Godly Glow Up

Galatians 1:10 — “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” From family expectations to societal pressures, we often find ourselves weighed down by what others think we should do or become. This burden can leave us feeling inadequate, stressed, and even disconnected from the person God created us to be. God calls us to live for His approval, not for the world’s applause. When we anchor our identity in Christ, we’re freed from the crushing need to meet human expectations. David and Goliath In 1 Samuel 17, David faced expectations from all sides. His brothers saw him as a nosy shepherd boy. King Saul doubted his ability to fight Goliath, even offering him armor that didn’t fit. Yet David chose to ignore their voices and trust God’s calling. David’s confidence wasn’t in others’ opinions or worldly standards but in God’s power and faithfulness. Because he sta...

Philippians 4:11-13 — “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.” In a world constantly pushing us to want more—more success, more possessions, more recognition—it’s easy to feel dissatisfied. We are bombarded with messages that tell us contentment is found in having what others have or achieving what society defines as success. But Paul, writing from prison, speaks of a different kind of contentment—one that doesn’t depend on circumstances but is rooted in Christ. As Christians, we’re called to find our satisfaction in God, who is enough to meet all our needs. True contentment is not about what we have but about who we have in Christ. Biblical Story: Mary and Martha In Luke 10:38-42, we find the story of two siste...

John 14:27 — "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." Peace is one of the most sought-after feelings in our restless world. Every day, we strive for inner calm amidst the noise, chaos, and pressures of life. Yet, the peace that Jesus offers is unlike anything the world provides. It’s not temporary or circumstantial—it’s a deep, abiding assurance that transcends understanding and is rooted in God's unchanging presence. This peace is a gift that remains constant, no matter what storms we face. The World’s Peace vs. God’s Peace In the world, peace often feels elusive. We may try to find peace in our careers, relationships, or even in distractions, only to realize that these things can never fully satisfy the longing for peace within our hearts. The peace the world offers is fleeting and often conditional. It’s based on external factors—how well our plans are going, how he...

Psalm 34:4 – “I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.” Insecurity is something we all face at some point. It can come from doubts about our worth, abilities, appearance, or future. In a world that constantly pressures us to be more, do more, or look different to be accepted, these feelings of inadequacy can weigh heavily on our hearts. However, as believers, we are called to find our security not in the world’s standards, but in God’s promises. The more we understand His truth and trust in His Word, the less power our insecurities have over us. Our security is found in God's promises, not in the world's standards. The first step in overcoming insecurity is recognizing who we are in Christ. Our identity is not based on past mistakes, successes, or the opinions of others. It’s rooted in the unchanging truth of God’s Word. Genesis 1:27 reminds us that we are made in God’s image, and Psalm 139:14 tells us that we are fearfully and wonderfully ma...

John 16:33 — “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Life can feel overwhelming. Whether it’s personal struggles, family challenges, or global uncertainties, chaos seems to surround us at every turn. In these moments, peace can feel like an unattainable dream. But Jesus offers us a different perspective. He doesn’t promise a life without trouble; instead, He promises His peace—a peace that surpasses understanding and is rooted in the assurance that He has already overcome the world. True peace isn’t found in the absence of conflict or chaos but in the presence of God. Jesus Calms the Storm in Your Life In Mark 4:35–41, we read about a time when Jesus and His disciples were caught in a violent storm. While the disciples panicked, Jesus was asleep in the boat, unbothered by the raging waves. When they woke Him, fearful for their lives, Jesus simply spoke to the storm, saying, “Peace,...

Matthew 6:33 — “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Life is full of distractions and worries that pull our attention away from God. Whether it’s financial stress, societal pressures, or personal ambitions, the cares of this world often consume our minds and lead us away from what truly matters—our relationship with God. But Jesus reminds us in Matthew 6:33 to seek His kingdom above all else. When we prioritize Him, everything else falls into place. The temporary concerns of this world cannot compare to the eternal peace and fulfillment found in God’s presence. Mary and Martha Story The story of Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38–42) beautifully illustrates the tension between worldly concerns and spiritual focus. When Jesus visited their home, Martha was consumed by her responsibilities, anxious to serve and ensure everything was perfect. Meanwhile, Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet, soaking in His presence and teaching. When Ma...

Romans 12:2 — “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.” We’ve all faced moments where the pull of the world feels overpowering. Maybe it’s the pressure to succeed, the desire to be accepted, or the need to prove our worth in the eyes of others. It’s a common struggle—finding ourselves caught between living for God and conforming to the world’s expectations. Yet, as believers, our lives are no longer our own. We are called to live for Christ, not the fleeting standards of the world. When we choose to conform to the world, we lose sight of our true value and the purpose God has placed within us. Daniel’s Resolve Daniel’s story in Daniel 1:8-20 is a powerful reminder of what it means to resist conformity. When Daniel and his friends were taken to Babylon, they were pressured to adopt the culture, diet, and practices of the land. However, D...

Psalm 46:1-2 — “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.” The world often tempts us to seek security in fragile foundations—jobs, relationships, wealth, or even our own abilities. But these worldly sources of stability can crumble under life’s pressures. Only God offers the unshakable security that our hearts deeply long for. In a world where we are encouraged to find confidence in external circumstances and personal achievements, it is essential to recognize that true confidence is found not in what we have or what we do, but in who God is and what He promises. Let’s explore how we can shift our reliance from temporary worldly assurances to the eternal refuge and strength of our Creator. The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders In Matthew 7:24-27, Jesus tells the story of two builders. The wise builder constructed his house on the solid rock, while the ...

Matthew 6:19-21 — “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” The world often distracts us with promises of fulfillment through material possessions, status, and achievements. Yet, these pursuits leave us empty and disconnected from God’s eternal purpose for our lives. True peace and joy are found not in chasing the temporary but in aligning our hearts with the eternal treasures of heaven. The Rich Young Ruler In Matthew 19:16-22, a wealthy young man approached Jesus, asking how to gain eternal life. Despite his adherence to the law, his heart was tied to his possessions. When Jesus invited him to sell everything and follow Him, the man walked away sorrowful. This story reveals the danger of placing our security and ide...

Psalm 77:11-12 — "I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember Your miracles of long ago. I will consider all Your works and meditate on all Your mighty deeds." Life’s demands can cloud our memory of God's incredible works. Yet, remembering His faithfulness helps us regain perspective, deepens our gratitude, and renews our trust in Him. Reflecting on the moments when God touched our lives—the day we were saved, the peace and joy we felt, or the miracles we’ve witnessed—can restore our faith when we’re struggling to see His hand in the present. Let us cultivate a practice of remembering His faithfulness as a powerful tool to anchor our hearts in gratitude and hope. A Call to Remember The Bible continually reminds us to recall God's works: The Israelites and the Red Sea: God commanded Moses to write down and recite His miraculous deliverance so future generations could remember His power (Exodus 13:3-10). The Cross and Communion: Jesus instituted the Lord...