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Life is often described as a race — not a sprint, but a marathon. Along the way, we encounter obstacles, weariness, and seasons of discouragement. Determination helps us press forward when the path feels long. As Paul declared, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).

But while determination is vital, it must be carried by grace. Determination alone can make us weary, prideful, or frustrated when things don’t go our way. Grace steadies us, reminding us that our worth and victory rest not in our effort, but in Christ’s finished work on the cross.

God’s grace is what lifts us when we stumble, forgives us when we fall short, and equips us to keep running. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

When we walk in both determination and grace, we reflect Jesus Himself — determined to complete the Father’s will, yet full of compassion and mercy every step of the way.

Today’s Application

Ask yourself: Am I relying on my own strength, or on God’s grace? Choose one area of life where you need perseverance and commit it to prayer. Extend grace to someone today, just as Christ has extended it to you.

“God wants to purify our minds until we can bear all things, believe all things, hope all things, and endure all things”

Smith Wigglesworth

“From the rising of the sun to its going down The Lord’s name is to be praised.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭113‬:‭3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/114/psa.113.3.NKJV

This is a new day and a new opportunity. The Lord makes his mercies new every morning they are new every day (Lamentations 3:22-23).

My wife and I have three wonderful children. We have two girls and a boy. It brings us great joy to provide for our children to watch them grow and to flourish.

We of course, just like everybody have thousands of pictures from the time our kids were newborn up until now their teen years. It’s amazing with the technology now available we can take thousands of photos and we have from the time they were newborn up until now.

I remember vividly when each of our children were born and getting to hold each them for the very first time in the hospital. That’s a moment of awe and wonder. One of my favorite chapters in the Bible is Psalm 139. It details how we are fearfully and wonderfully made by God Almighty..

We are surrounded by so much beauty all around us. I have often taken it for granted just in the busyness of life. I think we’re all guilty of that. It’s good to slow down to just breathe to thank God for another day. Life indeed is a gift. We have a lot to be thankful for. Take time this day to acknowledge the beauty that you were surrounded by with your own family and your own city wherever you may be.

Until next time have a great day!

As we all do, I have been thinking and pondering this new year and goals and ambitions…etc. I remember when I was much younger (in my teen years) I had a dream and desire to be a college basketball player and maybe make the NBA. Many a young man has this same dream which there is nothing wrong with that. The issue was I did not have the basketball talent to play at that level… imagine my disappointment when I realized it was not achievable. I had friends who played and were very successful, and well, honestly I was jealous. Can you relate to this? As I shared in a previous blog (The journey begins) I accepted Jesus Christ when I was in my Sophomore year in high school (around 15) and that is when the Holy Spirit began to show me what he called me to. The Lord called me to be His, and minister in His name to others. From that point I began seeking Jesus Christ… I could not wait to go to church and worship Him and be with others who loved Him the same. Joshua 1:8 ESV “This book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” Success – How do you define it? That is the question I would like to propose to think about carefully. Each of us will likely have different answers to that question. The Lord has blessed me with a beautiful wife, and 3 wonderful children (1 boy and 2 girls). That was a prayer I had from a young age was to have a family. He heard and answered that prayer. I give thanks to Him for that because he made us prosperous and successful as a family. What do I mean? Children are a gift from God (Psalms 127:3); it specifically says that the “fruit of the womb is a reward”. Wow! That is incredible. Many may have been blessed in other areas of life such as successful careers….etc. It is very easy to focus on what we do not have, but it is important to remember where we have come from, and where we are today. Give the Lord thanks for His faithfulness and provision (Matthew 6).