We are never outside of God’s grace. Even in seasons of change, waiting, or feeling stuck, His grace is always at work. No season is wasted because God’s grace is shaping, strengthening, and leading us forward according to His will.

When we hear God calling us into a season of rest, we might picture stepping away from work, escaping responsibilities, and retreating somewhere quiet like Bali. But true rest in God doesn’t always mean stepping away from work; it means stepping into His peace, even in the midst of our life responsibilities.

I know what it’s like to walk through the valley. Years ago, I lost everything—my business collapsed, and I had no place to stay. But in that season, I saw God’s faithfulness in ways I never had before. Friends and family stepped in—not just with words but with real help.

When we enter a season of uncertainty, it can feel like flying a plane through dense fog—disorienting, unclear, and even frightening. In these moments, we can learn from how pilots navigate fog: they slow down, stay the course, and wait for clarity.

Change can be difficult because it often involves loss, and loss can cause pain. This is what we call "growing pains"—the struggles that come before breakthrough. Before God shifts our circumstances, He first prepares our hearts.

No matter what you face, I want to affirm this promise: “I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living!” (Psalm 27:13). We are stronger than we think, and God is faithful in every season. Hold on to His promises.

Many assume that the 60s are the years of retirement, but in reality, they can be some of the most strategic and productive years. Some ministers say they don’t "retire"—they simply "change their tires" from career-driven work to a life of ministry and purpose.

Many people believe that our 30s and 40s are the most productive years. However, research and history show that the 50s to 70s can actually be one of the most productive periods.

By this stage, many experience career advancement and financial growth. It’s common to define success based on professional achievements, but perspectives shift over time. Success isn’t just about reaching goals—it’s about aligning our lives with God’s purpose.

Life is a journey with different seasons. In the coming days, I will share Pastor Les Bowling’s observations on the different life stages, each described with an 'S' word for each decade.

The word "season" in Scripture doesn’t just refer to spring or winter; it means a set time, an appointed time. One truth we must hold onto is that our time is in God's hands (Psalm 31:15). Our part is not to force things to happen but to trust and follow His timing. Things happen in His appointed time.

Life is full of seasons and cycles—it’s part of God’s divine design. The Bible makes it clear that God promotes and exalts in due time (1 Peter 5:6). When life's responsibilities pile up and distractions consume us, we often fail to slow down, pause, and hear God's heart for our current season.

 Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) that flows from love. When we genuinely love God, ourselves, and others, we naturally exercise self-control—not as a burden, but as a joyful expression of love.

The Bible warns us about the destructive power of our words. James 3:6 (ESV) says, “And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.”

The Greek word synechō (συνέχω) means “to hold together,” “to constrain,” or “to compel.” It describes being tightly held or governed by something. In the key verse, Paul writes, “For Christ’s love compels us.”

Discover true self-control through Jesus’ example of surrender to God’s will. Learn how faith, reliance on God, and love empower us to align our hearts with His purpose, overcoming temptation and choosing His will over our own.

When Jesus calls us to “be perfect,” He is calling us to be whole, to live with undivided hearts. Self-control plays a vital role in this process. It is the discipline that helps us let go of distractions, idols, and selfish ambitions so we can fully embrace God’s kingdom.

John 15:5 reminds us that apart from abiding in Christ, we can do nothing. The ability to bear fruit come only from remaining in His presence. Abiding in Christ involves a conscious, daily choice to stay connected to Him.

Self-awareness, on the other hand, shifts the focus. Instead of attacking yourself, step back and ask, “What unmet need or unresolved issue is contributing to this behavior?”

Discipline begins in the mind, and today’s key verse offers a profound understanding of self-control. The Hebrew word for "rules" means to govern or have dominion over.