If you pause long enough to really look around, it becomes clear that praising Jesus is no longer the norm in our society. Faith is often treated as something private, outdated, or unnecessary. Culture celebrates self confidence, achievement, independence, and frankly sinful behavior while quietly suggesting that trusting Jesus is fine only if it stays behind closed doors. The world is loud about what it values, and Jesus is rarely at the center of that noise. Yet for followers of Christ, praise is not based on popularity or approval. We praise Jesus because of who He is, not because the world agrees with us.
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Praising Jesus when the world does not can feel uncomfortable at times. It may mean being silent when others mock faith, or speaking gently when truth is unpopular. It may mean choosing gratitude when cynicism feels easier, or choosing humility when self promotion is rewarded. But praise has never been about blending in. Praise is about aligning our hearts with truth. When we lift our eyes off the noise around us and fix them on Jesus, something shifts inside us. Praise recenters us. It reminds us that our hope is not built on culture, trends, or opinions, but on Christ alone.

The Bible reminds us that praise is often a decision, not a reaction. The psalmist writes, “Yet I will praise him, my Savior and my God.” Psalm 42:11 (NIV). Those words were written in a season of discouragement, not comfort. Praise came before the circumstances changed. That is important for us to remember. We do not praise Jesus only when life feels easy or when faith is celebrated. We praise Him in confusion, disappointment, and quiet obedience. Praise becomes an anchor when everything else feels uncertain.

In a world that constantly pulls our attention in every direction but towards Christ, praising Jesus also becomes a way of resisting distraction. When we praise Him, we are saying that He matters more than headlines, more than opinions, and more than approval. We are choosing to remember what is eternal in the middle of what is temporary. Praise softens our hearts when the world hardens them. It trains our eyes to see God’s faithfulness even when it is not obvious.

There is also something powerful about quiet, consistent praise. Not every act of praise needs to be loud or public. Sometimes it looks like trusting Jesus in a hard conversation, praying when no one sees, or choosing integrity when cutting corners would be easier. These moments may go unnoticed by the world, but they are deeply seen by God. Scripture reminds us, “Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of his; praise his holy name.” Psalm 30:4 (NIV). Praise is not about performance. It is about faithfulness.

When we praise Jesus in a world that does not, we become living reminders of hope. Our lives begin to reflect peace instead of panic, gratitude instead of entitlement, and love instead of bitterness. People may not always understand our faith, but they can see its fruit. Praise becomes a quiet testimony that Jesus is still worthy, still faithful, and still at work.

The world may not join us in praise, but that has never changed who Jesus is. He is still Savior. He is still Lord. And He is still worthy of our praise, today and always.

In the wake of the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk, the responses have been as divided as our nation itself. The last 2 weeks have been a whirlwind of emotion for not only me, but I think everyone. However, what I am seeing is that not everyone is reacting the same way for sure. I see it in social media posts, the news coverage, and even comments and direct messages I have received. Mostly supportive, but often vulgar and mean spirited.

As I watched how people reacted, it was interesting to see some mourn, others criticize, and many rush to their political corners, letting party lines dictate their reactions. But as Christians, we are called to something higher. Our first allegiance is not to a political tribe, but to Jesus Christ. The danger comes when we allow earthly ideologies to overshadow our heavenly citizenship.

Paul reminded the Philippians that “our citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20). When we forget that truth, we begin to treat fellow believers as enemies simply because they vote differently or hold different political opinions. That is not the way of Christ. Jesus Himself prayed for His followers, “that they may be one” (John 17:21). Division among believers grieves the heart of God.

We also need to pause and remember who Charlie Kirk really was. Yes, he was known as a political figure, but that was not the fullness of his identity. He was a son, a husband, a father, and most importantly, a brother in Christ. When someone’s life is taken, we cannot reduce them to their public platform or the headlines that follow. We must remember the image of God in them. Scripture tells us, “So in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others” (Romans 12:5). Regardless of political affiliation, he was part of the family of God, and his loss is deeply felt by that family.

Politics are temporary. The kingdom of God is eternal. When we let politics determine how we treat each other, we not only weaken the witness of the Church, but we also reveal where our true hope lies. Jesus said,  “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35).  Not if you share the same political views. Not if you vote the same way. If you love one another.

This doesn’t mean politics don’t matter, or that Christians shouldn’t engage in them. But our engagement must be marked by humility, grace, and truth. When disagreements arise, we should remember Paul’s words: “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). Our calling is to reflect Christ above all else, even in the midst of a polarized culture.

The world is watching. They will know us by our fruit, not our party. In moments like this, we don’t need to react emotionally or politically, but biblically. God calls us to love, to forgive, to seek peace, and to stand firm in truth. Not “your” truth or “my truth”, but THE truth.

​Paul reminded us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). That means our first response must be shaped by Scripture, not by social media feeds or political rhetoric or whatever “news” channel you tend to watch. Let’s be quick to mourn with those who mourn, to pray for peace, and to remember that our unity in Christ is stronger than anything that could divide us.

So today, let’s stop looking at the world through red and blue. Politics will always try to force us into categories, but the kingdom of God is not divided along party lines. Instead, we need to see with spiritual eyes, discerning good and evil. In the end, there are only two sides: God’s side and the other side. 

Before you react to the latest headline or next political firestorm, make sure you do your research and don't just rely on out of context video snippets, social posts, and biased news reports that can influence your perspective. Most importantly though, stop and pray. Ask yourself if your words, your posts, and your conversations truly represent Christ. Our allegiance is not to a party platform but to the Word of God. Too often, we rush to defend our political side instead of kneeling before the Lord and seeking His wisdom. Scripture reminds us, “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17). If our response doesn’t reflect Him, then we are fighting the wrong battle.

Life gets busy, and before we know it, the day is gone, leaving little time for God. But spending time with Him daily is essential for growing in our faith, deepening our relationship with Him, and finding peace in the midst of life’s chaos. We find time for everything else in our lives (soccer practice, Netflix, etc.), so making time for God should be easy when you prioritize it. Here are some practical ways to make time for God every single day.

1. Set a Fixed Time
If you don’t schedule time for God, it’s easy to push it aside. Find a time in your day when you can be consistent—whether it’s early in the morning, during lunch, or before bed. The key is to make it a habit.

Jesus set the example by making time for the Father:
“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” - Mark 1:35

Pick a time that works for you and commit to it daily!

2. Find a Dedicated Place
Having a specific place where you meet with God can help minimize distractions and keep you focused. Whether it’s a cozy chair, a quiet corner, or even a spot outside, find a location that helps you connect with Him.

“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen.” - Matthew 6:6

A dedicated space creates a sense of expectation and consistency in your time with the Lord.

3. Find a Bible Reading Plan (and pick a Bible translation that works for you)
Reading God’s Word is one of the most important parts of spending time with Him. A Bible reading plan helps keep you on track and ensures you’re consistently feeding on His Word. Also, choose a Bible translation that you understand and enjoy reading.

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” - Psalm 119:105

Whether it’s a one-year plan, a topical study, or a book-by-book approach, commit to being in the Word daily. You can find some great plans on the YouVersion Bible app.

4. Ask Key Questions (SOAP Method) and Apply to Your Life
When you read Scripture, take time to reflect on it. The SOAP method (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer) is a simple but powerful way to engage with God’s Word:

• Scripture – Read and write down a verse that stands out.
• Observation – What is God saying in this passage?
• Application – How does this apply to your life?
• Prayer – Pray about what you’ve read and ask God to help you live it out.

​James reminds us:
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” - James 1:22

Applying what you read is key to spiritual growth.

5. Keep a Journal or Notebook
Writing down insights, prayers, and reflections helps you process what God is teaching you. A journal allows you to look back and see how God has been faithful in your journey.

“Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it.” - Habakkuk 2:2

It doesn’t have to be fancy—just a simple notebook to jot down thoughts, prayers, and what God is speaking to your heart.

6. End Your Time in Prayer
After reading and reflecting on God’s Word, spend a few moments in prayer. Talk to God about what’s on your heart, thank Him, ask for guidance, and listen for His voice.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” - Philippians 4:6

Prayer strengthens our connection with God and aligns our hearts with His will.

Final Thoughts
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Spending daily time with God doesn’t have to be complicated. By setting a fixed time, finding a quiet place, reading the Bible, applying it to your life, journaling, and praying, you can develop a meaningful and consistent relationship with Him. Start small if needed, and let it grow over time. The most important thing is to show up and spend time in His presence—He is always waiting for you!

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the complexity of our lives. Between work, family responsibilities, and countless other obligations, we often find ourselves trying to juggle too much at once. This constant state of busyness can leave us feeling anxious, stressed, and unsure of how to manage everything effectively. However, the Bible offers a profound yet simple solution: trust in God and let Him handle the complexities of life.

Jesus’ teachings encourage us to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. Matthew 6:33 (NLT) says, "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need." By focusing on our relationship with God and living according to His principles, we can trust that He will take care of our needs. This shift in focus helps us to prioritize what truly matters and brings a sense of peace and order to our lives.

Proverbs 3:5 (NLT) reminds us, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding." When we rely solely on our own understanding and efforts, we quickly become overwhelmed. But when we trust in God, we acknowledge that He is in control and has a plan for our lives. This trust allows us to release our worries and rest in His sovereignty.

Philippians 4:6 (NLT) offers further comfort: "Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done." Prayer is a powerful tool that helps us to offload our anxieties and seek God’s guidance. By bringing our concerns to God in prayer, we find relief from the burdens we carry and gain a clearer perspective on how to handle life’s challenges.

Psalm 46:10 (NLT) invites us to, "Be still, and know that I am God!" In the midst of our busy lives, taking time to be still and reflect on God’s presence can be incredibly grounding. This stillness allows us to connect with God on a deeper level and reminds us that He is in control, no matter how chaotic things may seem.

Lastly, 1 Peter 5:7 (NLT) encourages us to, "Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you." God’s love for us is immense, and He desires for us to live free from the weight of worry. By casting our cares upon Him, we acknowledge His deep concern for our well-being and embrace the freedom that comes from trusting in His provision.
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Simplifying our lives by trusting God with the complexities is a transformative approach to living. By seeking God first, trusting in His understanding, praying about our concerns, being still in His presence, and casting our worries on Him, we can experience a profound sense of peace and clarity. Let us remember that God is capable of handling whatever comes our way, allowing us to focus on what truly matters—loving God and loving others.