by Catherine McDaugale | Mar 2, 2026 | Christian Living, Life, Spiritual Growth
We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we. (Numbers 13:31 NKJV)
What do you do when God’s clearly called you to take a step of faith? You’ve heard God’s call. He’s even confirmed it for you. So, you start to move your foot forward. But then you hesitate. And you doubt.
The outcome is unknown. You can’t see how it will all work out. It looks scary. It’ll be hard. And you wonder: What will others think? What will they say?
Then you pull your foot back. And you don’t move forward with God’s calling.
I hope that’s not what you would do. But that’s what the Israelites did the first time they got close to the promised land. They sent twelve spies into the land to see what it was like (Numbers 13:1–20). And ten of those spies came back with a bad report.
The land devours its inhabitants. (Numbers 13:32)
We saw giants. (Numbers 13:33)
We were like grasshoppers compared to them. (Numbers 13:33)
They’re stronger than we are. (Numbers 13:31)
Although the other two spies, Caleb and Joshua, tried to encourage the people to go into the land (Numbers 13:30, 14:6–9), the people didn’t listen. Not only did they not listen, but they also wanted to stone them (Numbers 14:10).
The Israelites knew God wanted them to take a step of faith. But they didn’t do it. They chickened out.
As a result, what happened? Except for Joshua and Caleb, that generation of Israelites never went into the promised land. They missed out on God’s blessing and plan for them. And if you decide not to take your step of faith, you’ll miss out on God’s blessing, too.
Of course, God didn’t abandon them. While they wandered in the desert, God gave them manna to eat (Exodus 16:35). He guided them with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night (Nehemiah 9:19). Their clothes didn’t even wear out (Deuteronomy 8:4).
And He won’t abandon you either. As His son or daughter, He will never leave or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). That’s what He’s promised, and God always keeps His promises.
But there will be consequences. You won’t get to enjoy all that God has planned for you. You’ll miss out on being a part of the work that He wants to do in and through your life.
So, take that step of faith. Don’t look at the giants. Instead, keep your eyes on Jesus as you walk by faith with Him.
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by Catherine McDaugale | Feb 16, 2026 | Christian Living, Life, Spiritual Growth
You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Psalm 16:11 NKJV)
Being full of joy seems like an aspiration – something intangible or something you can’t actually have. But that’s not true. The Bible says we can experience a “fullness of joy,” and it tells us how to do that.
What is Joy?
But first, let’s define our terms. What is joy? Is it being happy? Being joyful can result in a feeling of happiness. But it’s more than that.
The Hebrew word for joy is simha, which means a state of rejoicing. I like that: a state of rejoicing. You know how it feels when you’re rejoicing over something or someone. It’s a great place to be. Who wouldn’t want to be full of joy? And its meaning is even deeper when we realize how we receive it.
How Do You Get Joy?
There’s only one way to obtain true joy. And that’s in God’s presence.
In Psalm 16, the psalmist, David, is talking to God. How do we know that? We see it in the first two verses. In Psalm 16:1 (NKJV), David says, “Preserve me, O God, for in You I put my trust.” Then in verse 2, he calls God by His name. He says, “Oh my soul, you have said to the Lord, You are my Lord, my goodness is nothing apart from You” (Psalm 16:2 NKJV).
The word Lord in verse 2 is the Hebrew word comprised of four letters: Yud, Hey, Vuv, and Hey. In English, we translate it as Yahweh. It’s the name of the self-existent, eternal God. The one and only true God.
So, if you want to be full of joy, you must come into the presence of Yahweh. You can’t experience that fullness of joy in anyone or anything else.
How Do You Come Into God’s Presence?
Now that we know that we need to be in Yahweh’s presence to be full of joy, how do we come into His presence? Here are three ways to do that.
- Pray: As a born-again believer, you have direct access to God. You don’t have to go through a priest or a pastor or anyone else to talk to Him. Because Jesus has paid the price for your sins, you can come to God just by talking to Him, anywhere and at anytime. Isn’t that amazing? And you don’t have to be afraid to talk to God. As it tells us in Hebrews 4:16, “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
- Read: God has spoken to us through His Word, the Bible. The Bible is the literal Word of God. God’s Word is truth (John 17:17). And it’s accessible to us now more than ever before. You can come before God’s presence by reading the Bible on your phone or tablet, or in paper form. You can even listen to it in an app on your phone or computer. All you have to do is take time out of your day to meet with Him.
- Sing: God has instructed us to “come before His presence with singing” (Psalm 100:2 NKJV). When you sing praises to God with your heart and mind focused on Him, you glide into His presence without even thinking about it.
So, come into God’s presence. “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8a NKJV). Read His Word and meditate on what He’s said. Sing to Him. Talk to Him. And before you know it, you’ll be full of joy as you walk by faith with Him.
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by Catherine McDaugale | Feb 2, 2026 | Christian Living, Life, Spiritual Growth
But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. (Psalm 1:2 NKJV)
If you want to dig deeper into God’s Word this year, one way to do that is through meditation. Not the type of meditation you hear about in the world (in which you try to empty your mind), but by filling your mind with Bible verses and thinking about them. When you learn more about God and His will for your life and apply what you’ve read, you’ll be blessed. That’s why the psalmist equates a blessed man with one who meditates on God’s Word day and night (Psalm 1:1–2).
One way to meditate on God’s Word is by asking yourself the who, what, where, when, why, and how questions as you read. Better yet, if you memorize God’s Word, then you can mull it over no matter where you are or what time of day it is.
Recently, I did this with Psalm 100 and wanted to share the first few verses with you. As I do, remember: this is just one way to dig deeper into God’s Word. If it doesn’t work for you, find another way that does. The important thing is to regularly think about God’s Word and apply it to your life.
There’s no secret formula for meditating on God’s Word. Just start with one verse and then move on to the next one, asking yourself questions about what the text says and how it applies to you. So, here we go.
“Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands!” (Psalm 100:1 NKJV).
What? Make a shout. It’s phrased as a command, not a suggestion.
What kind of shout? A joyful one. Not a half-hearted shout, but one that is full of joy.
To whom? To the Lord. Notice that the word Lord is in small caps, which signifies that it’s God’s name. The word is comprised of four Hebrew letters without vowel markers: Yud, Hey, Vuv, and Hey. The English transliteration of the word is Yahweh. It’s the name of the self-existent, eternal God. That’s important because it’s very specific about whom we’re supposed to worship.
Who? All you lands. That phrase in the Hebrew language means just what you think it would: the whole earth; every country and governmental subdivision. That includes me, you, and everyone else on the planet.
So, how does this verse apply to me and you? We’re supposed to direct our worship to the one, true God – Yahweh – as we shout for joy. And there’s a lot to be joyful about: God has made a way for you to have a relationship with Him, and once you “confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9 NKJV). That means you’re forgiven, washed clean, and restored. Praise God!
“Serve the Lord with gladness” (Psalm 100:2a NKJV).
What? Serve. Again, it’s a command, not a suggestion.
How? With gladness. Not with grumbling or complaining, comparing my service with others while nitpicking their performance, or thinking about how little they’re doing. We should serve, not because we have to, but because we get to.
Serve whom? The Lord. Just as in verse 1, this refers to the name of the one, true God. He’s the One we’re supposed to serve.
Applying the verse can be both easy and hard. Ask yourself: Have I been serving with gladness, rejoicing that God has blessed me with the opportunity to serve Him? He wants us to love Him, receive His love, and serve others in practical ways out of the outpouring of His love. This is a good thing to meditate on to ensure you’re in alignment with His will as you serve. The difficult part can be admitting that you have a bad attitude. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal where you’re at and ask Him to help you to accept whatever He shows you.
“Come before His presence with singing” (Psalm 100:2b NKJV).
What? Come. Another command that we should obey.
Where? Before His presence.
Whose presence? The Lord’s. The word His in the second part of verse 2 refers to the One identified in the first part of that verse. God wants us to come before His presence.
How? With singing. You might protest this one. I know many people who don’t like to sing. But remember, this is not a request; it’s a command. If God wants you to sing to Him in His presence, who are you to refuse?
How are you doing with this one? Are you regularly coming into God’s presence with singing, worshiping the One who’s worthy of all our praise? Only you know.
If you haven’t really spent time to dig deeper into God’s Word, I hope this gives you an idea of one way to do so. It’s not the only way. The important thing is to read the Bible and then think about it throughout your day (and in the middle of the night when you wake up). Immerse yourself in God’s Word and let it permeate your heart each day as you walk by faith with Him.
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by Catherine McDaugale | Jan 19, 2026 | Christian Living, Life
I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness! (Matthew 7:23 NKJV)
Imagine this. You die. When you see Jesus, He turns to you and says, “I never knew you; depart from Me.”
Those are the worst words you could ever hear. After you die, your fate is sealed. There’s no going back. You don’t go to purgatory; there is no opportunity to change your mind or work off your debt. As the Bible says, “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many” (Hebrews 9:27–28 NKJV). We must choose whether we will follow Jesus in this lifetime.
Many know about Jesus. But fewer are known by Him. You can have knowledge about who Jesus is without having a personal relationship with Him. Even the demons know who Jesus is (see, e.g., Mark 3:11; Luke 4:41); yet, they don’t follow Him.
To be in a relationship with Jesus, we need to follow the way that He’s made. Manmade religious practices like
- going to a church service;
- praying through a rosary;
- confessing your sins to a priest; and
- saying rote prayers
aren’t sufficient. They won’t result in relationship. We must worship God the way He’s prescribed.
And God the Father has made one way to come to Him: through His Son, Jesus. As Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6 NKJV). The way to eternal life is through Jesus – by knowing Him. As Jesus prayed to God the Father, “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent” (John 17:3 NKJV).
Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty for your sin; there’s no other way than to accept what He’s done for you. If you “confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9 NKJV). Why? “For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:10 NKJV).
Make sure you step off the wide path that leads to destruction and hop over to the path that goes through the narrow gate to life (Matthew 7:13). Then you won’t have to worry about hearing the worst words you could ever hear. Instead, you’ll be like the sheep that Jesus talked about – the one who hears His voice. He will know you, and you will follow Him (John 10:27).
So, come to Jesus – His way. Listen for His voice each day as you walk by faith with Him. Then, one day, you’ll hear the best words you could ever hear: “Well done, good and faithful servant . . . . Enter into the joy of your lord” (Matthew 25:21 NKJV).
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by Catherine McDaugale | Dec 15, 2025 | Christian Living, Life, Thoughts
“[T]he kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.” (Matthew 13:45–46 NKJV)
When I quickly read this parable, my first thought was that Jesus was the pearl of great price. After all, isn’t Jesus the only One valuable enough to sell everything for?
But there are at least two flaws in that conclusion. First, Jesus can’t be bought; He is God. Second, if we had to buy our salvation, it would no longer be free. And the Bible clearly tells us that salvation is a gift of God (Ephesians 2:8).
So, I prayed and asked God to help me understand the parable. (By the way, that’s something you can do, too. The Holy Spirit is our teacher (1 Corinthians 2:12).) I wanted to know: Who is the merchant? What does the pearl represent? And what exactly is the kingdom of heaven?
The Kingdom of Heaven
Whose kingdom will it be when we get to heaven? The kingdom of heaven belongs to Jesus. The Bible says that God the Father put all things under Jesus’ feet (Ephesians 1:22). Jesus is the King of kings (Revelation 17:14). As Jesus told Pilate, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36 NKJV). The kingdom of heaven is Jesus’ kingdom.
Who is part of Jesus’ kingdom? The church – people who have been born again. If you’ve been born again, you’re part of the kingdom of heaven. The Bible says your citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20).
The Merchant
Who gave everything so we could be a part of His kingdom? Jesus did. Jesus is the merchant. He left heaven to be born a baby so He could live a perfect life and lay down His life for us. Jesus gave it all so He could redeem (buy) us (1 Peter 1:18–19).
The Pearl
What did Jesus acquire when He redeemed us by paying the price for our sins? Anyone who would receive Him (John 1:12). So, we are the pearl of great price. Can you believe how much Jesus loves you? You are very valuable to Him.
But really, how can we be compared to a beautiful pearl? This is the best part. A pearl starts as a piece of sand or dirt – an irritant to the oyster or mussel. In response to that irritant, the oyster or mussel secretes a crystalline substance to cover it. Eventually, the irritant is transformed into a pearl.
We are like that piece of sand or dirt. When we come to Jesus, He covers us with His robe of righteousness. Through the years, He refines us and molds us into His image. Yet, God already sees what Jesus is making us into. He knows the beginning from the end. Instead of the irritant, He sees the beautiful pearl that He’s forming. Isn’t that amazing?
As we embark on this Christmas season, take time to meditate on how Jesus redeemed you. Remember how valuable you are to Him. Believe how much Jesus loves you. Then praise Him for saving you and making you beautiful as you walk by faith with Him.
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by Catherine McDaugale | Dec 1, 2025 | Christian Living, Life
And the close relative said, “I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I ruin my own inheritance.” (Ruth 4:6a NKJV)
In Old Testament times, if a man died before his wife bore him a child, a close family member of the deceased, called a kinsman redeemer, would marry the widow. The first son born from that marriage was then named after the deceased man. God prescribed the practice in Israel so the deceased man’s name wouldn’t be “cut off from among his brethren” (Ruth 4:10 NKJV). Doing so would ensure that, despite death, a family lineage would continue.
Enter Ruth. Ruth was a foreigner who married an Israelite named Mahlon. But Mahlon died before Ruth bore him a son. When Ruth went to Israel with her mother-in-law, Boaz brought the matter to the close relative’s attention. The close relative was the first one in line to do God’s will by marrying Ruth.
So, what was the close relative’s response? He refused. Why? He was worried about destroying his own heritage. In short, he was more concerned about his own name. He wanted to ensure that his name lived on. Because the close relative refused, Boaz (the next in line after the close relative) stepped in and married Ruth.
In the end, we have no idea what the name of that close relative was. But Boaz? His name has been recorded. Even thousands of years later, we know that he was the one who married Ruth. Not only that, but Boaz was the great-grandfather of King David (Ruth 4:21–22), and he is listed in Jesus’ genealogy (Matthew 1:5).
The point is: We can be deterred from doing what God wants us to do when our own plans don’t align with God’s. We sometimes worry that God’s plan will interfere with our desires.
But God’s plans and ways are always better than ours. He is sovereign and omniscient. He knows the beginning from the end. God can see how everything will fit together to accomplish His perfect plan and bless us along the way.
So, what’s keeping you from doing God’s will? What does God want you to do that you have refused to do?
- Is He asking you to go to church to worship Him with your brothers and sisters in Christ, but you feel more comfortable watching the service online in your kitchen or living room?
- Has His Spirit prompted you to serve in the children’s ministry, but you don’t want to give up your “me” time?
- Is He calling you to the mission field, but you’re afraid of losing your possessions or of not having enough money?
Don’t miss out on the blessing that comes with obedience. Whatever it is, take time this week to do business with God. Pray and tell God about your fears and concerns. Ask Him for forgiveness for refusing to do His will. Then put aside the things that are keeping you from doing God’s will and walk by faith with Him.
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by Catherine McDaugale | Nov 17, 2025 | Christian Living, Life
“[I]n everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NKJV)
Do you want to do God’s will? Here is some low-hanging fruit (so to speak) – a verse that expressly tells you what God’s will is for you. That verse instructs you to give thanks in everything. The phrase in everythingencompasses . . .well . . . everything.
Remember: giving thanks in everything doesn’t necessarily mean that the circumstances are good. We can still be thankful to God in the circumstances when we’re not thankful for what’s happening. Even in a trial, God wants us to be grateful for the amazing things He’s already done in our lives.
For example:
- If you just bought the new shoes you’ve been wanting – give thanks.
- If you aren’t able to afford to buy those shoes – give thanks.
- If you got a raise at work – give thanks.
- If you were laid off from your job – give thanks.
- If your kids are following the Lord – give thanks.
- If your kids are doing their own thing – give thanks.
- If your husband kissed you as he left for work this morning – give thanks.
- If you’re single but wish you were married – give thanks.
- If your annual checkup showed that you’re healthy – give thanks.
- If you received a difficult diagnosis – give thanks.
- No matter what you’re going through – give thanks.
I know it may seem counterintuitive at first. But no matter what’s going on in our lives, there is always something to thank God for. Why? For one, God doesn’t change. He is always good, mighty, righteous, holy, powerful, able, beautiful, and faithful – to name just a few of His qualities.
Not only is our God awesome, but there’s a reason He allows the trials in our lives: to refine us and to make us more and more like Jesus.
So, this Thanksgiving, meditate on who God is and how He has been faithful in your life. If you’re having trouble thinking of anything, check out the devotional called 20 Reasons to Be Thankful. Journal about how those things apply to your life. Then give thanks to God as you walk by faith with Him.
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by Catherine McDaugale | Nov 3, 2025 | Christian Living, Life
This is My beloved Son. Hear Him! (Matthew 9:7 NKJV)
Imagine that you are sitting in a stadium filled with people. A cacophony of sound envelopes you. The noise grows louder as the people cheer before returning to a low roar.
Someone you know is sitting on the other side of the stadium. He shouts your name, jumps up and down, and waves. But you don’t see or hear him. His voice and actions are swallowed up in the surrounding chaos.
The world can be like that – so loud and distracting that you can’t hear what Jesus is saying to you. He has things He wants to tell you and show you. Don’t doubt that for a minute. But can you hear Him?
God has already told us to listen to His Son, Jesus. He said, “Hear Him!” There can be no clearer direction. So, the question is: Are you doing that?
It’s easy to get sidetracked. Work. Kids. Errands. Commitments. Chores. At the end of the day, you’re tired. Sometimes the only thing you want to do is relax and turn on the TV. But many movies and TV shows contain subtle messages that don’t align with God’s Word. And they will draw you further away from (and not closer to) Jesus.
The bottom line is that you won’t be able to hear Jesus on the other side of the stadium. You need to get up and go sit beside Him. Of course, that’s just a metaphor. You don’t have to change your physical location. But you do need to shift your focus so it’s on Him.
The Bible says if you draw near to God, He’ll draw near to you (James 4:8). To do that,
- Silence your phone. Make a quiet space to meet with Him.
- Pray and ask God to help you to keep your focus on Him.
- Open your Bible and start reading.
- Slow down and take in God’s Word. Think about it and ask God how it applies to you.
- Listen as Jesus speaks to you. Write down what you hear.
Take time this week to hear Jesus. Carve out time to spend with Him. Meet Him in a quiet space. Then, listen to His voice as you walk by faith with Him.
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by Catherine McDaugale | Oct 13, 2025 | Christian Living, Life
Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! (Psalm 32:1 NLT)
God’s forgiveness is one of the sweetest things you can experience. The weight of condemnation lifts, and you experience freedom. How amazing is that? But don’t take my word for it. Let’s take a few minutes to learn what the Bible says about forgiveness.
1. There is no forgiveness without the shedding of blood.
“For without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22b NLT).
2. Jesus’ blood cleanses you from sin.
“But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7 NKJV).
3. Jesus’ blood is sufficient for everyone to be forgiven.
“Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption” (Hebrews 9:12 NKJV).
4. When God forgives, He casts your sins as far as the east is from the west.
“As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:12 NKJV).
5. God chooses to forget about your forgiven sin.
“For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more” (Jeremiah 31:34b NKJV).
6. Forgiveness brings freedom.
“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed” (John 8:36 NKJV).
7. Once God forgives you, you are clean.
“But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:11b NKJV).
8. God’s forgiveness means you are no longer condemned.
“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit” (Romans 8:1 NKJV).
9. If you confess your sins, God is faithful to forgive you and cleanse you.
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9 NKJV).
10. Because God has forgiven you, you should forgive others.
“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32 NKJV).
So, how do you receive God’s forgiveness? It’s easy.
“[I]f you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:9–10 NKJV).
When you’re forgiven, don’t look back. Don’t condemn yourself for what God has already chosen to forgive. Instead, bask in the joy of His forgiveness and forgive others freely as you walk by faith with Him.
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by Catherine McDaugale | Sep 29, 2025 | Christian Living, Life
For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this? (Esther 4:14 NKJV)
Queen Esther’s cousin said this to her while she considered whether to intercede for her people, the Jews. To do so, she would have to approach the king without first being summoned. And in Esther’s here and now, if the king hadn’t summoned you, the penalty for going into the inner court to see him was death – unless he spared your life by holding out his golden scepter toward you (Esther 4:11). This law applied to everyone, including his queen.
Spoiler alert: Esther bravely entered that inner court and found favor in the king’s sight. In the end, she told the king that it was her people that Haman had plotted to annihilate, Haman was hanged, and Haman’s scheme failed (Esther 5–9).
It’s easy to look at Esther and think: That’s all well and good for her. She had a divine purpose. It’s different for me.
But that’s not true. God has fashioned days for you, too (Psalm 139:16). You were created for good works that God prepared for you to walk in (Ephesians 2:10). It’s not an accident that you exist in the here and now. God providentially put you exactly where you are for a reason.
Of course, we’re not always able to see His plan. So, it can be easy to think that you would have been better off if you
- had been born into a different family,
- lived in another part of the world, or
- had been born in an earlier (or later) time.
We tend to romanticize past eras and forget that people with fortunes also have problems. We don’t realize just how similar life in another country is. No matter where or when you are, human nature is the same.
If you can step back for a moment to look at the bigger picture, you’ll be able to see that
- the city where you live,
- the people in your life,
- the church where you worship,
- the ministry you serve in, and
- the talents you have
combine in a unique way that God can use to work in and through your life – for your good and His glory.
So, spend time in God’s presence. Read His Word. Pray and ask Him for guidance. Trust that He has you here and now for such a time as this. Then, respond with obedience as you walk by faith with Him.
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by Catherine McDaugale | Aug 25, 2025 | Christian Living, Life
What is truth? (John 18:38 NKJV)
There are a lot of ideas about truth being tossed around. Things like:
- What’s true for you, isn’t necessarily true for me.
- Truth changes from generation to generation.
- You create your own truth.
- There is no absolute truth.
The last one is a little comical because saying there is no absolute truth is . . . well . . . a statement that something (that is, no truth) is absolutely true.
Contrary to what many believe, there is truth. And since God is the One who sets the standard, let’s go to His Word to find out what it is. Here are seven Bible verses about truth:
1. Jesus is truth.
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6 NKJV)
2. God’s Word is truth.
The entirety of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever. (Psalm 119:160 NKJV)
3. The Holy Spirit leads us into truth.
[W]hen He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth. (John 16:13a NKJV)
4. God cannot lie.
God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good? (Numbers 23:19 NKJV)
5. There’s freedom in truth.
Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31–32 NKJV)
6. Truth is something we should think about.
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. (Philippians 4:8 NKJV)
7. We should live out truth.
Teach me Your way, O Lord; I will walk in Your truth; unite my heart to fear Your name. (Psalm 86:11 NKJV)
Remember that: God cannot lie (Titus 1:2). On the other hand, Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44). You can’t trust him. It’s part of his plan to convince people that there is no truth. Don’t fall for the lie.
Instead, read your Bible. Learn about what God says is true. Meditate on that truth. Then, live it out as you walk by faith with Him.
Photo by Townsend Walton on Unsplash
by Catherine McDaugale | Aug 11, 2025 | Christian Living, Life
If you love Me, keep My commandments. (John 14:15 NKJV)
When God asks you to do something, do you do it? And when you do, do you do it the way He said to do it? Or do you add to or change His instructions? God wants us to obey Him. After all, He is God, and we are not. We should always do things His way.
We see an example of someone changing God’s instructions in the Bible. When Saul – the first king of Israel – went to war against the Amalekites, God’s instructions were clear. God told Saul to “go and attack Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and do not spare them. But kill both man and woman, infant and nursing child, ox and sheep, camel and donkey” (1 Samuel 15:3 NKJV).
That may sound harsh. But the Amalekites had “ambushed” Israel when Israel “came up from Egypt” (1 Samuel 15:2 NKJV). The Amalekites attacked the stragglers at the back when they were “tired and weary,” and they “did not fear God” (Deuteronomy 25:18 NKJV). As Jon Courson explains in his commentary on 1 Samuel 15, “the Amalekites were so corrupt and so polluted that they were actually destroying themselves in their perversity and sin,” so “it was actually an act of mercy for [God] to take them out of their misery.”
In the end, Saul didn’t do all that God commanded him to do. And partial obedience equals disobedience. Instead of utterly destroying all of the oxen and sheep, Saul kept the “best of the sheep, the oxen, the fatlings, [and] the lambs” (1 Samuel 15:9 NKJV).
When Samuel went to confront him, Saul lied. He welcomed Samuel by saying, “Blessed are you of the Lord! I have performed the commandment of the Lord” (1 Samuel 15:13 NKJV).
What followed is almost funny. It was like a child denying that he ate the cookie when his mom could see the cookie crumbs around his mouth. In response, Samuel asked, “What then is this bleating of the sheep in my ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear?” (1 Samuel 15:14 NKJV).
Saul was busted. But instead of admitting it, he tried to rationalize it. He told Samuel that they “spared the best of the sheep and the oxen, to sacrifice to the Lord your God” (1 Samuel 15:15 NKJV).
Even if that were true, that’s not what God wanted. So, what did God tell Saul through Samuel? He said that “to obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22 NKJV).
Not only did Saul keep some of the sheep and oxen, but he also spared the life of Agag, the king of the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15:20). In the Book of Esther, we meet a man named Haman, a descendant of King Agag (Esther 3:1). And what did Haman do? He “sought to destroy all the Jews who were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus” (Esther 3:6 NKJV).
Remember Saul’s example the next time you think about diverting from God’s instructions. Of course, in the age of grace ushered in by Jesus, God won’t be asking you to destroy people. Instead, He’s commanded you to love them whether they’re your enemy or not (Matthew 5:44, 22:39).
Instead of doing things your way, trust God and obey Him. It’s that simple. Then you’ll be able to draw close to God as you walk by faith with Him.
Photo by S. Tsuchiya on Unsplash (the obedient plant)
by Catherine McDaugale | Jul 28, 2025 | Christian Living, Thoughts
We wish to see Jesus (John 12:21).
The other morning, I woke up thinking about what it will be like when we get to see Jesus for the very first time. After all, the Bible tells us that when we are absent from our earthly bodies, we’ll be present with our Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8). No doubt it will be amazing! And overwhelming, too.
We’ll get to:
- Gaze upon the contours of His face.
- See the color of His eyes and hair.
- Look at the wounds on His hands and feet and in His side.
- Hear the tone of His voice.
- Touch Him and feel His touch.
We will be filled with peace and joy. And it will be . . . well . . . perfect.
But when we first see Jesus, what will our response be? The Bible reveals how some people responded when they saw God in the heavenly realm.
- When Isaiah saw the Lord, sitting on a throne, high and lifted up (Isaiah 6:1), he was undone (Isaiah 6:5).
- And when John had a vision of Jesus in heaven, he was so overcome that he fell at Jesus’ feet as if he were dead (Revelation 1:17).
So, how will we respond? What will it be like to see Jesus? I don’t know, but it’s awesome to think about it. Because until then, like MercyMe’s song says, I can only imagine.
And as I do, I’m guessing that, like Isaiah and John, I’ll be undone and overcome, too. When we stand before Jesus, we’ll be surrounded by His glory and majesty. There will be no question that He is the One above all things – the King of kings and the Lord of lords.
Take a few minutes today to imagine what it will be like when you’re in the presence of Jesus. Meditate on how wonderful it will be. Worship your King this side of heaven. Be like the Colossians, who had faith in Christ Jesus and a love for all the saints because of the hope laid up for them in heaven (Colossians 1:4–5). Remember that you have that same hope. That way, your faith in Jesus and your love for all the saints will grow as you walk by faith with Him.
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by Catherine McDaugale | Jul 7, 2025 | Life
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8 NKJV)
Does God hate gay people? The short answer is no. Does God hate the sin of acting on same-sex attraction? Yes. In the Bible, it’s called an abomination (Leviticus 20:13 NKJV).
But God also hates other sins that don’t involve acting on same-sex attraction. Proverbs 6:16–17 (NKJV) says that God hates “a proud look” and “a lying tongue.” And it calls those sins an abomination, too.
God hates sin. But that doesn’t mean He hates the person who commits the sin. If that were true, we’d all be doomed. The Bible tells us that all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23).
The other day, I was listening to a legal argument before a court. The attorney argued:
- God hates sin.
- Homosexuality is a sin.
- Therefore, God hates gays.
It was a little surprising. How did he jump from the second to the third premise? It would be proper to infer that if God hates sin, then God hates homosexuality. So, the correct conclusion is that God hates that sin.
But the attorney had made an additional inference – that is, if God hates homosexuality, then God also hates the gay person. It was a logical fallacy, of course. But why would he go there?
And then I realized that many who self-identify as gay also believe that’s intrinsically who they are. They identify with the behavior. In essence, they believe that they are homosexuality. That’s the lie they’ve been told.
If you self-identify as someone who is gay, I want to share the truth with you.
- God created you in His image (Genesis 1:27).
- God hates the sin of acting on same-sex attraction, but He loves you (Ephesians 2:4–5).
- He loves you so much that He made a way for your sins to be forgiven by sending His only begotten Son, Jesus, to die on the cross (John 3:16).
- And “if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9 NKJV). (By confessing that Jesus is Lord over your life, you admit that acting on same-sex attraction is sin and that you want to stop practicing that sin.)
Before I came to God, I had committed one of those sins that are called an abomination. I had many a proud look and wasn’t concerned if I lied. Yet, God forgave me. And He’ll forgive you, too.
So, no, God doesn’t hate gay people. He doesn’t hate sinners. But He does want you to turn away from that sin so you can walk by faith with Him.
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
by Catherine McDaugale | Jun 9, 2025 | Christian Living, Life, Spiritual Growth
And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. (Luke 10:39 NKJV)
What does your devotional time with God look like? How often do you meet with Him? Then, during that time, do you sit at His feet and soak in His Word like Mary did?
If you’re like me, it can be an afterthought. Oh yeah, I need to read God’s Word. Then you take a few minutes, pray quickly, read through a chapter in the Bible, and think about it for a few minutes before you move on with your day.
That’s not the worst thing you could do. After all, you did take time to read God’s Word and talk to Him a little. But there’s a better way. Here are 7 steps you can take to have a better devotional time with God:
1. Carve out time
It may sound simplistic. But the first thing you can do is set aside the time to do it. Put it on your calendar if you need to. God has made Himself available to meet with you 24/7. So, you can meet with Him at any time. Yet, if you don’t intentionally make time for God, you’ll forget or rush through it.
And commit to setting aside at least 20 to 30 minutes. After all, would you be content with only 10 minutes for lunch with a friend or a date with your husband? Of course not. If that’s the only time you spent with them, your relationships wouldn’t be very close.
2. Get in the right mindset
Remember who you’re spending time with. God is the One who created the universe – the One who made you. He is the One who loves you so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for your sins. He’s the all-powerful, almighty God. Approach Him with reverence and awe.
3. Praise and pray
Take a few minutes to praise God for who He is. Thank Him for the blessings He’s given you. He has saved you; He’s given you another day and the breath in your lungs. And he’s holding you together. He provides for you. Sing a song to Him. And then ask Him to speak to you.
4. Read
Read the Bible. The quantity is less important than your comprehension. Take it in slowly so you can absorb what it says. Remember: it’s God’s Word. It’s the primary way He speaks to us. Listen for what He wants to tell you.
5. Meditate on God’s Word
Mull over what you just read. Ask yourself the who, what, where, why, and how questions. Who is speaking? Who is being spoken to? Where does it take place? What does it mean? Why is it important? How does it apply to you? If you like to journal, write down a verse that stood out to you, any questions you have, and the thoughts that came to your mind.
6. Pray again
Remember: praying is talking to God. Communicate with Him about your thoughts. Ask Him questions about what you just read. Ask Him to show you what He wants you to see and to teach you what He wants you to learn.
7. Listen
A conversation is a two-way street. Yet, we often do all the talking when we pray to God. Be still before Him. You’ve just read His Word and come to Him with your thoughts and questions. Now give Him an opportunity to answer.
God may bring something you’ve read to mind. You may feel a conviction from the Holy Spirit to stop doing something you’re not supposed to do or to do something you should be doing. He may reveal a deeper understanding of something you’ve read. You may feel His love in a deeper way. It’s always different. But you need to take the time to listen if you want to hear God speak.
I challenge you to try these 7 steps. Carve out time and be intentional. Remember who He is. Praise Him. Read His Word. Meditate on what you’ve read. Talk to God about it. And then listen for Him to speak to you. As you do, your relationship with God will deepen as you walk by faith with Him.
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
by Catherine McDaugale | May 19, 2025 | Christian Living, Life, Spiritual Growth
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. (Galatians 5:22–23 NKJV)
How do you get spiritual fruit? The answer is simple. It’s so simple that we sometimes forget the how and, instead, do just about everything except what’s needed.
The answer? Abide in Jesus. Jesus said,
Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. (John 15:4 NKJV)
We must abide in Jesus if we want to bear spiritual fruit. There’s no other way. There isn’t a shortcut. You can’t pick it up at the store. You know,
Hey, did you hear? They’re having a sale on patience.
That’s great. I need some of that. Would you pick up some for me? And while you’re there, would you get me some kindness too?
But that’s not an option. There’s only one way to get spiritual fruit. And that’s by abiding in Jesus.
So, how do you abide? The word abide means to stay put, be present, or remain. Abiding in Jesus is an intentional decision to stay close to Jesus. It’s a choice to fix your mind on Him throughout your day.
Here are some examples of abiding. They’re not the only way. But they’ll give you ideas of how to abide in Jesus. You abide when you:
- Read the Bible during your morning devos, asking God to speak to you through His Word.
- Sing a worship song to God.
- Thank God for how He provided for you.
- Fellowship with other believers, sharing how God has been working in your life.
- Pray about a decision you need to make, asking God for wisdom.
- Praise God for how amazing He is.
You get the idea. You’re abiding in Jesus when your mind is focused on Him. And you stop abiding when you’re focused on yourself, when you don’t consider what He wants you to do, and when you decide to do something you know He doesn’t want you to do. When you stop abiding, the fruit doesn’t grow. Instead, it shrivels up and dies – like a branch does when it’s separated from the vine.
So, let’s choose to abide in Jesus. Let’s be intentional about our relationship with Him. Continually bring your mind back to Jesus throughout your day. As you do, you’ll produce spiritual fruit all day long as you walk by faith with Him.
Photo by Alex Gorbi on Unsplash
by Catherine McDaugale | Apr 28, 2025 | Christian Living, Life
Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. (Philippians 2:3–4 NKJV)
I’ve heard it said that humility is not thinking less of yourself – it’s thinking about yourself less. That’s a simple statement. But it’s profound.
Humility isn’t thinking thoughts like: I don’t matter. Everyone else is more important than me. So, what is humility? It’s focusing on God and others instead of being preoccupied with your own wants.
Let’s be real, it’s easy to think about yourself. You’re with yourself every moment of every day. During that time, you feel things: physically and emotionally. You get hungry and tired. You may be anxious or excited about something. When you feel those things, it’s easy to get caught up in them.
So, let’s take something simple – a trip to the grocery store – and see how it plays out. I won’t speak for you. But when I go, I’m usually in a rush. I have a list of items I want or need. While I’m there, I’m typically focused on my list. Besides ensuring I don’t run into someone, my attention isn’t on those around me. Afterward, I couldn’t tell you if those around me were happy or sad.
It’s easy to do that at church. When you pull into the parking lot, you may already have an agenda: I need to drop off the kids in the children’s ministry before the service starts. Then I want to grab a coffee in the café. And I need to save my seat. Maybe I’ll do that first. If you go with that mindset, you’re less likely to focus on other people.
Because it’s easy to get preoccupied with your own wants, humility often requires a conscious decision to redirect your thinking. Ask God to show you how He sees the people around you. Begin your day with the intention to serve others.
Jesus’ life modeled humility for us. The Bible tells us,
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. (Philippians 2:5–8 NKJV).
What a difference it would make if we started each day with the mind of Christ. Instead of honking at someone because they cut you off in traffic, maybe you’d wonder what kind of morning they were having and pray for them. And when you went to church, you’d be thinking about the people around you, asking God to show you how He wants you to serve them.
As my pastor has said, you are the church. The church is not a building. The church is comprised of the believers. Wherever you go, you are representing Jesus. So, be the church each day as you walk by faith with Him.
Photo by Yoksel 🌿 Zok on Unsplash
by Catherine McDaugale | Apr 14, 2025 | Christian Living, Life
He is not here; for He is risen. (Matthew 28:6a NKJV)
The Easter holiday evokes a lot of images when you think about it. Things like chocolate bunnies. Jelly beans. Egg hunts. The Easter Bunny. Fancy hats and dresses. While fun, those traditions have nothing to do with the reason Christians celebrate Easter.
To understand why Christians celebrate Easter, we need to rewind a little – back to December. In that month, we celebrate the birth of Jesus on Christmas. Jesus, who is God, took on human flesh and dwelt among His creation.
Then three days before Easter, we remember Jesus’ death on the cross on Good Friday. And on Easter, we celebrate His resurrection from the dead. He is risen! Good Friday is only good because Jesus is no longer in the tomb.
Not only that, but Jesus willingly gave His life for us. He didn’t have to do it, but He chose to, knowing He had the power to overcome our greatest enemy – death. Jesus said,
Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. (John 10:17–18 NKJV)
Jesus overcame death! Because of what Jesus did, our sins can be forgiven. We can have a relationship with God. All you need to do to be saved is to “confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead” (Romans 10:9 NKJV). As it says in Romans 10:10 (NKJV), “For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”
So, that’s why Christians celebrate Easter. If you haven’t accepted God’s free gift of salvation, I hope you will so you can celebrate with us. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 NKJV).
And if you’ve already accepted that gift, take time to meditate on our awesome Savior as you prepare to celebrate Easter. Think about all He’s done for you and how powerful He is. Then praise Jesus for saving you as you walk by faith with Him.
Photo by Pisit Heng on Unsplash
by Catherine McDaugale | Mar 31, 2025 | Christian Living, Life
Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. (John 17:17 NKJV)
Who is Jesus? I’ve heard people say a lot of things about Him. But some of them aren’t true. Things like:
- Jesus was a prophet.
- Jesus was a good moral teacher.
- Jesus and satan are spirit brothers.
- Jesus never existed.
So, who is Jesus? When in doubt, it’s important to go to the source: God’s Word, the Bible. Here are ten things the Bible tells us about Jesus.
1. Jesus is eternal; He has always existed.
Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. (1 Timothy 1:17 NKJV)
2. Jesus is the Son of God.
When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:16–17 NKJV)
3. Jesus lived a perfect life; He was sinless.
For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. (Hebrews 4:15 NKJV)
4. Jesus died on the cross for your sins, was buried, and rose from the grave.
For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures. (1 Corinthians 15:3–4 NKJV)
5. Jesus died once for all; He is no longer on the cross.
For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people’s, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. (Hebrews 7:26–27 NKJV)
6. Jesus ascended into heaven, where He is seated at the right hand of God the Father.
But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God. (Hebrews 10:12 NKJV)
7. Jesus intercedes for us.
Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. (Hebrews 7:25 NKJV)
8. Jesus is preparing a place for us and will come again for His church.
In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. (John 14:2–3 NKJV)
9. Jesus is the head of the church.
And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. (Colossians 1:18 NKJV)
10. Jesus never changes.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8 NKJV)
So, don’t make up your own Jesus. Don’t believe something because it sounds good to you. Instead, turn to God’s Word – the source to learn the truth about Jesus. Read your Bible and ask God to teach you. Then meditate on how amazing Jesus is as you walk by faith with Him.
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by Catherine McDaugale | Mar 17, 2025 | Christian Living, Life
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper. (Psalm 1:1–3 NKJV)
There’s a saying in our society that pretty much sums up how we feel about rules:
Rules are meant to be broken.
And a newer one seems to give blanket approval for whatever seems good to you:
You do you.
But God’s rules aren’t meant to be broken. He doesn’t want us to do whatever feels right to us. Following your heart can be dangerous because it’s “deceitful above all things and desperately wicked” (Jeremiah 17:9 NKJV).
Remember the Israelites in the Book of Judges? They did what they thought was right in their own eyes. And it didn’t go well for them.
Instead, God wants us to follow His rules. We can know what they are and what He wants us to do by reading His Word, the Bible. As it tells us in 2 Timothy 3:16 (NLT),
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.
It’s important to remember that God didn’t give us rules to be a killjoy. As a born-again believer, your heavenly Father cares about you. He wants what’s best for you. He gave us rules for our benefit.
It makes me think of a rule my parents had for me when I was three years old: Don’t cross the street by yourself. One day, my brothers (who were older than me) went across the street to play with their friends. I remember sitting on my swing, thinking how unfair it was. Of course, now, I know the rule was for my benefit. My parents didn’t want me to get hit by a car.
It’s the same with God’s rules for us. Sometimes, we think they’re unfair. Or we can’t see the reason He gave them. But God knows what’s best for us. As your heavenly Father, you can trust Him.
So, accept His rules and follow them. As you do, you’ll be like a tree along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season and prospering in all you do as you walk by faith with God.
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
