Joy

Brunson

When I became engaged, I was so excited to start a new life with my husband. One day, while scrolling through social media, I saw a girl talking about how she was sad to change her last name because she didn’t want to lose that part of herself. Immediately, the thought “Can’t relate” came into my mind.

Changing my last name was one of the things I looked forward to most about getting married. To me, it meant a fresh start—a clean slate, a new identity.

For much of my life, I felt defined by things outside of my control. It wasn’t always said directly, but it was felt—in the way I was perceived and the expectations placed on me. Often, it seemed that where I came from mattered more than who I was becoming. No matter what I did or how hard I tried, I couldn’t escape a reputation that wasn’t even my own.

Now Jephthah of Gilead was a great warrior. He was the son of Gilead, but his mother was a prostitute. (Judges 11:1 NLT)

It’s the very first verse of the story and the first thing we learn about Jephthah. I remember reading this passage for the first time and thinking, how unfortunate for Jephthah to be identified in that way. As I continued reading, I learned that Jephthah’s brothers kicked him out of the house because of who his mother was. Yet when trouble came, they went back to him—because they knew who he truly was. He was a great warrior, and through the divine favor of God, he was made ruler over them. His story is one of redemption, grace, and God’s ability to rewrite what others try to define.

I realized: our identity is not found in our bloodline, but in the blood of the Lamb.

Have you ever felt like that—guilty by association? Like you’re remembered more for someone else’s failures than for who you actually are? For as long as I can remember, I lived under a reputation that wasn’t mine, simply because of my ancestry.

One day, the Lord spoke Galatians 1:10 to my heart:

Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.

I realized that people think or say whatever they will, but living a life that is pleasing to God is what matters. I was reminded of how Jesus was mocked and ridiculed—yet His Father is the most perfect Father imaginable! That was the day I truly understood who I am: His.

You are a chosen people. … royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. (1 Peter 2:9)

If you haven’t yet surrendered your heart and life to Jesus, this is your invitation to do so—to turn to Him, trust Him, and receive the new identity He offers.

When we turn our hearts to Christ and receive salvation through Him, we are washed clean by His blood. He didn’t die in vain—He died so that we could live lives full of purpose, joy, and light.

But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin. (1 John 1:7)

No matter what others say about you, or who you used to be, when you belong to Him, you are now a daughter or son of the Most High King of Kings. You are made new!

~

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. 

Before I became a mom, no one warned me how exhausted I would be—not just physically—mentally, emotionally, and often even spiritually. I mean, seriously—I only thought I was tired in college. I remember one evening after I had my son, I realized that I hadn’t spent time with the Lord in quite some time, so I said to myself, “I’m going to spend time with God first thing in the morning and make it my routine to start the day off right!”

That first alarm went off… snooze.

Second alarm… snooze.

Then the baby started crying.

I planned to spend time with God that night, but by the time nightfall came, I was once again too exhausted. This quickly became an unwanted habit in my life that I’m sure many of us have faced.

In Genesis 4, we read about two sons of Adam and Eve—Cain and Abel.

When they grew up, Abel became a shepherd, while Cain cultivated the ground. When it was time for the harvest, Cain presented some of his crops as a gift to the Lord. Abel also brought a gift—the best portions of the firstborn lambs from his flock. The Lord accepted Abel and his gift, but he did not accept Cain and his gift. This made Cain very angry, and he looked dejected. (Genesis 4:2-5, NLT)

There are some arguments as to why Abel’s gift was accepted, and Cain’s was rejected by the Lord. Scripture says Cain presented “some” of his crops as his offering to God. Abel presented the best portions from the firstborn lambs. Abel gave God the best of the best because he believed that is what God deserved. Cain presented an offering that was an afterthought and didn’t put much effort into it. Abel gave God his best, while Cain gave what was left.

Further in the chapter, we read that Cain became so angry he killed his brother Abel. He believed God was showing favoritism, but all God really wanted was a pure and generous heart.

“Why are you so angry?” the Lord asked Cain. “Why do you look so dejected?  You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.” Genesis 4:6-7

I’m reminded of another story in the Bible of a poor widow who gave Jesus everything she had.

Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins. Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.” (Mark 12:42-44)

I came to a simple realization—God deserves my best. It may not always look the same, but if I want to give my best to everyone and everything else around me (looking at you, phone), then I need a serious heart pivot.

It’s so easy to have your attention pulled in a thousand different directions every moment of every day, but doesn’t our Father, Provider, Protector, Creator, and so much more, deserve our very best? If I have nothing else but Him, I have everything I could ever need.

Lord, help us to put you first before everything else. When the demands of the world are screaming at us, help us to seek out Your still, small voice. Help us to remember that when we put You first, everything else falls into place. Thank You for Your grace, Lord. In Jesus' name, Amen.

~

Scripture is quoted from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Some parts of the Bible we hear about all the time—like Psalms, Proverbs, or the Gospels. But other books tend to get overlooked. Titus was one of those books for me… until it became personal.

When I was pregnant with my son, my husband stopped me mid-scroll through baby name lists and said, “I already know his name.” We didn’t even know the gender yet. “It’s a boy, and his name will be Titus. God told me that almost a decade ago (before we even met!).” How do you argue with that?

I had to see for myself why God would choose this name for our son. When I opened the book of Titus, I discovered he was a trusted leader in the early Church—a close friend and ministry partner of Paul. The book is short, but it’s packed with practical wisdom like how the church should function and how men and women can live lives that honor God.

Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely… . Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. … These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, to live wisely and be pure... . Then they will not bring shame on the word of God. (Titus 2:2, 3, 4, 5 NLT)

Reading that Scripture reminded me of my early days in youth ministry. I was still young myself, yet suddenly I had younger girls looking to me for guidance. I realized quickly that I couldn’t pour into them from an empty cup—I needed older, wiser women to pour into me too.

I began praying for mentors—women who would point me back to Jesus in every conversation—and God answered those prayers. Still, I often felt inadequate. One night at youth group, I remember thinking, Do I really know what I’m talking about? What if I steer them the wrong way?

But then it hit me: I realized they just needed someone to listen, pray, and be there for them.

It wasn’t complicated. It was part of being human.  

It was the way we were designed to live, even thousands of years ago in the time of Titus. We were made to live this life together, in community, pointing one another back to Jesus.

Over a decade later, I still get texts from some of those girls. They’ll ask for advice, prayer, or just someone to talk to. God’s grace filled in the gaps for me then—and it still does today.

Here’s the challenge: if you don’t have a mentor, pray for one. And if you aren’t yet pouring into someone younger, start now. You may feel unqualified, but your willingness to be present is exactly what God can use.

In the same way, encourage the young men to live wisely. And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. (Titus 2:6-7)

~

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

In high school, I was a cheerleader—not exactly basketball material. But when all my friends tried out for the team, I thought, “Why not?” I barely knew the rules, but somehow, I made it. (Honestly, I think they needed someone to warm the bench.)

In my very first game, I got the ball, panicked, and sprinted toward the wrong basket. Just before I took the shot, my coach yelled, “WRONG WAY!” Mortified, I froze mid-shot. From then on, every game was nerve-wracking.

One night, we were set to play a team with a reputation for being intimidating. Looking across the gym, I thought, “They don’t look so tough.” Then one of their players stood up—all the way up. My eyes followed her up and up until I could see the ceiling light behind her head. I froze in awe, shock, wonder, and fear. No surprise, we lost.

That moment stuck with me, not just because we lost (we did that often), but because I felt something I rarely did: small, in the presence of something greater.

I think many of us have lost that feeling when it comes to God.

Some of us grew up hearing about a kind, gentle Jesus. Others, a wrathful, distant God. But too often we box God into one image or the other—and forget that He is mighty. Not just powerful. Unmatched.

The God who saves is also the God who speaks galaxies into existence. The One who comforts is also the One who commands the stars.

“I will go before you, Cyrus, and level the mountains. I will smash down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron.” (Isaiah 45:2 NLT)

“I am the one who made the earth … With my hands I stretched out the heavens. All the stars are at my command.” (Isaiah 45:12)

The fear of the Lord isn’t being afraid of God. It’s standing in awe of His authority—reverent wonder at the King of Kings.

He shows mercy from generation to generation to all who fear him. (Luke 1:50)

I’ve had moments in prayer when I’ve been overwhelmed—not by what I was asking for, but by who I was talking to. The same God who holds the oceans in His hands hears my voice. The same God who levels mountains knows my name.

We may not see burning bushes or pillars of fire, but we serve the same God. The One who parted the seas, who conquered death, who still moves today.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)

So the next time you pray, bring your requests—but don’t stop there. Remind yourself who He is. Read His Word. Speak it aloud. Let the truth of His greatness shift your perspective.

That mountain in front of you? He levels it with a single breath.

“I will go before you, Cyrus, and level the mountains.” (Isaiah 45:2)

~

Scripture is quoted from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. 

“Why?”

It’s one of the first questions we learn to ask—and maybe the one we never stop asking. I was around a small toddler a few years back, and no matter what was happening, their little voice kept repeating the same question: “Why?” Every instruction, every action, was met with wonder and protest. “Don’t do that.” “Why?” “It’s time to clean up.” “Why?”

After a while, I found myself struggling to answer every single time and was quickly becoming frustrated. That’s when I felt God whisper, “My child, that’s you.” It stopped me in my tracks.

This is what the LORD says— the Holy One of Israel and your Creator: "Do you question what I do for my children? Do you give me orders about the work of my hands? I am the one who made the earth and created people to live on it. With my hands I stretched out the heavens. All the stars are at my command..." (Isaiah 45:11-12 NLT).

Have you ever found yourself in the middle of a difficult season asking, “God, why?” I know I have—many times. I’ve convinced myself that I know what’s best, what will work, and what path I should take. I’ve told myself I’m following God’s will, all while trying to take control of the wheel myself.

In college, I was in a relationship I knew deep down God didn’t want me in. But as always, I thought I knew better. I fought God on it, convincing myself that it must be His will. Thank God He didn’t leave me to my own understanding. I won’t go into the details, but He delivered me out of that relationship before it was too late. For months afterward, I still asked, “God, why? Why would You take this away from me?”

Now, looking back, it’s so clear: His hand of protection and mercy was all over that decision. Had I stayed, I would have missed out on the life He had planned for me.

It’s easy to question what we don’t understand. When we can’t see the full picture, we often forget just how great and mighty our God truly is. But He is a good, good Father. And if that’s true—why would He ever harm us?

I love what it says just a few verses later in Isaiah 45:

Truly, O God of Israel, our Savior, you work in mysterious ways. (Isaiah 45:15) 

God sees you, friend. He knows you, and He knows what you are walking through. I want to encourage you to look back on your life and think about times you have faced that felt hopeless and left you asking, “Why?” Now I want you to remind your spirit how God brought you out of that circumstance and used it for His good. When we are in the midst of a trial, it’s so easy for us to begin to question God’s actions or even where He is. In those moments, remind yourself of the good deeds God has done in your life. 

There’s never been a day where God wasn’t good, and friend, there never will be. Walk in that truth today. 

Turn us again to yourself, O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies. Make your face shine down upon us. Only then will we be saved.  (Psalm 80:19) 

~

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.  

Have you ever had to stand up for something when nobody else would? If we’re being honest with ourselves, it’s not a great feeling to be the only one against the majority. Depending on the circumstances, it can even be dangerous to be on the side of the minority.

The story of Esther has always been one I loved ever since I was little. I couldn’t imagine what it would be like to save an entire people, standing up to the king in the name of the Lord. I couldn’t wait to make a bold move like that in my own life. Then real life hit, and I was faced with some really hard decisions—truly testing my faith and boldness. I quickly learned that it’s not always easy to stand up for the truth or what’s right, especially in the name of the Lord.

In Esther 6:2, we read how Esther’s cousin, Mordecai, had exposed the plot of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the eunuchs who guarded the door to the king’s private quarters. They had plotted to assassinate King Xerxes. The king found out about this and wanted to publicly honor Mordecai for his act of loyalty and bravery. When the king approached Haman about what he could do to “honor a man who truly pleases me” (Esther 6:6), Haman thought the man to be honored was himself. After answering the king, Haman quickly realized plans were for Mordecai and not him. Infuriated and embarrassed, Haman plotted to kill Mordecai.  

When Haman told his wife, Zeresh, and all his friends what had happened, his wise advisers and his wife said, “Since Mordecai—this man who has humiliated you—is of Jewish birth, you will never succeed in your plans against him. It will be fatal to continue opposing him.” (Esther 6:13)

I love this part: “He is of Jewish birth, you will never succeed in your plans against him. It will be fatal to continue opposing him.” I believe Haman’s wife and friends knew that Mordecai had the favor of God upon him, and that nothing could stand against God’s plan.

Queen Esther exposed Haman to the king, ultimately having him impaled on the same pole that Haman built to impale Mordecai. What Haman had prepared for Mordechai’s destruction became the instrument of his own death. His efforts were turned against him. Once a highly regarded and favored official to the king, Haman became an enemy when he turned on God’s people.

There are a lot of lessons we can pull from the book of Esther, but this is one I think we should be reminded of often.

What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? (Romans 8:31)

When we are standing up for the truth of God and will of God, what can stand against us? Friend, I want to encourage you to walk boldly today, knowing that God has your back as you walk with Him. Do not be afraid of man, for with God, who can stand against us?

~

Scripture is quoted from the Holy Bible New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.  

If you’ve ever been around children, you know they have zero boundaries. I remember vividly one of the first times I served in a children’s class at church. I was sitting at the front, talking to all the kids about the Bible lesson they had just learned. I was in the middle of speaking when one little girl ran up to me, climbed into my lap, and without hesitation said, “I love you.”

Now that I’ve served in children’s ministry for a while, I know that you expect the unexpected from kids. What’s that phrase? “Out of the mouth of babes.” You really never know what they’re about to say, but you just know they often act on their first instinct. Because of that, it’s a lot easier for children to make friends, compliment others, express their feelings, and take risks, than it is for most adults. I mean, seriously—when was the last time you walked up to a stranger, sat down next to them, looked them dead in the eyes, and said, “I love you”?

When we look at Luke, we read about a group of children approaching Jesus. Immediately the disciples, likely men who weren’t around children much, scold the parents for allowing their children to bother Jesus, but Jesus responded.

Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” (Luke 18:16-17 NLT)

When I think about what it looks like for a child to approach their loving and kind father, I think of the child climbing into his lap, giving him a kiss on the cheek, and telling him all about their day, how they’re feeling, and anything else that pops into their mind. That father, to that child, is their safe place. That’s how Jesus tells us to approach our heavenly Father, without hesitation and without fear.

As I grew older, I started reading how David approached God in the Psalms. I realized that he would come to God with every thought, prayer, and emotion, whether it was good or bad. He knew God was his refuge, and he knew He was a loving and kind Father. All throughout the Psalms David pours his heart out to God, and he approaches His throne without hesitation. He cries out to the Lord in agony, then praises His name later in the chapter, showing all his emotions.

“O LORD, why do you stand so far away? Why do you hide when I am in trouble?” (Psalm 10:1)

“The LORD is king forever and ever!” (Psalm 10:16)

David made a lot of mistakes in his life, and was was a very imperfect man, yet 1 Samuel 13:14 tells us that God calls David “a man after His own heart.”

Friend, God just wants you—in the good, in the bad, in the pretty, and even more so, in the ugly. He just wants you, without hesitation or fear. He is a kind and loving Father. Run back to Him. His arms are wide open, waiting for you today.

~

Scripture is quoted from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

If I asked you to think of someone who wronged you, you could probably give me at least one name. I would consider myself a forgiving person most of the time, but it hasn’t always been easy. I’ve had my fair share of wrongs done to me, and I’ve also had my fair share of wronging others.

Years ago, the Lord led my husband and me to what we thought was a “perfect” church. We absolutely loved it—the pastor, the worship team, the people, all of it. After a while, we started to slowly get more involved in serving, started meeting and connecting with more people, and putting our roots down there.

One day, we found out that someone in the church had been spreading rumors about us that were very far from the truth. Unfortunately, this resulted in the church pulling away from us, despite our efforts to make things right. I remember feeling so betrayed and  hurt. I found myself asking God the famous question: “Why God?” I wanted to leave the church so badly. I felt like an island every time I went to a service. My husband, however, felt like we needed to stay until we felt the Lord direct us to leave. While I trusted his leadership, I couldn’t help but feel so angry, confused, alone, and heartbroken. How could the ones we had grown to love so much, turn their backs on us so quickly?

I remember one night, I cried out to God, asking Him how could I continue to face the people that I felt so wronged by? I heard a response: With love, grace, and patience, just as I do.

Even though Jesus knew Judas would be the one to betray Him, Jesus still stayed and ate a meal with him. He fellowshipped with Judas, knowing that that very night, he would betray Him.

Judas, the one who would betray him, also asked, “Rabbi, am I the one?” And Jesus told him, “You have said it.” (Matthew 26:25 NLT)

Later, Matthew 26 says that Judas greets Jesus eagerly and with a kiss on the cheek. How does Jesus respond? He calls Judas His friend.

Jesus said, “My friend, go ahead and do what you have come for.” (Matthew 26:50)

What an example of abundant grace and kindness! His love remained even in the face of betrayal.

The Lord eventually removed us from that church, and we had the opportunity to make peace with everyone prior to leaving. He taught us so much about grace and unconditional love that we would have never learned if we had acted out of bitterness and anger.

Maybe you’re dealing with a Judas in your life today, too. Maybe you’ve experienced “church hurt” or someone wronged you, and you feel angry, betrayed, and alone. My prayer at first was to be removed from the person, but the Lord wanted to teach me a lesson of His love all along.

If we are supposed to look like Christ, we must look at others as Christ would—with unconditional love and offering forgiveness, despite their actions. If Jesus could spend His life with Judas, knowing that he would be the one to have Him wrongfully killed, how much more should we give grace to those who have wronged us?

Jesus, help us to love our “Judas,” just as You did. Let us show Your unconditional love to others, even when it’s hard. Fix our eyes upon You and help us to look more and more like You each day. In Jesus’ name, amen.

~

Scripture is quoted from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.