Casandra Martin

Our lives are filled with thousands of choices. Some are simple – what shampoo to use, what’s for dinner. Some are complex – where we will invest our hearts, the decision to have children. Our most profound choice, however, is whether we will accept the invitation of God. We, who don’t get to decide about tomorrow’s weather, are given the opportunity to choose where we will spend eternity. The invitation is extended to every person – regardless of race, background, wealth, or gender. And only you can decide for you – you can’t choose for your spouse, children, or co-workers. It’s your choice and yours alone.

It is interesting in our pro-choice society that there is so much pressure not to choose anything related to the soul. The world would like you to think that everything is gray; that there is no longer black or white, dark or light. And Satan is laughing because, once again, he has managed to steal the invitation from the heart of man – the same one he stole in the garden…

As the account of creation unfolds in Genesis 1-3, we see with joy that the most important provision the Lord makes for Adam and Eve in the garden is the gift of Himself. They had an intimate relationship with God as they walked and talked with Him. Yet, despite this gift, we all know how the story unfolds – the command not to eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, the temptation of the dangling fruit, the lie that there was something sweeter than the presence of God. And the choice was made.

Heaven and hell held its breath as Eve reached for the fruit on the tree. With the first bite, those in hell cheered and, in heaven, God’s heart broke. Yet, even as He drove Adam and Eve from the garden, the promise of a way back formed on His lips. Barely had the fruit’s juice run down their chins; barely had Satan’s cackle quieted, before God announced the plan to redeem His children – Jesus.

My Jesus Resolution today is to deliberately choose Jesus. Everyday I face the same choice that Adam and Eve faced in the garden. Satan’s offer echoes through our society – “Have it your way.”, “You only go around once.”, “I deserve it.”, “Whatever.” Jesus quietly invites me closer to His heart – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:26) Today I am going to choose Jesus. What about you? The choice is yours.

Someone I love has been touched by identity theft. A routine check revealed that someone had invaded my daughter’s privacy and is using her personal information. In a single moment, her name was being used, her integrity questioned, and her sense of security shaken. We were blessed. There hasn’t been a lot of damage done. No money is missing. We are following law enforcement procedures, wading through the paperwork to set things right.

Nothing is more central to how we walk through our days than our identity. It defines us, guides us, sets our priorities, and shapes our days. Our identity is at the core of who we are and is the lens through which we see and interact with the world. Being a Christian means, at its heart, that our identity is defined by Jesus. He names us, claims us as His own, purchases our freedom, and calls us His children. Our identity is rooted in the cross, empowered by His blood, and defined by His love. It shapes our perspective and gives us new eyes.

Satan is the ultimate identity thief. He wants us to question who we are, doubt where we belong, and fear the One who calls us His own. His greatest desire is for us to take on one of the many identities offered by the world – to define ourselves by power, money, education, or beauty. Anything but God. He pulls at our hearts and tries to strip away the confidence we have in wearing the name of Jesus.

Our daughter is learning the necessity of protecting her identity. We need to learn to do the same.

My Jesus Resolution today is to be vigilant about protecting, guarding, and living within the identity I have in Jesus. I am not going to let thieves tear me away from the purpose God is working out in my life. I am going to safeguard my soul from those thieves trying to sneak in to steal my joy, confidence, and peace. To protect my identity, I am going to keep myself rooted in the cross, define my heart by His character, and keep my eyes open for His presence. I am a Christian – God’s beloved. Nobody can steal that from me.

It has been said that a Bible that is falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t. I like that. The well-worn pages of a Bible tell a beautiful story. Every wrinkle marks a spot where someone came to meet God. The notes written in the margin are reminders of lessons learned, questions asked, and surrender given. In a few places, you might find smeared ink where tear drops have fallen, battles have been fought, and sins have been forgiven. The cracked, worn binding of a Bible reveals strength that has been unleashed in prayer as the words of God have breathed life into a soul.

The Bible is more than a book. God breathed and His heart took shape in the form of words on paper. His Word is a window into who He is, how He loves us, and what He is doing in us. It is a mirror by which we can see our own hearts. It shows us the truth about who we are, why we need Him, and who we can be in Him. It is a light that shows us where to go, who to trust, and how to be filled with joy.

In opening our Bibles, we receive an amazing gift. Each word echoes with the voice of God. Every book points to Jesus. Every verse reveals His plan, His purposes, and His passion for you. Every time you open your Bible you meet God. You come into His presence and have the chance for a fresh start, new beginning, radical transformation, or quiet grace.

God gives us a stunning promise about what will happen when we allow Him to unleash the power of His Word in our lives. “As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” –  Isaiah 55:10-11

Do you want to flourish? Do you want to be fruitful? Fill yourself with the words of God. His Word will not return to Him without fulfilling His deepest desire in you. Opening His Word makes it possible for Him to achieve His purpose in your life. His purpose is transformation. He wants to fill you with Jesus.

My Jesus Resolution today is to open my Bible and meet God in its pages. Today I am not going to read just to check it off my list or quiet the guilt-o-meter. I am going to still my spirit and listen for the voice of God. I am going to let my heart beat in anticipation of being with the One who loves me beyond measure. I am going to let the richness of His Word feed my deepest hunger. I am going to let the living waters of His presence fill the deep crevices of my soul. And if my Bible looks well-loved, it will just be a reflection of a heart that has taken a journey of joy.

“But the Lord is in His holy temple; let all the earth be silent before Him.”     Habakkuk 2:20

We live in a noisy world. Multiple voices compete for our attention. Advertisers try to fill our hearts with desire. News anchors want to shape how we see the world. Musicians long to have their songs playing in our heads. Sound fills the air when we are in the elevator, on hold on the phone, or walking through the grocery store.

Habakkuk reminds us of the necessity to be quiet before the Lord. Enter the temple of His presence and be still. The silence that flows from respect, adoration, and awe realigns our perspective. When we still our hearts in His presence, we are able to tune out the chatter of the world and listen to the loving voice of our Father. He makes Himself known to us through gentle whispers, quiet tugs on our hearts, and hushed invitations to walk close to His side.

My Jesus Resolution today is to make a conscious effort to turn down the world’s noise. I am going to still my heart and be silent before Him. I am not going to let busyness, or to-do lists, or nagging worries keep me from listening to the voice of my God. I am going to take a few minutes today to cover my mouth and open my heart. No telling what I might hear in those holy moments.

Birth announcements are the best. They are sent out to share all the joy, dreams, and beauty of new life. In receiving them, we are asked to celebrate the miracle of new life. They give us a chance to stand back and marvel at one of God’s mightiest miracles. Each new life frames hope, inspires goodness, and renews love.

Birth announcements give us the opportunity to both look back with nostalgia and fond memories, and to look forward with anticipation and joy. Each time I receive a birth announcement, I flip through memories of the times new life touched my heart. I reconnect with the wide-eyed wonder, deep delight, and overwhelming sense of God’s nearness that new life brought into focus. I get to retrace the transformation that unfolded within me because new life walked into my heart.

We also get to look forward. New life pushes open the door of new possibilities just a little bit wider. Each one is a declaration that God is at work, He has a plan, and His purposes continue to unfold on the earth.

I received the best kind of birth announcement today. Someone I love called to tell me he was baptized into the name and blood of Jesus today. New life at its grandest. My son heard the news and shouted, “Happy New Birthday!” It is a day to celebrate God’s power and love. A day to look back and recapture the wonder of the new life God is willing to work within us all. A day to look forward to the moment when our new life in heaven will begin.

My Jesus Resolution today is to celebrate new life. God is still working miracles. Baptism frames the very best one of all – the move from sinner to saint, darkness to light, foreigner to family, and old to new. God longs to continue to pour new life into me. He makes things new every morning, moving in my life to reconstruct, refresh, and rebuild me into the image of Jesus. Angels rejoice over new life every day. It is the spark for heaven’s biggest celebrations. Let’s RSVP and join them.

Why do you live where you live? We choose our addresses for many different reasons – the neighborhood, the schools, or proximity to work, church, family, or friends. Perhaps we love the beauty of the surrounding country, the weather, or the lifestyle a certain address affords. We choose our addresses because of convenience, economics, or our dreams for the future.

Have you ever considered that your address might be God-directed? Acts 17:26b-27 says, “…He determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us.”

God determined the exact time and place where you live. He picked this time and this place for you. You are not here by accident. He placed you here because this is the best place for you to meet Him. His deep desire is for you to discover the wonder of His presence. He longs for you to be completely His. He wants to be the address of your heart.

Your neighbors are not your neighbors by coincidence. Perhaps you are God’s instrument for revealing the presence of Jesus to their hearts. Your town needs you to lift Him up high. God has planted you in the middle of your family, neighborhood, and job for His purpose. He calls you to let His glory shine as you walk through the grocery store, gas station, bank, and post office. You may be the glimpse of Jesus someone has today.

My Jesus Resolution is to look at my address with new eyes. I am going to ask God to help me see His presence clearly in my home. I am going to pray for my neighbors. I am going to find peace and contentment in the truth that God has His hand on the times and places of my life. God cares about my address – not just my physical location, but the address of my heart. Where is your home?

This weekend our eyes turn to celebrating the freedom we have as Americans. Our minds travel back to the first patriots who had a vision for a nation in which freedom defines the landscape and hearts of its citizens. We honor those who died in defense of the freedom we hold so dear. We take a moment to be grateful for a country so rich with opportunity and blessing.

In the United States, Independence Day is celebrated with flags, food, and fireworks. We fly a flag which stands as a symbol of freedom all over the world. We gather around grills, feasting on hot dogs and apple pie as we celebrate the blessings that bring us together as family and friends. Fireworks light up the sky in the same way that freedom shines as a beacon of hope, security, and privilege.

As you enjoy Independence Day, let the words of Jesus echo in your heart. “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” – John 8:36. The freedom we enjoy as Americans is an echo of the freedom we have in Christ. The longing we have for freedom is ultimately fulfilled in the person of Jesus. He gives us a free indeed life. We live as citizens of a kingdom that has no boundaries and will know no end. A cross and an empty tomb mark the time and place where our freedom was bought at a terrible price. The free indeed life calls us to light up the darkness with praise and hope.

My Jesus Resolution today is to celebrate the freedom I have in Christ. Oppression has been conquered. Hope has been restored. Grace flows like a river. Light penetrates the darkness. Sin has been washed away. The promise of transformation is unfolding daily. Today I am going to honor the flag and lift up the cross. I am going to eat good food and share the Bread of Life. I am going to watch the fireworks and live as a light.

Exodus 14:14 has been on my mind a lot this week – “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”  

Ever feel like you are in between a rock and a hard place? There are days when it seems like things are pressing in on you from all sides. Pressures, difficulties, struggles, and fear mount up like boulders all around you. You look around, and there just doesn’t seem to be any way out. That is exactly the situation in which the Lord speaks these words. Israel has mountains on either side, a sea at their back, and the Egyptian army pressing in hard. They cry out to the Lord, and His answer calls for them to be still.

Stillness is not my normal reaction. I search frantically for a way out. My mind runs a thousand miles an hour trying to find a solution. I run in circles hoping to finally break through the barriers I see all around me. Be still, He says. Watch Me work. I will create a path for you through the waters. Sometimes He opens the whole sea at once. Sometimes, He opens it inch by inch as we follow Him through in faith. Either way, He fights for us. He is on our side. We need only to be still.

My Jesus Resolution today is to be still before God. Becoming more like Jesus means training myself in stillness. I am going to deliberately quiet my heart, still my soul, and calm my mind. I am going to fix my focus on my Savior and leave the saving to Him. He knows where I stand. He sees the enemies I face. He is strong enough to save the day, redeem the moment, and draw me closer to Himself. I need only to be still.

I’m stuck. I have been working on a new project for months. I have prayed, planned, and poured out my heart. We are so close to the finish line, I can almost taste it. Watching a dream become reality is an exciting, exhausting, exhilarating process. Each day the anticipation grows as ideas take shape and God’s fingerprints on the project become more pronounced. But a computer virus has thrown my well-laid plans off track.

Without my permission, the virus attacked. One day, everything was going smoothly and we could see light at the end of the tunnel. The next day we couldn’t find the tunnel. My interrupter was a computer virus, but it really could be anything that throws us off track, disturbs the balance of our days, throws us a curve, or derails our dreams. Sometimes it is something small – having to wait when we are in a hurry, losing our keys, or having a sick child on the day of an important meeting. Sometimes something huge – a relationship falling apart, the doctor coming in with a serious expression, or a pink slip waiting for us at work – changes the course of our lives. Interrupters happen. That much is sure. The question lies in how we will respond.

When the interrupter flares it lays my heart bare. Do I see myself as being in control of the moment or do I find peace in the truth that God is in control of all my moments? I can get frustrated, angry, and grumpy or I can search for God’s movement, protection, and grace. God’s timing is always perfect, His mercies are always new, His promises are always sure, and His presence is always with us. Even when viruses hit us unaware. God has seen tomorrow. He already knows what we will face and stands ready to walk with us through it all.

My Jesus Resolution today is take a deep breath and trust God’s unchanging hand. Interrupters are going to be a part of my day. I want to learn to see God in each moment, recognize His presence, and rely on His power. I want to ground my plans and dreams so thoroughly in the will of God that my confidence rests not on my abilities, but on His dependability. A virus can’t attack God’s promises or undermine God’s faithfulness. How will you respond when technical difficulties come your way today?

I will let you in on a family secret. Each one of my children believes that they are my favorite. This isn’t a case of wishful thinking. I regularly tell each one of them, “You are my favorite!” And it’s true. Each one of them is my favorite. They are unique, special, amazing, wonderful kids. They each pull my heart in a different direction. God uses each of them to teach me more about His heart, to show me His wonder, and to get me to open my eyes to His movement.

The dictionary defines a favorite as “a person or thing regarded with special favor.” Being my favorite doesn’t mean that one is more special than another or that I prefer one over another. It means I regard them with special favor. They have their own space in my heart. I cherish them, value them, and hold the relationship we share as an important priority in my life. They are the apples of my eye.

You are God’s favorite. You are the only you that has ever existed or will ever exist. He made you for His pleasure and His glory. He created your unique combination of talents, personality traits, and quirks because He knew that you could shine for Jesus in a profound way to those around you. You hold a special place in His heart. He cherishes you and deeply longs for you to rest in His love. He regards you with such special favor that He sent His only Son to a cross so that you could love Him without barriers.

My Jesus Resolution today is to live as God’s favorite. He delights in those He loves. He pursues those made in His image with purpose and power. The world may tell me today that I am a nobody – unimportant, irrelevant, and insignificant. God tells me otherwise. I am loved, cherished, wanted, and valued. I’m God’s favorite. So are you.