At The Feet of Jesus:

I don’t know what your morning routine looks like, but mine always starts with coffee. There’s just something about that first warm sip that helps me come alive and face the day. Honestly, if someone hooked me up to an IV bag of 100% Colombian roast, I wouldn’t complain. My Keurig gets a workout every day, and when I don’t get my morning cup, the rest of my day feels off.

The same is true of time with Jesus. Without it, my day doesn’t flow the same way. In Luke 10, we read about Mary and Martha welcoming Jesus into their home. Martha busied herself with chores and preparations, but Mary made a different choice—she sat at Jesus' feet and listened. When Martha complained, Jesus gently reminded her that Mary had chosen the “good part,” something that could never be taken away from her (Luke 10:42).

I wish I always made that same choice. Too often, my mornings fill with to-do lists, emails, and expectations. Even when I carve out quiet time, my mind drifts toward the day ahead, and before I know it, I’ve rushed through the one thing my soul needs most.

But Mary shows us a better way. She wasn’t distracted by the dishes, the serving, or the stress. She knew that nothing mattered more than soaking up the words of her Savior. And the truth is, Martha’s serving wasn’t wrong—it was good and needed—but it wasn’t the best use of her time.

So here’s the challenge: before you reach for your coffee, reach for Christ. Sit at His feet, even if just for a moment, and let His Word wake up your soul. Because while caffeine may get you through the morning, only Jesus can carry you through the day.

“But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” – Luke 10:42 (NKJV)

How about a word of encouragement this morning? I don’t know what kind of giant problems you’re facing today, but do you realize that God has likely already given you everything you need to defeat them?

The story of David and Goliath reminds us of that truth. When young David stood before King Saul and declared his intention to fight the giant, Saul was skeptical. But David boldly testified, “Your servant has killed both lion and bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them” (1 Samuel 17:36, NKJV). In other words, God had already been preparing David long before he stepped onto the battlefield.

Think about it: Who made the smooth stone David used? God. Who allowed lions and bears to attack the flock so David could learn courage? God. Who gave him the skill with a sling? Again, God. Every past trial, every test, every moment of training was part of God’s plan to equip David for this encounter.

The same is true for you. Whatever “giant” looms in your life—fear, illness, financial strain, broken relationships, or uncertainty—God has already placed tools in your hands. Maybe it’s wisdom gained through past trials, strength built in seasons of hardship, or even a gift or skill He’s cultivated in you over time. That giant may look impossible, but the God who prepared David has also prepared you.

So today, face your challenges with confidence. Rest in the knowledge that you are not empty-handed. God has given you what you need for this very moment—and the victory belongs to Him. You don’t have to come up with a new plan or scramble for extra strength; you simply need to step forward in faith with what He has already provided. Just as David ran toward Goliath with nothing more than a sling and a stone, you can move toward your own battles with assurance that the Lord goes before you, behind you, and within you. And when the giant falls, you’ll see how every step of your journey was part of God’s preparation for victory and His glory. 

The other night, I faced a challenge. My wife had bought a small table for our son and asked me to put it together. I thought, How hard can this be? Just a little table, a couple of legs, some screws, and a wooden top. But once I opened the box, things got complicated fast. The instructions were written in several languages, and the diagrams appeared to require a degree to decipher. So, I did what many of us do—I tossed the instructions aside and got to work.

That decision cost me. I wasted time, grew frustrated, and muttered under my breath about my incompetence and the poor design of the table. Finally, after a great deal of struggle, I gave in and picked up the instructions. I took a breath, followed the steps carefully, and before long the table stood assembled and sturdy—just as it was meant to be.

God’s Word works the same way. When we try to navigate life on our own, without His instructions, we usually end up with a mess. But when we take the time to open Scripture and let it guide us, things begin to fall into place as God intended. The psalmist reminds us, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105, NKJV).

The truth is, we all face decisions and challenges that can leave us feeling confused or frustrated. Instead of rushing ahead, we’re invited to slow down, open God’s Word, and let His Spirit direct our steps. Like that table, life becomes sturdy and purposeful when we build it according to the instructions He’s given.

So today, pick up the instruction manual for life. Ask God to make His Word a light for your path. When His Word becomes your guide, frustration gives way to clarity, and your life comes together with lasting purpose.

The other day, while walking our dog, I noticed a large feather sticking out of the ground. I couldn’t be sure where it came from, but I suspect it dropped from the owl that lives in the pine trees behind our house. Though I’ve never seen the owl up close, I know he is there because I hear his call in the stillness of the night. The feather on the ground and the sound of his hooting remind me of his unseen presence.

God is like that. Though we may never see Him face to face in this life, the evidence of His reality is all around us. Scripture tells us, “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse” (Romans 1:20). The rising of the sun, the beauty of the night sky, the blessings we enjoy, the protection over our families, and the peace that carries us through hard days—all of these are signs of God’s presence and care.

Right now, that feather is sitting on my desk. Every time I look at it, I’m reminded of the One who is unseen yet always near. When life feels uncertain or God seems distant, I can choose to notice these reminders—the little “feathers” He leaves in my path to remind me that I am not alone.

This week, keep your eyes open for the everyday reminders God leaves along your path. When you notice one, pause to thank Him for it, write it down, and let it strengthen your heart with the assurance that the Lord is always there, because truth be told - He is.