
Do you want to be less fearful and more generous in a world so economically messed up? Start with asking yourself this question:
Put first things FIRST:
F – Finances: Is God first in how I handle money?
I – Interests: Are my hobbies and habits helping or hindering my devotion?
R – Relationships: Are the people I’m closest to seeing Jesus in me more?
S – Schedule: Is my time aligned with my values or just my to-do list?
T – Troubles: Am I turning to God in prayer first when life hits hard?
If you’ve been shrinking back, playing it safe, or just trying to survive— I believe God is saying it’s time to dream again. Not just following your dreams, but stepping into God’s dreams for your life, which are always bigger than you think.If you want to walk in God’s dream, your first move is to put His dream ahead of yours. When you do, you’ll see Him open doors, pour out resources and somehow orchestrate events you couldn’t make happen in a million years. I know it’s true because I have seen it happen so many times I had to pinch myself that I wasn’t dreaming when it happened!
Egypt operates under a false god—the god of toil and endless striving. But Yahweh is the God of Sabbath, of presence, of blessing.
Even today, we face “Pharaohs”—systems and mindsets that push us to strive harder. But in a Year of Expansion, we are not called to make it happen by force. We are called to trust God
Balance, by definition, means finding an equilibrium between competing forces. It assumes life should be a delicate juggling act where everything—work, family, ministry, personal time—exists in perfect harmony.
But life doesn’t work that way – especially if you are carrying a cross (Mark 8:34). Aiming at balance is an impossible standard that leaves you frustrated and exhausted.
Can you think of one person in Scripture who lived a “balanced” life?