Noelle Kirchner

Easter Sunday Prayer

2026-04-05T09:00:00.011-04:00

Despite the war with Iran, despite our political divisions as a nation, I am resolved to claim faith over fear, bridge-building over hate, and victory over darkness. I invite you to pray this prayer as we celebrate hope and all we have through Christ this Easter:

Almighty God,
We ask you to take the broken pieces of our lives and form something good,
Something to startle and amaze us:
Like you startled the women at the tomb!
The women came to the tomb,
A place of decay and death, ready to meet you.
They went away instead with good news!

You had conquered the grave,
And you graft us into that moment, that promise, as your people today.
Transform us today through your power.
Forgive our sin,
Redeem the dead places in our lives,
And plant new seeds of life and hope.

May we live as an expectant people,
Bolstered by your grace.
Lord, where we are afraid, bring peace.
Where there is anger and division, bring humility and unity.
Where there is lack, bring your abundance.

We confess as your people:
Your spirit is alive and active—
Give us the eyes to see it and the willingness to be used by it!
Christ, when you were on Earth, you said,
“Blessed are those who believe, yet have not seen.”

While we are not face to face with you like the disciples of old
We affirm that you are working, even now, to redeem your creation.
We affirm as your people:
“Christ is risen! He is risen indeed.”
Could it be that we are uniquely poised to see you move in big ways
At such a time as this?

Release your Spirit and let it blow through our needy land.

Bind us together as one people in your service,

Use us as agents of your grace, and
Move mightily through your church.
For the world is hungry for what only You can provide.

Only You offer enduring peace.
Only You offer victorious hope.
Only You offer unconditional love.
And scripture promises that those who seek you will find you,
When they seek you with all their heart.
Hold our tender heart in Your strong hand.

Let us experience your Easter promise,
Face to face with your grace.
Meet us at the grave—
May your victory be our victory,
As we await the promise of all your glory,
Face to face in heaven. Amen.

John 11:25-26: "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?'"

Romans 6:9: “For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him.”

I first wrote this prayer for publication online at Bible Study Tools. Looking for more Holy Week Inspiration? Here is my favorite Maundy Thursday article with inspiration to last the year!

Also, check out my new "Speaking" tab on this website. Have a blessed Easter!

New Devotion Teaser! When Your Mind Jumps to the Negative about Your Spouse

2026-01-28T09:30:00.002-05:00

I hate the way he leaves _______ lying around the house!

Why can’t he do _______ like me?

I feel so _______ every time I am around him lately!

Do any of these thoughts sound familiar? It’s amazing how our mind can jump to the negative. If that weren’t the case, Pastor Charles Swindoll would not have said, “Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.” That 90% concerns our thought life.

Paul, aware of our negative thought life tendency, earnestly reminds us, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Our thoughts are powerful, and Paul wants to help us steer them in a positive—and holy—direction. To the extent that we can choose our thoughts, we need to choose wisely.

Never is this exercise more important than with our spouse. First of all, we likely spend more time with our spouse than anyone else. Statistics say that most married couples spend an average of 2–4 hours together each day. That means the choices we make around our spouse are pivotal; they can either bless us or, with a negative thought life, bring us down...

Keep reading HERE

Challenge:

What negative thoughts about your spouse tend to surface most often? Where do you think those thoughts originate—hurt, expectations, stress, habit?

Remember your “why.” Write down three reasons you married your spouse or qualities you admire about them—and revisit this list when frustration rises.

Are there unrealistic expectations you may be placing on your spouse? How might these expectations be fueling frustration or negativity?

Interested in reading more? This is a sample from my most recent PLUS marriage devotion for Crosswalk. It's part of a series of three that I've already written, with three more on the way! You can pay for a PLUS subscription and get curated devotions delivered to your inbox, along with access to other PLUS content without ads!

New! Christmas Devotion—Simplicity

2025-12-18T09:30:00.003-05:00

"Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom; in vain they rush about, heaping up wealth without knowing whose it will finally be" (Psalm 39:6).

As a mom of three children, it’s no mistake that this verse was my writing assignment one week out from Christmas. Most parents feel like a “mere phantom” at this point in their preparations! Every year, I want to savor the traditions we find meaningful as a family; still, it sometimes feels like I am quickly checking off boxes of to-do’s.

When I think about the mention of wealth in this Bible verse, it brings a particular holiday preparation to mind—presents. It is a joy to thoughtfully give to the people we love. I cannot escape the fact, however, that there is a growing mound of toys in my basement that have been discarded. Working hard to find, wrap, and give a present that eventually winds up in a corner does feel rather meaningless.

While the commercialism of Christmas is meaningless, the Christ child is not. Over the years, I have given a great deal of thought to how I can simplify Christmas and honor its message. We find ways to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas as a family; we attend worship, read the Christmas story from the Bible, and display a crèche. Our children’s big gifts come from my husband and me, not Santa. We also give to a child or children in need each year through various ministries.

For families who want to go a step further, I am fond of the three-gift challenge. Just as the wise men brought three symbolic gifts to Jesus, we as parents (or grandparents!) can give three intentional gifts to children also. One gift should bless their mind, like a book, one gift should bless their physical body, like a new pair of shoes or clothes, and one gift should bless their heart, like a coveted toy.

Simplicity is best achieved with intention. That’s what our Bible verse is calling us to consider, and that’s what can help us usher in the true blessing of Christmas. His gift, our best gift, is waiting.

___

This devotion was written for my church's Advent devotional. I pray you draw close to your church and allow Jesus to wrap his arms around you through it this Christmas. Merry Christmas!

Thanksgiving Sermon On-Demand!

2025-11-26T09:30:00.001-05:00

Last week, I had the honor of speaking at an all-boys Catholic school for grades 7–12. Over 600 young men attended the Delbarton Interfaith Thanksgiving service. The fact that it was interfaith allowed me to preach as a Presbyterian pastor. It's not an easy time to grow up. I spoke my heart as a mom and pastor to these boys. I got permission to share it—you can watch it here. I hope you'll share this video link with your son or daughter as well. Key sermon points:

** In this anxious age, thanksgiving is the key to the peace of Christ—watch to find out why.

** The life of King David can teach youth 3 important things for spiritual empowerment. Your son or daughter can do these three things!

** Discover that the secret to a well-lived life is determined by the direction of your heart.

Watch my sermon "What Are You Building?" HERE

7 Ways to Protect Our Youth From Evil

2025-10-14T10:00:00.008-04:00

The shooting of Charlie Kirk has really jarred me. Truth be told, I did not even know who he was until the news about his assassination. My older sons already knew him, however. And ever since then, Instagram has flooded my feed with his videos. What I see is a young man who cared passionately about our young adults because of his faith. He saw the rising depression, anxiety, and lack direction in our youth and wanted to do something about it. He was willing to give them an alternative perspective than what 98% of college campuses espouse. And he was killed for it.

Colleges used to teach us how to think, not what to think. Difference of opinion used to be valuable—it challenges us to think differently or solidifies our perspective—now, it's a threat to shut down. The two sides of our government vilify each other, the media feeds us a constant stream of opinion rather than simple facts, and our colleges are political centers of unrest. And out of this dangerous cauldron is the smoke of a new form of domestic terrorism that's no longer spurred by ideology, but rather generalized hatred and desire for social unrest: nihilistic violent extremism. This is evil.

My prayer is that well-meaning Christians on both sides of the aisle arise and say enough is enough. I pray that we can find each other again under the banner of Jesus Christ. Our love for Christ, who has redeemed our soul, is enough to spur an outstretched hand. I once heard it said that faith is the bird who sings at dawn while it is still dark, because it can sense the light. Sense the light. Run to it. Let the revival that's brewing do something new, do something different to your soul.

Click here to read my newest article for Crosswalk. Learn how you can protect your children from evil in these tumultuous times.

6 Things Every Christian Needs to Know about Adultery

2025-07-22T10:00:00.001-04:00

A stern warning against adultery is essential, given our culture. Statistics say that one in four or five people commit adultery, and the reality is likely higher. Few people wake up and think, "How can I destroy my marriage and deeply wound the people who mean the most to me?" But that's exactly what adultery does. Momentary personal pleasure leads to widespread, multi-generational harm. Christian author and Podcaster Jani Ortlund writes, "Adultery brings misery at so many levels. It brings the adulterer shame. It introduces betrayal into your legacy. It shows your children that your personal pleasure is more important than their security. It brings sorrow to your Christian community." The Bible echoes these effects. Proverbs 6:32–33 reads, "But a man who commits adultery has no sense; whoever does so destroys himself. Blows and disgrace are his lot, and his shame will never be wiped away." While God can forgive even the gravest sin, his forgiveness does not prevent sin's natural consequences.

Solid mooring is difficult to find unless we turn to the Bible. Routine commercials, popular music, TV shows, and social media feeds all prey upon our sexuality for appeal and sales. Instead, God wants to celebrate our sexuality within a healthy context and safeguard our sacred relationships. If you are feeling tempted to compromise, read these six principles to save your marriage. You do not have to fight what might feel like an uphill battle alone.

1. Adultery is a sin against God.

First, you might think of an affair as involving just two entities, but the Bible says there is a third—God. That's because marriage is a covenant between two people before God. While wedding ceremonies increasingly occur outside of the church, that change in setting doesn't negate the spiritual reality of what's occurring. Covenants are fonts of God's richest blessings in Scripture, but they spell destruction when they are not honored. God has a vested interest in seeing your marriage prosper and kept pure. Hebrews 13:4 reads, "Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral." That's why when Potiphar's wife propositions Joseph in the Old Testament, Joseph denies her and says, "How could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?" (Genesis 39:9).

Even if you are feeling frustrated or disillusioned with your spouse, allow your love for God to draw you back into your covenant. Then, meet with a trusted Christian counselor—read more in slide #6 of this article.

Click Here to Continue Reading at Crosswalk

Crosswalk commissioned this and other upcoming pieces on marriage after my last marriage article. Stay tuned for some devotions this fall. I hope you find them helpful!

7 Ways to Get Your Marriage Out of the "Roommate" Phase

2025-06-17T09:30:00.004-04:00

When my publisher asked me to write a marriage article on this topic, I accepted—I wanted to help. There have been a lot of anonymous posts in my local Facebook group about divorce. The pace of life with children, especially these days, does not make marriage easy. But good marriages, like faith, are worth fighting for. My prayer is that you use this summer to bless your marriage!

As a married woman of almost twenty-three years (That's me and my husband above!), I can say that a successful marriage is an active choice, not a passive one. Jesus tells us what happens when we wed: A husband and wife become one flesh. It's a bond that no one should separate (Mark 10:6–9). But what happens when the embers grow dim and marriage feels mechanical? If you're honest, maybe you haven't left your marriage, but your body, mind, and spirit have begun to drift.

Living in the roommate phase spells danger. For one, adultery statistics are convicting. 20% of married men and 13% of married women admit to cheating, according to the General Social Survey. The reality is probably higher. Finding a healthy marriage model may be challenging when you look around. While divorce rates have decreased recently, so have marriage rates in the United States; one factor is the rise of cohabitation. Cohabitation is on the rise despite the finding that divorce is more common among couples who cohabitate before getting engaged. Finally, keep in mind that "low" divorce rates still mean approximately 40% of first marriages and 60% of second marriages end in divorce.

Culture often gets it wrong, but God doesn't. Jesus encourages us to build a house that's built on rock, not sand. That way, when the storms come—and there will be storms—we have a solid foundation and natural protection (Matt. 7:24–27). This reasoning applies to marriages. They need to be built on God's Word and tended wisely. Here are seven things you can do right away to protect your marriage and reinvigorate that spark. Good marriages, like faith, are worth fighting for.

1. Date—Regularly!

When is the last time you went on a date? And by date, I mean you made an effort to look your best and put some thoughtfulness into the event or evening. When dating, you likely did this out of excitement and without prompting. Now that you are married, your relationship is still worthy of your best effort, and showing it to your spouse is an act of love. Dates are meant to be fun, treasured time together. Flirting is allowed, but not family business. Don't let an already busy calendar rob you of this needed gift for reconnection. Regular dates aren't an additional thing to fit in if there's time—they are the lifeblood of your marriage. The Bible says that marriage is a covenant, and God's richest blessings come from covenants in scripture. Through marriage, God also gives us a glimpse into how Christ loves the church (Ephesians 5:25). The Bible reminds us that marriage deserves our very best.

To read more pointers, including those on fighting fair and intimacy, click here

8 Key Things to Tell Teens Who Are Going into High School

2025-05-27T09:30:00.001-04:00

I have another son who is off to high school next year! In honor of that milestone, I am sharing an article I wrote for Crosswalk previously. Honestly, these pointers are good for any teen, no matter the milestone!

Rising high schoolers are one step closer to the self-discovery and independence of adulthood. Statistics have linked a high school degree with a greater chance at job attainment, homeownership, a higher salary, and even personal and marital longevity. Regardless, they’re making decisions that will shape the rest of their life. As a pastor, TV host, and author, I have compiled eight essential markers from life experience to help shape their journey into a spectacular one. Whether you are a parent, youth worker, mentor, or friend, I hope these markers will serve as meaningful conversation starters.

1. Pay attention to longing.

I wrote a book on life purpose following a life juncture of my own. Longing is a distinct feeling that something is missing. Our Creator has hardwired each of us for a purpose. When we ignore it, our internal circuit often feels frayed. Unhappiness and depression can be signals that we are overlooking something important about ourselves, perhaps to please someone else. Ask them: Is there something that they feel God has called them to do? Does it unexpectedly keep coming to their mind? Encourage them to make time for introspection and honest conversations with the Author of their heart.

2. Start living your purpose now.

God designed each of us to live in such a way that obedience will make our hearts sing. There is no one-size-fits-all model as to what that obedience will look like. This is a time in their life to experiment with different possibilities as they discern their heart call. A researcher out of Stanford University believes that the prevalent challenge of youth today isn’t stress; it’s meaninglessness. When we are doing something that gives our life meaning, a certain amount of stress can be instructive as we press toward our goal. Think of someone who is nervous but called to onstage performance; they will become more fluent and comfortable with practice. The opposite is true when we’re busy with things that we do not find meaning in. An essential element to coming-of-age is having the opportunity to perform activities that are life-giving and life-affirming for that person. Offer age-appropriate channels for them to develop their gifts.

3. Don’t shy away from healthy risk.

The risk that’s linked to immediate gratification is often unhealthy and rather common. Healthy risk, however, frequently requires a short-term sacrifice for a long-term goal. Healthy risk is a calculated response to God’s call after introspection that’s rooted in faith, not fear. It is an invitation for adventure from the hand of God, who can be trusted. Even if the outcome looks different than what we imagined, it will still thrust us forward toward our purpose. We worship a God who works all things for our good (Romans 8:28). Can you think of a story of how God used risk in your life to propel you forward? Share it with them—start planting seeds. Real-life examples can inspire them to leave their comfort zone and respond to faith’s call.

4. Choose faith.

After graduating from college, I moved out of the Midwest for a job in New York City. Shortly afterward, 9/11 happened. I found myself surrounded by devastation and clung to my faith. I discovered that faith is like the roots of a tree; the deeper the roots, the firmer the foundation. My faith provided me with hope, a refuge, and an invitation to agency that I couldn’t find anywhere else. God used that tragedy to spur me to seminary, just as God will use events in their life to shape their trajectory too. Remind them to always choose faith, not fear.

5. The people you choose to surround yourself with matter.

I witnessed the healing power of community in the wake of 9/11, and I’ve learned that whom we surround ourselves with daily matters too. Consider two questions. First, are they surrounding themselves with people who cause them to rise higher, or who cause them to compromise? Scripture says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17). The company we keep should prompt us to become better people, not worse. Second, are they investing in people who unequivocally have their back? If not, encourage them to find that person or people. Scripture says, “One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24). We’re made to need community—that’s not a weakness, but a strength. Support them to choose wisely.

To Read Points 6–8, Click Here

Why Christians Need a Maundy Thursday Faith Long after Easter

2025-05-14T09:30:00.001-04:00

Have you considered walking away from the church due to disillusionment or pain? Many have gone through the phenomenon known as “dechurching.” If the answer is yes, then even after Easter, Maundy Thursday has a message for you.

The word “Maundy” derives from the Latin word mandatum, which means “mandate” or “command.” On Maundy Thursday, Jesus gave his disciples a final commandment before he was betrayed, arrested, and condemned to suffer on the cross. Jesus instructed, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34). Any commandment of Jesus is not to be taken lightly. Still, certainly the last one that he gave holds special significance. Show this love to himself, he shared a symbolic meal with his disciples and washed their feet. He shared a Passover meal, signifying Jesus’ role as the final Passover Lamb. It is also called the Last Supper and lays the biblical precedent for the sacrament of communion.

While a lot happened on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter typically get the most attention. To be sure, both days are essential. Good Friday is good because Jesus took our place. His one sacrifice on the cross was powerful enough to reconcile humanity back to God because of who Jesus is, and it’s a gift that we benefit from when we believe. Easter is a celebration of Jesus’ victory over death, a triumph that becomes our own when we also believe. So through belief, we are forgiven and receive enduring hope and salvation through what transpired these days. Here are five reasons why the message of Maundy Thursday is important and especially worth honoring in the wake of Easter. In fact, it’s precisely what the church needs right now.

Click Here to Read the 5 Reasons at Crosswalk.com

7 Reasons Jesus’ Sacrifice on the Cross Can Silence Our Fear and Anxiety

2025-04-15T09:30:00.016-04:00

Have you been feeling crippled by anxiety lately? Have you felt the subtle grip of fear or overwhelming waves of panic? If so, you are not alone. Statistics say that anxiety is on the rise.

Jesus often taught using images and metaphors. For instance, he employed the images of a shepherd, vine, sower, and vineyard owner to help his followers understand who God is. However, no image is more powerful in helping us understand than the cross.

Belief in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is a central tenet of the Christian faith. During Lent and Holy Week, we reflect on these historical events and hope to understand the power of Christ’s sacrifice better. Its power met me face to face when I saw Michelangelo’s “Pieta” at the Vatican. Michelangelo captures Jesus’ lifeless body resting upon Mary’s lap with such emotion that I start crying. The ancient, cold stone captures a burning truth that can meet you in your trial today. Here are seven reasons why Jesus’ sacrifice holds power:

1. Jesus' sacrifice was spotless.

Perhaps you have heard someone ask, “Why did Jesus have to die? Why did the Father require such a gory sacrifice to reconcile us back to him?” Jesus, the spotless lamb, had to die a sacrificial death to demonstrate that he was the fulfillment of Old Testament law.

Like in the old days, the faithful would no longer be required to sacrifice repetitive burnt offerings before the Lord to be reconciled to him.

Hebrews 10:10 reads, “For God’s will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time” (NLT).

Jesus replaces the Old Covenant with the New Covenant, which is sealed in Jesus’ blood and reconciles us to God. His once-and-for-all sacrifice on the cross is that powerful! Further, it means we do not need to be anxious or strive; instead, Christ achieves our salvation, and we only have to believe.

Click Here for the Other 6 Reasons on Crosswalk

I packed this article with scripture! Want more Holy Week inspiration? You can read my "Beautiful Easter Prayer for Resurrection Sunday,""Easter Dinner Prayers and Blessings to Pray with Your Family," and my devotion "High-Flying Easter Hope."

5 Modern Challenges Christian Families Face

2025-03-25T13:00:00.001-04:00

New article! Every generation of parenting has its challenges, but parenting these days isn’t easy. If you feel bogged down, disconnected from your faith, and wondering if your efforts are making a difference in the relentless drive of culture, you’re not alone. This article will help you articulate what you are up against and give you the fuel to dive deeper into the arms of Jesus and enrich your parenting rewards.

Perhaps you have heard someone say, “Parenting is one of the hardest things you will ever do, but it will also be the most rewarding.” While parenting well is hard, the rewards partially depend on our choices. Faith has the ability to enrich the rewards of parenting like nothing else.

When Jesus walked on Earth, he encouraged his disciples to live in a manner different from their surroundings. He wanted others to notice that there was something different about them. Further, he wanted this difference to appeal and draw people into the faith as a witness tool. That’s one reason Jesus used the metaphor of salt to describe the behavior he was after—he wanted his followers to be seasoned in the world around them. Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13). As Christian parents today, we have this same call. Here are five things you can do to be salt as a parent:

Click here to continue reading at Crosswalk

New Sermon for Lent!

2025-03-15T09:30:00.002-04:00

When a dear friend asked me to cover her church so that she could go on vacation this past weekend, I said YES! It was a delight to preach at the First Congregational Church of Westfield. I have known Head Pastor Jenn for twenty years. We met in seminary, and we are actually co-chairing our 20th seminary class reunion this spring.

Last weekend was the first Sunday of Lent. My sermon theme was Jesus as the Bread of Life. Have your notepad handy, because I give lots of suggestions to listen to/watch/and meditate on this Lent! For those of you who are on Facebook, you can stream the service through the following link. The message starts at minute 41!

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1D9fsuRNhA/

Here is a sermon excerpt as food for thought: "Jesus wants faith to be real in our heart. It is that submission that allows us to be fully sustained by the Bread of Life and share it with a world in need...For in order to turn the hearts of others, God has to turn our own heart. We have to be willing to empty ourselves of our own agenda to receive God's spiritual one. So instead of asking, 'What should I do, Lord?' the question becomes, 'Lord, what do you want to do through me?'"

My prayer for you this Lent is that you begin everyday asking this question. "Lord, what do you want to do through me?"

Ash Wednesday

2025-03-05T10:18:00.002-05:00

Today marks the beginning of Lent. I pray you have a blessed Ash Wednesday. If you are looking for a resource to guide your prayer, reflection, and scripture reading, check out this article I wrote for Bible Study Tools.

Is Motherhood a Sacred Calling?

2025-02-18T09:30:00.002-05:00

This article reflects years of personal and theological reflection. I learned after I wrote it that my editor is expecting her first baby soon! I hope you enjoy it.

Excerpt: "God has given us a special role as mothers. We have the ability to bring new life into the world through our very bodies. I find it hard to believe that my body knows how to make a fingernail or a kidney, but through the Lord’s grace, it does! We can partner with the Creator through this role. It’s a privilege that demands bodily sacrifice as we grow life, but the result is completely awe-inspiring! As a first-time parent, I remember feeling especially amazed and also terrified because a life was now mine and my husband’s responsibility! Reading parenting books and taking classes still did not equip us for the moment when it was time to leave the hospital and the weight of those emotions.

That moment of holy awe, sprinkled with a bit of holy trembling, is exactly where God wants us as parents to be. He wants us to come to him. He wants to partner with us beyond just the creation of life but in raising life, too. God has the guidebook—the Bible. He can speak to your heart when you don’t know what to do. He can supply the necessary strength to be strong for your child or children when you feel like you can’t get up and are tested beyond what you ever imagined. That’s why motherhood, and parenthood in general, is a sacred calling: It’s an invitation to draw closer to God and learn, just as you raise and teach another."

To read the full article, click here and find it on Crosswalk.

If you missed the motherhood devotion last week, click here to read it.

Thanks for reading, everyone!

Motherhood Devotion: The Promise Tucked Inside My Miracle

2025-02-07T09:30:00.004-05:00

This week I'm sharing an old favorite! I wrote this for iBelieve and it's been featured on Crosswalk as well. I hope you read it. It's a great precursor to my next article for Crosswalk that's on motherhood as a sacred calling—it will be featured soon!

The Promise Tucked Inside My Miracle

By: Noelle Kirchner

“Your eyes beheld my unformed substance. In your book were written all the days that were formed for me, when none of them as yet existed” (Psalm 139:16).

When the doctor placed him on my stomach, all I could do was cry.

As I had approached his delivery day, I was resolved to fully experience this moment. I wanted to relish my first look at him, a child whom I knew so well and yet not at all. I could at last see the little hands that I had felt tapping against my belly. I could take in his face in real time instead of through the grainy ultrasound pictures. I could finally feel his warmth against my skin as I held him close.

My tears were the response of joyful praise—praise that had known such yearning for this moment. This praise bubbled out of a deep well that housed the tears of waiting, had known disappointment and had believed in the darkness that God would fulfill his promise. The light of the delivery room illuminated that perfect, healthy miracle who now rested in my arms.

He was the work of the Creator. “For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb” (Psalm 139:13, NIV).

As a mother of three, I can attest to how these early moments carry with them hints of my children’s future character. My oldest child made me what I had never been before—a mother. His delivery was the hardest as he paved the way for his future siblings, but he ushered in a chapter of my life that will never end and has changed everything. He continues to inspire me as I see traces of my very spirit radiate out from his tender heart.

My second son’s delivery was the most empowering. I delivered naturally in an environment that was charged emotionally and physically. His boldness, charisma, and fiery nature reflect exactly how he came into the world.

As I held my third son, I sensed his determination. The yearning I had to have him was reflected in a confidence and determination of his own. I noticed it as he moved, nursed, and assertively claimed his space in the world. I had an uncanny sense that God had meant for us to be together.

The Psalmist proclaims the providence of birth, “Your eyes beheld my unformed substance. In your book were written all the days that were formed for me, when none of them as yet existed” (Psalm 139:16).

It’s wonderful having a baby again. I breathe in his newborn smell from his soft, downy hair. I smile at his soft grunts and coos. I examine his tiny fingernails and marvel at the intricacies of his body. I allow myself to cuddle him just a little longer. Amidst the flurry of activity around me with his two older brothers, I offer a prayer of gratitude.

I am in love. My love was swift and is burning. It’s undeterred by the mess of my house as I scramble to simply get through the chaos of my days. It’s replenished despite the sleepless nights and physical demands of childrearing. It’s motivating as my family tests its balance for a new normal.

The Psalmist attests to this same wonder, “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well” (Psalm 139:14).

As the days unfold, I love to see my family bond with the baby. My husband holds him every night after our older sons go to bed. My son studies his face, listens to his deep voice, and is comforted by my husband’s heartbeat as he sprawls across his chest. It’s rewarding to see my older sons want to hold and interact with their new brother. I take a step back and watch three people whom I brought into the world experience the joy of one another.

My experience as a parent prompts me to consider the Creator’s joy for each of us. We are his children. I cannot fathom the depth of his unconditional, abiding love for us, his creations. Can you imagine the contours of his face as he watches you? Do you know how much he longed and still longs for you?

The Psalmist professes, “You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is so high that I cannot attain it” (Psalm 139:5-6).

While there is an element of mystery to our knowledge of God this side of heaven, a child unveils a glimpse of God’s own heart—that too is its miracle.

Thanks for reading! This devotion can also be found here: https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/ibelieve-truth-a-devotional-for-women/ibelieve-truth-a-devotional-for-women-november-26.html.

5 New Year’s Resolutions All Christian Women Should Make

2025-01-09T09:30:00.022-05:00

The gift of a fresh start is a welcome one. Maybe this article finds you needing one right now. I have always loved the imagery of a new year being like a fresh snowfall. Imagine looking outside after a snowfall and seeing a fresh blanket of snow covering the ground. There isn't a footprint on it yet. That's what we have at the start of each calendar year.

I have also heard it said that the new year falls at an instructive time of year—for the northern hemisphere, at least. It falls during our winter. Winter is when nature slows down. If you have the urge to hibernate—embrace it! Winter is a natural invitation to turn inward and sit with our thoughts. We can embrace new intentions for a life-giving year ahead as we anticipate spring.

For anyone who knows me, it might come as a surprise that I am writing this article. While I am certainly intentional, a list of resolutions often overwhelms me. In our family, we are more inclined to pick a single word or short phrase to live into for the year. But in the spirit of making our footprints in the snow count, and as a result of my internal ruminating this winter in the wake of a hectic holiday season, I want to propose the following list of resolutions to consider. I reached out to other like-minded Christian women for their thoughts when writing as well so that we can all have a fruitful, faith-filled year!

Read the 5 Resolutions HERE at Crosswalk

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Please join me in keeping southern California in prayer. I pray God's protection for the people both fighting and fleeing the fires. Lord, bring your restoration to this devastation!

My Sermon for the Sunday After the Election

2024-11-11T09:30:00.006-05:00

Yesterday, I had the privilege of guest preaching at my seminary friend's church while she was on vacation. It happened to be the first Sunday after a divisive election. While I have known my friend for 22 years, her congregation doesn't know me well. I wondered, "Could I have a word for them at such a tender time that would be helpful?"

The service went beautifully. The overwhelming response was that the message was really needed. One congregant told me that she would be sharing the message with her friends, which was the best compliment. But the true testament of its success was that I had been responsive to Lord's pull at my heart. I had not attempted to preach a progressive sermon, nor a conservative one, but a faithful one.

The division that is wreaking havoc in our country is also sweeping through the church. If you're tired of the media dividing us for their own profit, if you believe that we're more alike than we are different, or if you simply want to turn the page on the anger and division and contemplate a better way forward—God's way—I invite you to listen.

It's a tender time, but scripture has so much insight for us. And Brene Brown, the sociologist and New York Times bestselling author, does too. I love her book Braving the Wilderness, which I reference in this sermon. What I am convicted of is this—we need less walls between us and more bridges.

Further, if the church can't model this, who can?

Join me in watching on Facebook here. The sermon begins at minute 46:13 and is based on Ephesians 4:1–6.

5 Ways to Instill Faith in Your Children (and Why it Matters)

2024-07-29T09:30:00.004-04:00

July means a lot of things as a mom of three boys: camp rotations, golf tournaments, swimming, and even some summer studying (though not with enthusiasm), for instance. But it also means Vacation Bible School. This past week, I had the privilege of talking to 200 children about Jesus. The camp theme was “SCUBA: Diving into Relationship with God.” As the evangelism leader, I taught the children how to dive into relationship with Jesus.

While I have served as an evangelism leader before, I feel a greater sense of urgency about the role. In another article I wrote for Crosswalk recently, I talk about how we are currently living through the fastest and most significant religious shift in American history—but instead of adding numbers to the church like in previous shifts, people are leaving it. Over 40 million people have left the church in largely the last twenty-five years, according to the book The Great Dechurching. No doubt, the ripple effects of this shift are wide—it’s affecting how churches do ministry, the solvency of your local congregation, the future of the church in general, and even our kids.

This generation of children is the first largely unchurched in American history. This is also at a time when bullying, anxiety, depression, and even suicide are at alarming levels. The two are certainly connected. The church has historically been a stabilizing force in society and in our personal lives as well. Without mooring, children are more subject to society’s pressures, which often do not safeguard their best interests. Further, not only are children denied a spiritual lifeline, but their ability to hear what Christ has done for them and how he wants to be in their lives is compromised if they’re not showing up to church.

That means your witness matters. Your willingness to share why faith matters to you and what God has done in your life, i.e. your testimony, with a child is an especially valuable spiritual lifeline. This opportunity might come at church, like it did for me, or it might not. Instead, it might come as you’re coaching a team, gathering with family, mentoring a child, or interacting at your job. Parent-child remains the most effective witness.

I remember how intimidating it felt when I was first asked to share my testimony. It still feels vulnerable. But the statistics say that our willingness to speak from the heart is the most effective faith invitation. And in our politicized, divisive time, peeling back the layers to speak openly, honestly, and kindly about something that really matters to us with another person is a gift. Frankly, it’s how we embody the change we’d like to see.

Before I pass along some steps to make faith invitations less intimidating, I want to share more important research. According to David Staal’s Leading Kids to Jesus, children between the ages of 5-12 are the most receptive to faith invitations. They are almost 35% receptive versus only about 5% between the ages of 13-18. This receptivity barely increases at the age of 19 years and older. This is not to discourage evangelism at any age, but these statistics are convicting that there is a definite window of opportunity to plant seeds of faith when children are little. Jesus underlines the faith receptivity of children when he states in Matthew 18:3, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

Continue reading on Crosswalk.com. You'll discover 5 steps to make faith invitations effective and less intimidating! I include suggested resources to help you that kids will love!

How Should the Church Respond to the “Great Dechurching?”

2024-07-22T09:30:00.007-04:00

More adults do not attend church versus those who do for the first time in modern American history. We are living during the largest and fastest religious movement in American history—but instead of adding numbers to the church, people are leaving it. Over 40 million people have left the church in the last twenty-five years. If you are shocked by these numbers, you are not alone. They are from a recent book called The Great Dechurching: Who's Leaving, Why Are They Going, and What Will It Take to Bring Them Back? by Jim Davis and Michael Graham.

I started reading The Great Dechurching after a pastor and former seminarian friend recommended it. While he is Presbyterian and the book is written from an evangelical perspective, it shares statistics across denominations. People are walking away from basically every branch of Christianity.

There is more bad news. About 70% of the people who go to church attend only 10% of the churches. Most congregations in America are small. Because the average congregation has 100 or fewer attendees weekly, they are likely to continue closing their doors due to solvency if this trend continues. Frankly put, many churches are on life support. It's a slow, painful bleed trying to stay alive.

As a pastor, the decline makes me sad; as a mother, it makes me worried. The current generation of children being raised today is the first largely unchurched in American history. Parents likely know what they are walking away from when they dechurch; they were probably raised in church and have at least a vestige of a spiritual lifeline. Children do not have that same benefit. They are unchurched at a time of alarming anxiety, depression, bullying, and suicide rates. In other words, children are without a formal spiritual lifeline, and it shows.

Continue reading on Crosswalk.com. You'll discover the health benefits of regular worship attendance, multi-fold solutions to the dechurching problem, and real steps that you can take to safeguard the church's future!

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Stay tuned next week for another new article that highlights how to share your faith with kids! We've got this!

You are never, ever without hope

2024-05-17T10:00:00.003-04:00

Childhood sickness has been heavy on my heart recently. A mom I know has a son who has been fighting for his life. My prayer group has been praying for him and other children. It's hard to witness a child suffering!

This week, I went to a funeral wake for a friend's husband. Last night, my little guy fell and needed stitches. Life is fragile. Below is a devotion I wrote to help tweens and teens who are sick. Please share it with any child who needs the Lord. I pray it encourages you too!

You are never, ever without hope.

A surprise diagnosis. An unexpected roadblock. A frustrating side effect. Overwhelming pain. Sometimes life stinks. Jesus experienced that too.

Did you know there is a difference between a desperate situation and hopelessness one in scripture? While people of faith may find themselves in desperate situations, we are never without hope. EVER.

Jesus took the ultimate desperate situation and transformed the impossible into the possible. When he resurrected after the cross, he conquered death. He proved that God is stronger than any force on Earth, and that no situation is ever hopeless for people who believe in him.

When we believe in God in hard times, we draw close to a God who understands our suffering. Through the cross, Jesus demonstrates his willingness to experience our pain. He can be an unfailing, loving presence with us every step of the way.

While we cannot predict the future, we know that when we hope in the God who loves us, he will work all things for our good (Romans 8:28). Author and Christian Corrie ten Boom notably writes, “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.”

God is always at work on behalf of his beloved, often behind the scenes. I once heard a pastor describe that life can sometimes look to us like a jumbled clump of threads, with no rhyme or reason. Flip the threads over, however, and you will see that God is weaving a beautiful tapestry, connecting your life to those around you and reflecting his larger purpose.

No matter how dark the situation is, no matter how messy life gets, remember that you are never without hope. The gift of God’s hope is that it is real and enduring. The Bible describes hope as a “sure and steadfast anchor of the soul” (Hebrews 6:19a, NRSV). Anchor yourself in hope.

Dear God, I call upon your promise of hope! Thank you for always working on my behalf. Give me the eyes to see it. Amen.

How can I make Jesus' sacrifice beautiful?

2024-04-08T10:00:00.001-04:00

Every year in worship, the children of the church are given a bud to flower the cross on Easter. It is so innocent, endearing, and beautiful. Today, in the wake of Easter, I am wondering, "How can I flower the cross every day in my heart?"

How can I make Jesus' sacrifice beautiful through the story of my life?

I came across a powerful answer to this question recently.

I was blessed to have Sally Lloyd-Jones on my show. Sally is the New York Times bestselling children's book author of the Jesus Storybook Bible. She shared a challenge from Pope Francis this Easter on Instagram. For Lent, he proposed eight suggestions for fasting:

1. Fast from hurting words and speak kind words.

2. Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude.

3. Fast from anger and be filled with patience.

4. Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope.

5. Fast from worries and have trust in God.

6. Fast from pressures and be prayerful.

7. Fast from selfishness and be compassionate to others.

8. Fast from grudges and be reconciled.

Can you imagine what the world would look like if every believer lived into these suggestions the whole year through?

Could this be the healing balm the world—and church—so desperately needs?

Pastor Joel Osteen says that he wants to be known for what he's "for" rather than what he's "against" as a Christian. He says Christians too often are associated only with the latter.

I am FOR flowering the cross in my heart through these suggestions. I am FOR new life that I can bring to the cross through my actions for God's glory.

Does something on Pope Francis' list especially resonate with you? Pray over the list and adopt one. Together, let's plant seeds of faith through our actions that God will surely grow!

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Thanks for reading! For more inspiration, you can watch my interview with Sally Lloyd-Jones here.

High-Flying Easter Hope

2024-03-28T10:00:00.002-04:00

How do you explain the resurrection to children? What does it mean in real time to you? The illustration below is a favorite way I came up with to describe Easter's promise. Happy Easter!

I like using a swing to illustrate what resurrection power looks like to my children. A swing may go low, but inevitably it comes back up. That’s the power of faith. God promises that he will never leave us in our lows, including death—we have the firm hope of coming back up. Pumping our legs is equivalent to exercising our faith muscle. We get to participate in Christ’s mystery by believing and experiencing the exhilaration of the high he offers—life in the present and life eternal.

Where does Christ’s two-fold hope meet you today? Maybe you’re low, needing the promise of his high-flying hope. Or maybe you’re enjoying the sweet satisfaction of a hope fulfilled and celebrating God’s goodness. Wherever the Easter message meets you on the swing set of life, remember that Christ is personally invested you!

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This illustration first appeared in my Easter devotion for iBelieve and Crosswalk. For another Holy Week resource, you can read my Easter prayer for Bible Study Tools.

Do You Know the Story of St. Patrick?

2024-03-17T20:39:00.002-04:00

Because I have some Irish heritage, and because I love a powerful gospel story, I have to share this inspiring history on St. Patrick's Day!

Ireland was evangelized by St. Patrick, who has quite a compelling story. St. Patrick was born in the fourth century in what is present-day Scotland. While he grew up in a church family, he didn't have a personal faith commitment. That changed the day Irish raiders came to his town, torched his home, and took him to Ireland as a slave at sixteen years old. During that ordeal, St. Patrick dedicated himself to his faith. He later wrote, “The Lord opened my mind to an awareness of my unbelief in order that I might remember my transgressions and turn with all my heart to the Lord my God.” St. Patrick eventually escaped and returned home. At age thirty, however, God called him to go back and evangelize his captors through a strange dream. He obeyed.

The impact that St. Patrick’s obedience has had is sweeping. He became one of the most successful evangelizers in history. He planted around 200 churches and converted 100,000 people. We know that he has an internationally-celebrated holiday named after him and a color (green) tied to his legacy. What I didn’t know, however, is that his conversions led to the formation of Irish monasteries that were a light during the Dark Ages. They expanded across Europe as centers of faith, worship, culture, and learning. One author, Thomas Cahill, argues that they single-handedly preserved Western Civilization as we know it during that period.

While St. Patrick is a credit to his faith, I can only imagine the internal struggle that occurred within himself before he returned to Ireland. How could I return to a people who hurt me to help them, Lord? Why choose me? Is your grace enough to see me fuel this complete heart turn with conviction? St. Patrick followed God’s vision for his life whatever befell. And while returning to his captors wasn’t easy, it is the grace he showed that probably made him so effective.

Got Prayer?

2024-01-25T11:53:00.002-05:00

This week, I attended a prayer meeting for a sick child at my son's school. While I did not plan the meeting, I had the unexpected honor of leading it. I proposed doing a prayer circle for the child, which I led. The women gathered were open to the idea, but admitted that they were intimidated to pray.

I explained that prayer is simply talking with God. Each of us often see the same situation a bit differently, and therefore, each prayer is different and valuable. Whether we utter a long supplication or just a few words, the Holy Spirit can inform what we say and work on our behalf. Our gathering alone ushers in Christ's presence (Matthew 18:20).

In these instances, it's easy to think that prayer is simply a means to petition God. Yes, we are asking for healing. But the mom who initiated the group was quick to frame our meeting—we cannot promise any particular outcome from our prayer.

It's true. This side of heaven, creation is broken. Even though there is sin, disorder, and death, however, we worship a good God who has numbered the hairs on our head and desires our wholeness. When we stand upon his promises, I have seen God act. He healed my aunt and grandmother from critical conditions, for instance, when prayer was the only thing they had going for them.

Therefore, while prayer is indeed a petition, it's also a therapeutic release. It's the act of placing our requests before the throne of God and leaving them there, trusting that he's got it, come what may. This is enormously helpful because our worries are often multi-layered in tragic situations. While we cannot swing the balance in every aspect of another person's life, God can, as he holds everything together. This allows our yoke to be light and for God to care for us as we're seeking his blessing for another.

As the women went around the room during our prayer circle, there were tears and surprises. One mom, for instance, confessed that she did not pray often, but she said the most beautiful, heart-felt prayer. I explained that my tears were a sign that I felt the power of the Spirit. From the comments afterward, it was clear that everyone who had gathered felt like they had been a part of something bigger than themselves.

This makes me wonder...

What prayer is on the tip of your tongue for another?

Are you willing to be used by God exactly where you find yourself too?

The Pew Research study released this week contained another alarming church statistic. About "28% of US adults are religiously unaffiliated, describing themselves as atheists, agnostics or 'nothing in particular' when asked about their religion." This group of people has historically been referred to as the "nones." Of note, however, is that the majority of the nones were raised in a religion, usually Christianity. Further, about half say that spirituality is very important to their lives.

This means the situations we find ourselves in are fertile soil for the people of God. Christ himself encouraged us to not hide our light under a bushel basket (Matthew 5:15)—and it's more important now than ever. You might be the lifeline that someone needs to draw them back into church or plant seeds of faith in their family.

Prayer is one way you can impact your community, right here, right now. A friend of mine admitted that she had been scared to pray during the circle, but took comfort that the Holy Spirit would give her the words. Maybe that's it. We both had to move out of the way to let God move in and take over. Both as a leader and participant, respectively, we had to be willing to be a vessel "at such a time as this."

I have no doubt God wants the same from you. I encourage you to pray about opportunities in which God can use you. Don't be afraid to step out when they come, and don't be surprised when it's unexpected.

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Thank you to my friend Autumn for sending along the Pew study! I love getting articles, especially from fellow prayer warriors.

Let Faith—and Youth—Arise!

2024-01-18T14:12:00.001-05:00

This fall, I wrote about The Great Dechurching. I passed along some alarming statistics about the decline of the church. To catch up, read my posts here and here.

This week, I listened to a message that attempted to convey one solution to the dechurching problem: our youth. Yes, the generation that is rising with the most discouraging statistic yet, being the first generation in American history that is largely unchurched, might also be the church's best hope for the future.

Dr. Richard Ross is the senior professor of student ministry at Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas and the author of 20 books on youth ministry. In his message, he references Jonathan Edwards, the great preacher of the First Great Awakening, who observed, "And indeed, it has commonly been so, when God has begun any great work for the revival of the church, he has taken the young people and has cast off the old and the stiff-necked generation." Youth have been integral to revivals throughout American church history.

Dr. Ross asks us therefore to consider, "Wouldn't it be just like Jesus to raise up an anxious and depressed generation to spark a revival?" Wow. This question really hit me. The modern challenges to our youth are real, as is the declining membership in our pews. But what if these things were an opportunity for Christ rather than an endpoint?

Taking that hope-filled direction, what do we need to do to turn things around?

The answer is two-fold. First, the church needs to better engage our youth.

Dr. Ross believes two changes can help the church. For one, intergenerational worship is key to seeing engagement and change in the pews. The churches that do not engage the next generation and attempt to simply hang on will not survive. Also, giving youth key ministry jobs now rather than just when they are older is important too. If the church fails to use children's gifts and invite youth to serve when they are within the walls of the church, then what will inspire them to come back and utilize their gifts down the road?

Second, families need to better engage Christ and model it to their children.

Dr. Ross is adamant that the most effective witness to children is their parents. For youth to lead a revival, they need parents who can disciple them and who are discipled themselves. What does discipled mean? It means reading the Bible, and prioritizing worship and faith conversations. Dr. Ross shares some tough words. He notes, "Parents can't pass on what they have not received...Here's what the research says. Lost parents usually rear children who become lost adults. Discipled parents usually rear children who become discipled adults. Spiritually shallow parents rear children who walk away from the faith."

As a mom of three boys, I know the pulls that keep us from prioritizing faith are real. But as a pastor, I don't want any of us to give away the incredible power we have to shape our children's lives through faith. Nothing is worth it.

In the end, the goal is a revival of the church, but it's also a revival of the soul. It's so easy to live with full schedules and thin souls these days. And the result is a small Jesus. Dr. Ross believes that Jesus today for many is pocket-sized and simply pulled out upon occasion for quick fixes—this is instead of Jesus' true potential and identity as central to our faith and existence as our Best Friend and the Lord of our Lives.

The revival that's needed today, Dr. Ross argues, is a reclaiming of the person and divinity of Jesus Christ. "To see a young generation awakened to Christ, we need to see the entire church awakened to Christ." And while Dr. Ross asserts that "only God can make the winds of revival blow," I certainly feel them stirring.

Do you want to be a part?

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Thank you to David Bryant for pointing me to Dr. Ross' message through his ministry to reclaim Christ called ChristNow.com. I am inspired by David's friendship, distinguished and faithful service to Christ and his heart to touch many for him.