recent Lutheran Hour Ministries "thred" email...

Last month, we talked about how Jesus holds the whole story of our lives while we’re busy living the individual chapters. 

In other words, we tend to zero in on the here and now, but God sees the bigger picture. 

Today, we want to build on that idea.  

There’s a poem by Grant Colfax Tullar called "The Weaving":

The Weaving

My life is but a weaving 
Between my God and me.
I cannot choose the colors 
He weaveth steadily. 

Oft’ times He weaveth sorrow;
And I in foolish pride
Forget He sees the upper
And I the underside. 

Not ’til the loom is silent
And the shuttles cease to fly
Will God unroll the canvas
And reveal the reason why. 

The dark threads are as needful
In the weaver’s skillful hand
As the threads of gold and silver
In the pattern He has planned 

He knows, He loves, He cares;
Nothing this truth can dim.
He gives the very best to those
Who leave the choice to Him.

Ever flipped a piece of embroidery over and seen the tangled mess of threads on the back?

That's kind of what life feels like sometimes. Knots. Loose ends. Colors that don't seem to make sense together. We see the underside: knotted threads, loose ends, colors that don't seem to belong.

But God's not looking at the underside. He's weaving the whole picture... and He's been doing it with intention the whole time. He sees the final image… the one He’s been weaving with intention the whole time.  

The dark threads, the author reassures us, are just as necessary as the shiny ones.  

So, when we get caught up in the mess, God never loses sight of the beauty. Both sides intersect to form the masterpiece of life. The masterpiece of you. 

We may not always see ourselves that way... but He does. He always does.  

A practice for this week: Think of one difficult season, tough decision, or disappointment from your past. Write down what it felt like in the moment... then write what you can see now, looking back. If you're in a hard season right now and can't see the other side yet, write that, too… and offer it to God as an act of trust. 

This simple exercise won't resolve everything, but it can begin to shift how you see the underside of what you're living. 

Friday Fun - Dwight Slade

 Comedian Dwight Slade has the privilege of being a comedy legend in American stand-up. Winner of the Boston Comedy Festival & Seattle International Comedy Competition, Slade combines an intelligent, raging voice of justice with a juvenile sense of unpredictability that makes every show unique and tailor made for his audience.

Slade began his comedy career at the tender age of 13 in Houston, Texas. He and his friend Bill Hicks were enamored by the comedians on The Tonight show and began writing jokes to try out on friends. Soon they were defying their parent’s curfew and riding their bikes to open mikes.

Since then, Slade has achieved success in nearly every form of entertainment. He did talk radio for 3 years, appeared in the feature films, “Inconceivable” and “Rid Of Me,” and has appeared on Comedy Central, The Tonight Show and HBO’s “Best Of The US Comedy Arts Festival.”

I this comedy special, Dwight Slade shares humorous anecdotes about modern life, from frustrating customer service experiences to the challenges of aging. Slade covers topics like technology mishaps, odd animal behaviors, and navigating relationships with a distinct observational style.

Music Spotlight - TAYA

TAYA (Taya Gaukrodger) comes from a country town in the north of Australia. In 2010 she relocated to Sydney to pursue a career in music. Soon after arriving she got involved at Hillsong Church and began volunteering in youth, and young adult ministries. The world first heard Taya’s voice in Hillsong United’s ‘Oceans’ and ‘Touch The Sky’ and from that moment, her voice became an unmistakable clarion call to worship across the world. 

In 2023, Taya released her self-titled solo debut and has subsequently toured around the globe with husband Ben and 1 year old son, Bo. Her sophomore album The Reminder released in April 2025 followed by her first-ever US headline tour. 

Taya is most passionate about music that points people to Jesus and her hope is to lead people to worship more authentically as they discover more about Him.

Find out more about TAYA from this interview with K-Love Radio last year...

In addition to the title track, "The Reminder" and songs like "Simple Phrase."  I think my favorite song on this album was "Child of God". Listen to the whole album HERE.

TAYA recently released a new single called "Simply Worthy"...

What, Me Worry?

If you are of a certain age like me and remember the old MAD magazine, this phrase brings back images of Alfred E Neuman, the poster boy for nonchalance and indifference. But I digress...

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where everything around you feels very unstable, uncertain, and maybe even overwhelming because of anxiety and thinking about just the issues of life? And at that moment, you actually need peace, and not some surface-level calm, but that unshakable peace.

This topic has come up because there seems to be an increased level of anxiety at our church... concerns about starting the building project for the new addition, concerns about calling a new pastor to lead us, concerns about keeping members happy and involved. On a larger scale, all around the world, there are rumors of war, or genuine threats to safety and security. We experience high levels of conflict and change across various cultures, and in our personal lives. We wonder about our safety, the security of our children, and what the future might look like. 

If we’re not careful, our thoughts can easily lead us into anxiety. We can be swept into the spiral of over-thinking and worry. But God tells us something different. He tells us to submit everything to Him in prayer. To submit something to God in prayer is to recognize that He is the creator and director of history, and He alone has the power to protect us and direct our lives.

The Bible clearly tells us not to worry. Instead of carrying stress, it teaches us to trade anxiety for prayer, trust God to provide for our needs, and focus on the present moment rather than an uncertain future.

• 1 Peter 5:7: Give all your worries and cares to God, because he cares about you.
• Matthew 6:25–27: Do not worry about your life, food, or clothes. Worrying cannot add a single hour to your life.
• Matthew 6:34: Do not worry about tomorrow. Tomorrow will bring its own worries.

In the book of Philippians, chapter 4:6-7 we are told, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  Think about that verse for a moment, because Paul is writing from prison. He's writing from a prison cell, not from a place of comfort, not from a place where he's in control. He's not in a nice hotel where he's enjoying himself. No. It's a place of limitation. And yet he talks about peace, the peace of God that surpasses all understanding. When you think about it, what the Apostle Paul is telling us is that the peace of God—that surpasses all understanding—is because it's not dependent on your circumstances. It's not dependent on what you're facing, what you're going through, what is coming your way.

It's literally dependent on God, that you can be at peace even in the midst of trouble, even when there is anxiety and worry and all kinds of challenges around you. We only need to take our concerns and anxieties and submit them to God, God says that He will give us His peace. The peace of God surpasses all of our understanding because it transcends our anxious and changing world.

Of course that doesn't mean that we can just not worry and be happy. Having God’s peace doesn’t mean that we won’t have times where we feel anxious. But even in the most anxious of times, we can rest in the assurance that God is with us, and He is more powerful than our anxiety. When we offer God our thoughts and circumstances, we allow Him to step in. We allow Him to transform the ways we think and act. We allow His peace to guard our hearts and minds. 

So yes, we too can say "What, me worry?" Not because of apathy and lack of caring like the aforementioned Mr. Neuman, but because we know that we have a God that cares for us. A God is concerned about everything that happens to us. No worry is too big or too small for His attention. And a God that is powerful enough to overcome any worries that we might have as long as we go to Him in prayer.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” Matthew 11:28-30.

Tuesday Testimonial: Nick Vujicic

Nick Vujicic was born December 4, 1982 in Melbourne, Australia. He is an American evangelist and motivational speaker. Vujicic has tetra-amelia syndrome, a condition characterized by the absence of arms and legs. His  mother refused to see him or hold him immediately after his birth; instead, she and her husband left the hospital. He was bullied at school because of his medical condition. At one point, Vujicic attempted suicide by drowning himself in a bathtub, but he was saved. 

While Vujicic's parents initially struggled with grief and confusion about his condition, they "raised him to look at the bright side of life".  Vujicic travels and speaks about his testimony of faith in Jesus Christ. His ministry is known as Life Without Limbs.

In this powerful and deeply moving message, Nick Vujicic delivers one of the most passionate talks of his life. With bold conviction, Nick speaks about truth, faith, and purpose, and why finding your identity in Christ changes everything.

Nick opens up about his childhood, the bullying he endured, and the dark thoughts that followed him from a very young age. He shares how doubt, fear, and lies nearly consumed him, and how he believes the enemy tried to convince him that his life had no value. Through Scripture and lived experience, Nick explains how the truth of God’s Word set him free.

This message also addresses the question of truth itself. Nick speaks openly about atheism, belief, and why God is not just a belief system but the foundation of truth. After speaking in hundreds of schools around the world, his message remains clear: your worth is not found in your circumstances, abilities, or limitations, but in who you belong to.

In The News - Banning AI Deepfakes

 From the Pour Over...

You may have heard that Minnesota recently banned technology that allows people to make fake nude images and became the first state to enact a ban on “nudification” technology. 

The state’s new law forbids apps and websites from making explicit photos of people using AI (called a “deepfake”). Companies will be fined $500,000 every time a user makes an inappropriate deepfake. The Land of 10,000 Lakes is the first state ever to adopt a law like this.  

Governor Tim Walz (MN-D) signed the law in May, and it went into effect  about a week ago. 

However, Elon Musk’s company xAI sued Minnesota over the law. xAI supports trying to stop the spread of AI-generated explicit images of real people but argues the law goes too far and its language is too broad. The Grok-maker worries that appropriate images (like some used for “artistic, scientific… educational, [or] medical” purposes) will be lumped in, saying it wouldn’t be fair to fine so steeply for something like that. It also says the law goes against freedom of speech. 

xAI wanted MN to hit the brakes on the law, but a judge said no. He said the company should’ve asked sooner (like when the law was signed in May). Since they waited, the judge determined the risk likely wasn’t urgent and scheduled a court date for August 19. He will decide then whether to put the law on pause while the court case plays out.  

CHRISTIAN RESPONSE:

As states legislate and courts discuss the use of AI, it’s a good moment for personal reflection on AI’s effect on our lives, relationships, and heart-habits. Whatever tools or technology we adopt, our aim should be to use them wisely and in ways that increase the fruit of the Spirit in us.

“Walk by the Spirit and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh… The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”   Galatians 5:16, 22-23 

As tech capabilities grow, believers have tough decisions to make about what we will use and how. As you evaluate your usage, consider: Do my choices build others up? Am I just serving myself or helping my neighbor thrive? Because “each one of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For even Christ did not please himself” (Romans 15:2-3). 

Friday Fun - John Crist

John Crist (born March 20, 1984) is an American comedian from Lilburn, Georgia. He is known for his work creating comedy sketch videos for YouTube, including "Every parent at Disney", "Millennial International: Sponsor a Millennial Today", "If golf and soccer switched announcers", and "Weather Man MELTS down on live TV"

In November 2019, allegations of sexual misconduct led to Crist cancelling the remainder of his Immature Thoughts comedy tour, and a planned Netflix stand-up special featuring him was put on hold. Crist later used the footage for his "What Are We Doing?" Special, his first YouTube special. In October 2022, Crist released his first book "Delete That (and Other Failed Attempts To Look Good Online)"

Combining  sharp wit, tactfully-unhinged stand-up and viral sketches, John Crist  is one of today’s most distinctive, fastest-rising comedic voices. With  more than one billion video views and 8 million followers, he  consistently ranks among Pollstar’s Top 10 Global Touring Comedians.  

If you are interested in learning more about John Crist, here is a recent interview on Sadie Robertson Huff's Whoa That's Good Podcast...

In addition to comedy, John also hosts a weekly podcast called "Net Positive" that is self described as "bold takes, questionable advice, celebrity guests, and incorrect statistics." In addition to the YouTube link above your can find them on his website at https://www.johncristcomedy.com/podcast. 

On to the comedy special.... John Crist's 2025 release, EMOTIONAL SUPPORT takes aim at topics like fights in the family group chat and being petty in the Neighborhood Facebook groups. His fourth full length comedy special, filmed  5.7 miles from his childhood home in Lilburn, Georgia, Crist makes several nods to his upbringing, including purity pledges, banned movies and not being allowed to celebrate Halloween.

Fun and Games at Active Ministry

 Active Ministry is a channel to simply share God's word and the good news of Jesus Christ in fun & interactive ways.

On this channel you can engage in biblical activities such as Bible picture puzzles, Escape type games, Trivia challenges, Scripture memorization, and other ways to dig into God's word and share the gospel.  

This channel will encourage you to not only engage in the material but whenever possible you can share the activities with friends and family. 

These activities can be used to grow personally as well as in group settings like Sunday School, Youth Groups, Home Groups, and of course Family Time.   

My prayer is that these activities will help you grow closer to God as well as provide you an outlet to easily Share His word with others in a fun way and then most importantly SHARE your testimony so that God may be glorified.

Test your Bible knowledge and have some fun playing Bible Trivia, Bible Jeopardy, Bible Escape Rooms, Crossword puzzles, Bible Word Searches, or any number of Bible-based games. Check out their website at https://www.activityministry.com/.  While having fun, you just might learn a little too.

Music Spotlight - Anne Wilson

 Anne Wilson makes music where faith and country meet, a rare space where honesty, grief and hope live side by side. At just 24, she has emerged as one of the most distinctive new voices in both Christian and country music.

Born in Lexington, Kentucky, Wilson felt called by God to pursue a career in Christian music after the death of her older brother, Jacob Kent Wilson. She made her debut in 2021, with the release of her GRAMMY-nominated 2022 debut “My Jesus,” with the title track becoming a  2x platinum-certified No. 1 hit on Billboard’s Christian Airplay chart.  "My Jesus", was nominated for the Top Christian Song Billboard Music Award, making her the only female ever to be nominated for the award. Wilson was nominated for six GMA Dove Awards in 2022: New Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year, Bluegrass/Country/Roots Recorded Song of the Year, Songwriter of the Year – Artist, and Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year. "My Jesus" won Contemporary Song of the Year, and Wilson won New Artist of the Year

Her last album, REBEL, featured her chart-topping Christian radio ballad “Strong”. The genre-bending album followed  Since then, Wilson has tallied over 2 billion global streams, made her Grand Ole Opry debut, and wrapped her entirely sold-out headlining My Jesus Tour. 

In just a few years, Anne has presented quite a list of great songs. In addition to the two already mentioned, there is "Living Water" which was written for the movie Jesus Revolution, a tribute honoring her brother "Seventh of June", the hit song "God Story", a couple great Christmas songs: "I Still Believe In Christmas" and "The Manger" (with Josh Turner), "Stand", and many more like a personal favorite, "Songs About Whiskey"

Her third studio album, Stars, captures a young artist growing up on record. Shaped by the tragic loss of her brother Jacob, Wilson’s faith could have been shattered — but instead it was strengthened. That tension, of wrestling with God yet still loving Jesus, defines her music and makes her profoundly relatable. “Faith isn’t about never questioning,” she says. “It’s about holding on in the middle of the storm.”

Here is an interview from last year on Matthew West's podcast...

 

Lots of good songs on her recently released album like "Makers Mark" with Drew Baldridge, "Still Do" with Cole Swindell, and the title track "Stars". I think the just released "Me & Jesus" is one of the best songs on her new album...

Tuesday Testimonial: Justin Bieber

Justin Bieber made international news by taking the stage during the World Cup final halftime show and sang “Everything Hallelujah” in front of the entire planet. 

Surprisingly, this is not the first time that Justin has used the stage to promote faith in God. Justin Bieber had 147 million people watching his comeback performance at Coachella. Then he stopped the party to worship Jesus — and part of the crowd walked out. This is what happens when the most famous pop star alive uses the biggest moment of his career to say thank you to God.

The world gave him the stage back. He used it to point somewhere else. That's not a stunt. That's a man who almost lost everything, standing in what used to be the wreckage of his life, calling all of it a gift.

Here is Justin's testimonial where Justin Bieber spoke with his pastor about topics such as: What humility is, what it means to be a good leader, the reason Justin decided to get closer to God and how God saved him, and how Justin is learning to be a better husband, father, brother, and leader.

Immeasurably More...

 Our church's discipleship verse for last month (July) was Ephesians 3:20-21:

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine, according to His power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generation for ever and ever! Amen!

I just read a devotion based on this scripture:

What’s the boldest prayer you can think to pray? Or the most incredible thing you can dare to imagine? 

Did you know that God can top it?

Paul said it like this: 

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us…    Ephesians‬ ‭3‬:‭20‬ ‭NIV‬‬

You know those quiet dreams in your heart? God put them there. You know that ache for something better than this broken world? God gave you that desire. You know the deepest longings of your soul? God knows how to fulfill them. 

Like Paul said, God can do more than we ask or imagine, but we also must remember the second part of his words: according to His power at work within us. 

It’s all God’s power and His plan. But He has invited us into it.

So what’s our part in this process? 

We can give glory to Him—knowing that it’s Him who gives us the desire and power to do what pleases Him (Philippians 2:13). He created us, loves us, and has entrusted us with sharing His message with the world.

We can submit ourselves to His plan—knowing that it’s all God, but He chooses to work in and through His people to accomplish His purposes. He doesn’t need us to be perfect, He just wants us to be willing.

We can trust Him with the process—knowing that He is good, righteous, worthy, strong, and eternal. We don’t have to know all the answers because we already have Him, and He can do more than we can ask or imagine. 

Here's a another thought... What if the immeasurably more God wants to do in your life looks nothing like the more that you've been asking him for?  

I think that we can often read this verse and immediately focus on the phrase immeasurably more. We think God can give me more than I'm asking for. He can make my dreams bigger. He can do something beyond what I imagined, more than we could ever ask or imagine, but this verse is actually about something even deeper than God giving us bigger blessings. It's about God's power, God's glory. 

So maybe the immeasurably more isn't always God changing your circumstance in the way that you imagined. Maybe sometimes it's God giving you strength that you didn't know that you had, peace that doesn't make sense, endurance when you thought that you couldn't keep going, or transforming you in ways that you never thought to even ask for. 

Paul writes these words after praying that the believers in Ephesus would be strengthened by God's spirit and would truly understand the incredible love of Christ. And then it's almost as if Paul runs out of words trying to explain gifts beyond what we could even think to ask for. But here's the part that I don't want you to miss. Paul says that this power is already at work within us. The same God who raised Jesus from the dead is at work within you.

This verse reminds us that when we reach the end of ourselves, we have not reached the end of God. Your weakness does not limit his power. Your inability does not exhaust his resources. And your circumstance does not determine what God is capable of doing in and through your life. So whatever it is that you are facing today, remember the God that you are praying to is able. He is able to strengthen you. He is able to sustain you. He is able to work beyond what you can currently see or understand. To Him be the glory!