Bridge building connects us, and it may just bring others to abiding in the same truth you do through Christ. Invite the Lord to instruct you when you find yourself in conversations that feel like the fiery furnace, and know you are not alone.

The sunflowers need the “sun” in order to grow bigger, stronger/taller, and to thrive in the field. We, as believers, need the “Son” for the same reasons. God, like that farmer, has placed or “planted” each one of us in a specific area/location or “field” for this very reason (Colossians 2:7, 2 Peter 3:18, Proverbs 16:9).

God establishes boundaries to create order and to protect individuals and communities from harm. Boundaries help define who we are and our responsibilities, enabling us to live autonomously within God’s design. When we set boundaries, we are honoring God. 

On landing in Chennai, walking out into the crowded waiting area, a cute shrill voice was heard above the hum drum of the airport. ‘Shoba Paatti’, (Granma)! It was Nivin’s welcome call and then we saw a little figure move among the crowd to greet us with huge hugs, the brightest smile ever and a heart full of love.

We are all susceptible to worry. “Do not be afraid.” Is written in the Bible 365 times, we have that promise for every day but still worry sneaks into our otherwise good day. Before we know it, we have run down the rabbit trail of worry, thinking of all the what-ifs.

I was putting off playing hymns on the piano, it was the same excuse, ‘I just had no time’. Last year I decided to set aside 5 minutes before work, to play a couple of songs. I got ready at 8am and went to my piano. I played before I left for work. This has been magical.

Ultimately, we all find ourselves in changing seasons as we navigate life’s trials. May we find in this fall season time to clear the refuse from summer’s harvest, the deadened stalks and dried-up grasses.

Before you consider serving others, consider how you are available. I get very frustrated when I see churches who have overwhelming needs in their community running all over the globe - while children are in foster care in their community, trafficking is rampant on nearby streets, and there’s homeless right in front of their very own buildings.

We grow so accustomed to the daily grind of our busy lives, with barely a thought of reassessing if what we are doing is what we ought to be doing. And here’s another thought:  what if the “thing you had planned” that didn’t turn out the way you thought, was actually part of the Bigger Plan?

The Panama sun beats down on the cracked ground, even in the mid-morning. I have never been out of the country in my nineteen years of life, but here I find myself in the suburbs of Panama City, serving with global missionaries and other students from my college.