There was a man in the country of UZ named Job (Job 1), a man after God’s own heart who had ten children and over ten thousand different livestock.

The bible describes him as “The greatest man among all the people of the east.”

And in a single moment, he lost all of his livestock and all of his children.

Within minutes, they were gone.

To make matters worse, he suffered from a skin disease from the soles of his feet to the top of his head.

Job is going through a life altering experience of grief and pain, and yet during his suffering, he says three things that have stayed with me.

“The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.” (Job 1:21)

“Should we accept only good from God and not adversity?” (Job 2:10)

“But where can wisdom be found and where is understanding located? No one can know its value, since it cannot be found in the land of the living” (Job 28:12-13)

Reading these texts I learned Job understands and acknowledges something most of us spend years chasing.

Wisdom doesn’t come from man.

It isn’t something we create, accumulate, or hack our way into.

It’s something we receive from the Lord.

What Job understood in his suffering is later reinforced in the New Testament.

When Paul writes to the church in Colossae, he points to the same source of wisdom.

Colossians 2:3 - In Him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Expressing to them to look towards Christ for knowledge and wisdom.

This didn’t make sense to me why this was important until I looked deeper at the context.

The Colossians were practicing a lifestyle of severe self discipline and abstinence from simple pleasures in order to achieve higher spiritual, religious or philosophical goals.

I immediately saw the correlation to modern day practice of consuming self help knowledge and trying to substitute it for Godly wisdom.

The struggle the Colossians faced isn’t different from what we see today.

We stack habits all too familiar, thinking if we have early mornings, cold showers, digital detoxes, frugal living, and constant learning, we can optimize enough to feel complete.

But even after all the effort, something still feels off.

These are all powerful practices that can make a difference in our lives, but none should ever be held in higher esteem than the knowledge, wisdom, and fulfillment which can be found and achieved by following and practicing a relationship with God.

Self help focuses on control, while Godly wisdom is trusting the direction we don’t understand.

How often do we try to maximize ourselves without first consulting what God wants and has for us?

We can keep our tips and tricks, detoxes, challenges, and routines, but don’t forget they will eventually lead to emptiness. When we expect them to give us purpose, identity or fulfillment, they fall short.

Not because they are bad practices, but because they were never designed to carry the kind of weight intended for God.

Only God can be the source of full knowledge, wisdom, and fulfillment.

Job recognized God’s wisdom at his absolute lowest when everything had been stripped away.

So the question isn’t whether we’ll pursue wisdom, but where we will look for it.

Like Job, I hope we can all find it in God.

-G. Banks

Another Way To Support

²⁶ Consider the birds of the sky: They don’t sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you worth more than they? ²⁷ Can any of you add one moment to his life span^[a] by worrying? - Matthe 6:26-27

A friend at my church shared a moment that shifted the way I think about how we represent God.

They were sharing God’s love and power with a friend.

The friend sharing thought everything was going well until the friend receiving surprised them with a relevant question.

Why would I serve a God that doesn’t bless you? All you do is talk about your struggles and how miserable your life is. If you served a God that loves you so much, why don’t you ever talk about how he blesses you?

What a reality check.

That question exposed something uncomfortable.

The way we sometimes relate to God is not best for sharing how good He is to us.

One mistake we make as believers is confusing vulnerability with constant negativity.

Yes, it’s healthy to share struggles.

But if we never testify about God’s faithfulness, we’re presenting an incomplete picture.

If the only thing people hear from us is struggle, what conclusion are they supposed to draw about the God we claim to trust?

At times, we treat God as a fairy godmother who is supposed to grant every wish on demand.

That’s not God.

But He is a faithful Father who provides for our every need.

Often in ways we overlook because they don’t match our expectations.

Jesus teaches us not to worry because even the birds of the air are taken care of.

When Jesus pointed to the birds and said they are fed without storing up wealth, He wasn’t dismissing hardship.

He was reframing worry.

Adequate provision doesn’t always mean abundance.

It means sufficiency.

How much more then does our heavenly father take care of us and provide everything we need.

Dwelling on what God doesn’t do for us, according to our standards, can bring nothing but resentment.

When we measure God by our personal timelines and preferences, every delay feels like neglect.

If we aren’t careful, over time, that mindset might not build faith, it may build frustration.

But focusing on what He has already done is the key to trusting Him and having peace.

When we fail to focus on what God has done, we start looking elsewhere for security.

Money, fame, power, food, and other pleasures in all forms will never be enough.

Don’t let them take over your mind, heart, and spirit.

God wants the best for us.

Be open and let Him show us what that looks like.

We as Christians at times are taught that it’s righteous to be humble with our praise.

Somewhere along the way, some of us learned to whisper about God’s goodness as if bold praise wasn’t appropriate.

But humility isn’t minimizing what God has done.

True humility magnifies Him.

When talking about God with others and how he has blessed us, please don’t use ordinary words.

He deserves even more praise than we are capable of giving him.

So let’s give Him the credit He deserves.

G. Banks

Support Here!

What if the proof comes through suffering?

In scripture, suffering isn’t proof God has abandoned us, it’s often evidence He is shaping us.

How can we trust everything will be okay if we never experience any difficulties?

When life falls apart, loved ones are lost, and prayers go unanswered, this is proof that God is at work.

In Hebrews chapter 5, we see how Jesus himself gained the evidence He needed to carry out the will of God.

Christ is identified as the highest priest.

And yet in the story of Jesus’ life, we see the struggles He went through.

From 40 days in the wilderness to being persecuted for being the Messiah.

Jesus, whom God made to be the highest priest and the greatest sacrifice, went from worship to death in a matter of hours.

As God’s Son, He had to suffer, and he learned obedience and trust in God from his own suffering.

And yet we think we are supposed to go through our lives with no pain or suffering, which isn’t Biblical.

God promised us many things, but never that this life would be easy.

Romans 8:18 gives us a promise for our suffering that you might find encouraging.

18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us.

In other words, it will all be worth it.

The glory which will be revealed will quickly drown out the pain and suffering we felt on earth.

When life is hard, and it feels like there is no way out.

Lean into God.

Paul isn’t minimizing our suffering.

He’s magnifying the glory of eternity.

What we will experience in Heaven will make today’s pain feel small in comparison.

When go through suffering consider asking yourself a few questions.

What is God forming in me?

Where is He asking me to trust him more?

How can this deepen my dependence on Him?

He’s not only trying to get our attention, but he’s also allowing us an opportunity to build a case for his grace and mercy.

God will make it better.

Hopefully during this earthly life, but if not here on earth, then when we meet him in Heaven!

We have to do our part and continue to nurture our relationship with Him so we can hear him say,

“Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

Lean into God through prayer, scripture, and honest conversation.

Tell Him your struggles.

Ask Him what He is building.

And we will celebrate for eternity because our groans on earth will turn to glory in Heaven.

-G. Banks

Another Way to Support

Last year my family was healing from the loss of our second child.

Though he was never born, I couldn’t understand the pain from a miscarriage until experiencing one with my wife.

We also have a few friends who have had similar experiences, and it hurts to see loved ones go though that as well.

As painful as this was for my family, I’ve learned that suffering touches every family in different ways.

Family loss, unemployment, broken relationships or friendships, pain, suffering, depression.

Each one hits us differently, but all of them can leave us wondering how to keep going.

The list is endless, and at times it can feel like the devil will attack us until we give up.

In these moments, we know it’s a spiritual battle.

The enemy is attacking our faith.

He continues to send plagues and pestilence to wear us down.

Even when it feels like God has let bad things happen to us, there is still a promise in scripture to remind us that suffering is not how the story ends.

Joel 2:25 says,

I will repay you for the years
that the swarming locust ate,
the young locust, the destroying locust,
and the devouring locust—
my great army that I sent against you.

See, locusts are a symbol of evil armies that come and try to ruin the good in our lives.

They swarm, eat everything in sight, and take it all, leaving us with nothing.

Even when we feel we have nothing left, look forward to God’s promise.

God’s promise is more than just surviving a plague, it’s the restoration of what feels permanently lost.

He will repay and restore the years that the locust have eaten.

On April 1st 2025, we learned we had lost our baby.

Today, in January 2026, my wife is eight months pregnant.

That is my testimony.

God Restores.

I’ve seen it with my friends, my family, and my church family in many different ways.

Restoration doesn’t always look the same, but it is always possible.

If you’re in a season where everything feels like it’s been taken away from you, this promise is for you.

I can’t wait to hear your story of how your life has been restored too.

G. Banks

Some Housekeeping

A few people have reached out to me asking how they can support this project.

My answer has been the same.

Share with someone who you think can be encouraged by these thoughts.

Of course, others have asked how to support financially.

I’ve been against a paywall simply because of the nature of the content, so I decided to make a Buy Me A Coffee site.

If you feel moved, you can support financially however you like via the link below.

Buy Me A Coffee

Thanks for your support!

It may not always be your fault, but it is always your responsibility.

Fault focuses on who caused the problem. Responsibility focuses on who will own the outcome.

This is something we all have struggled with and has been a struggle since the beginning of humanity.

God who created Adam and Eve, let them roam the garden freely and instructed them on a single rule.

Stay away from the tree.

They decided to be disobedient, ate from the tree, and then tried to hide.

Imagine waking up and choosing to blame everyone around you for a situation you influenced.

Now imagine if “everyone” were your spouse and your creator.

That’s exactly what Adam did when he was confronted by God.

When God confronted Adam after he ate from the tree, He asked a series of questions.

Not because He didn’t know the answers, but to invite Adam to take responsibility and give him some form of mercy.

“Did you eat from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?”

Adam replies not once but twice, assigning blame to anyone but himself.

Adam says, (CSB) - “The woman you gave to be with me, she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate”.

He blames God for giving him Eve, but then blames Eve for giving him the fruit.

Adam didn’t just avoid blame, he missed an opportunity for confession, which can lead to mercy, and instead chose concealment, which blocks growth.

How often do we go about our day not taking responsibility for the things we could have controlled?

Sometimes we run into situations that fall outside our control

When a project falls behind, when a conversation goes sideways, or when a relationship becomes strained, it may not be entirely your fault, but it’s still your responsibility to get it right.

But when it is your fault, be sure to take responsibility.

It may not always be your fault. But whether it is or it isn’t, don’t be like Adam.

When you commit to taking responsibility, your behavior changes.

You plan differently, you speak differently, and you act with integrity because you already know that if something goes wrong, you will have to be the first to raise your hand.

A simple rule: Before you try to make an excuse, ask yourself.

“What part of this can I own?”

This may be a hard pill to swallow but take responsibility and watch your life transform.

-G. Banks

I’ve been fighting impatience.

That personal yet universal struggle we all deal with.

Last week I found myself getting anxious over a decision I hadn’t even made yet all because I wanted to be certain I would choose the right thing.

Trying something new? I want to make sure that it’s for me.

Someone shares a plan? I want to be sure that it’s foolproof.

God guiding me in one direction? Well, you already know I NEED the full details.

Trying to understand what God has in store for me is my main issue.

At first, I thought this was plus sized pride, but after examining my patterns, I realized something uncomfortable.

This was a lack of faith.

Impatience tricks me into thinking I’m in control instead of trusting God, who already has the full picture.

God is intentional with how he takes care of us.

He treats us like His children and instead of giving us a handful of food, he makes sure to give us an appropriate spoonful so that:

1. We aren’t overwhelmed

2. So that we can continue to work on our faith.

We know that God will not give us more than we can bear.

I like to think of God taking care of us like us eating cake.

One slice every now and then is a nice treat, but can you imagine if every day you had to eat the whole cake in one sitting?

A slice is enjoyable, but a whole cake can be a punishment.

It would be overwhelming and unhealthy.

God’s timing isn’t meant to frustrate us, it’s meant to form us.

God wants to give us our cake and let us eat it too.

He wants to give us our hearts’ desires as long as they align with his will.

When you feel the urge to rush ahead for answers, pause and ask God,

“What slice are you giving me today?

Just be patient. One slice at a time.

-G. Banks

29 He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me." (Matthew 14:29-30, ESV)

(This post was written on my phone)

Today is the anniversary of the worst day of my life.

August 25th

My Aunt Joan was found dead in her apartment in 2020 and in 2015, I strongly considered taking my own life.

I was depressed and hopeless standing atop of a 13 story building in Orlando Florida thinking that my life could not and would not get better.

I was too scared and thank God for my “lack” of courage because the Devil was truly searching for me.

He didn't win though!

My pastor said something in a sermon not too long ago.

“The same water Peter was struggling to stay afloat in was the same water that Jesus walked on”

We may be struggling to make it through day by day because we are trying to do things our way.

We are doing the opposite and walking by sight but not by faith.

We are doing great things in our eyes and then suddenly find ourselves sinking.

Life is hard!

And the best way to make it through is by relying on God.

August 25th is a hard day for me and when life gets hard I remind myself by looking at the note on the back of my phone that yes it's hard but if I can survive the August 25th of the past, I can survive today.

That's only possible by keeping my eyes on Jesus.

Don't look down to see the footsteps.

Stay focused on God.

G. Banks

The back of my phone

Among all the incredible stories in the Bible, one of my favorites is the story of Moses.

He was a man spared from Pharaoh's hands to be God's instrument in saving His people.

God worked through Moses to deliver the ten plagues, part the Red Sea, and even provide daily manna for 40 years.

While the bible is filled with many great miracles, one of my favorite parts is Moses's encounter with God at the burning bush.

God asks Moses to lead the Israelites, despite Moses having been away from Egypt for decades.

Moses begs God to find someone else, but God refuses!

That's what makes this story so personal to me, not the miracles, but Moses's moment of doubt.

It’s a moment that is extremely relatable.

Moses has the audacity to say in Exodus 3:11, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?"

He makes excuses four times, even directly pleading, "Please send someone else."

His other three excuses were: "Who am I?", "What if they don't believe me?", and "I'm not a good speaker."

Each time, God responded with reassurance of a solution, not pity or a replacement.

God specifically chose Moses!

He led thousands of his people to the promised land.

I see so much of myself in Moses.

Not because I'm a great prophet, but because like Moses, I too can be stubborn about God's plans for me.

I remember times I've stood at a crossroads, knowing what God asked me to do but still asking God if He was sure.

Sometimes it was fear of failure.

Other times, I didn't want the discomfort of change.

God has a path for me, and at times I ask him to find someone else.

But I'm grateful that God gave me another chance to be obedient and fulfill His purpose for me.

Please don’t resist God's call.

Even when you feel unworthy or unprepared.

Like Moses, we were chosen by God so He can work through us.

He has greater things in store than we could ever imagine, so follow His lead!

G. Banks

I learned an interesting concept today.

Our relationship with God is conditional, but not in the way we may think.

The only condition is that we accept His love that He so desperately wants us to receive.

His love for us is constant and never changing.

Scripture reinforces this idea that God’s love is unwavering.

Here are a few reminders.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16, another reminder is in Lamentations 3:2.

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end.”

While God’s love for us is constant and never-changing, a true relationship with Him requires our response.

This is how His love is conditional.

Again, not because God withholds love, but because He honors our choice to receive or reject it.

God loves us an infinite amount, and yet, we still have to accept His love and love Him back.

It’s easy to think we have to earn God’s love by being good enough or doing more.

The truth is, His love comes first.

Our only role is to respond to it, not earn it.

The analogy in my devotional lesson goes like this.

God’s love is like the Sun in the summertime on a day without a cloud in the sky.

You can sit on the porch drinking some ice-cold lemonade, or you can sit in the basement playing video games.

We have to choose to accept the rays of the Sun (Son) just like we have to choose if we are going to love God or not.

His love for us doesn’t change, but we have to choose what relationship we want to have with him.

So, what will you choose today?

The basement or the porch?

God’s love is shining, waiting for the answer to the question.

Are we stepping into it?

-G. Banks

This holiday season, my family spent the night in the hospital when my son had a horrible virus-triggered asthma attack.

It started at home and before we knew it, we were at the urgent care on Christmas day and then transported to a room in the Children’s Hospital.

We only had to stay for one night, but early on in our stay, I believed we would only be there for a few hours.

I was confident we were going home.

I was wrong.

But thank God my parents were in town because knowing we didn’t eat, they brought us Christmas dinner packed well with plates and silverware to make sure we were comfortable and well nourished.

I found myself unable to eat at first because I couldn’t shake the feeling of being displaced.

This wasn’t where I was supposed to be.

Eating here felt like an attempt to make something familiar in a temporary place.

This feeling, I realized was placed in my heart as a lesson.

As a believer, I view this world for what it is.

This world is not my permanent home.

I’m just passing through, just like I was passing through this hospital room.

They knew I was hungry and kept encouraging me to eat, but all I was thinking about was getting my son healthy and going home. Immediately, I was reminded of Hebrews 13:14

I didn’t want to get comfortable. I was ready to forgo my cravings.

This hospital is not my home.

As I considered how I felt, I was reminded of the world we live in. Imperfect, troubled, and in need of hope. The outlook at times can seem grim. Between wars and rumors of wars, famine, drought, wildfires, and natural disasters. But why are we surprised? Because we are followers of Christ, we knew this would be the outcome.

While I sat in that hospital room, it became clear to me that while I longed for my physical home, it was the heavenly home that mattered most. Just as I waited to bring my son home, we must also wait for our true, eternal home. The trials of this world, however difficult are temporary.

This world is not our permanent home, and don’t you ever treat it like it is.

My son has an obsession with the Bible story of Samson.

At the time and maybe of all time, the world’s strongest man.

He killed a lion with his bare hands, caught 300 foxes and set them on fire, and even killed 1,000 Philistines using the jawbone of a Donkey.

Samson wasn’t strong for no reason, he was strong because God chose him as a Judge to deliver His people from the Philistines.

Such an enormous responsibility, and yet he was disobedient and arrogant.

Because of his arrogance over time, the Lord left Samson, and without God’s presence, Samson was broken and weak.

He let his impulses lead him into sin and destruction.

Further along in the story, Samson changes his attitude.

He understands that in his new weakness he is made perfect and strong while relying on God.

With his change in attitude, God was still able to use him to carry out His will.

As I reflect on Samson’s story, I remember God helping me to lead a bible study for the young adults in my church.

I was wrestling with doubts, overwhelmed by my flaws, and felt unqualified to lead others in Bible study.

I feared I would fail in front of others and be exposed for not knowing the Bible.

Before this bible study, I barely studied my bible plus I had my sins I was dealing with.

Like Samson, I too was broken.

I had been through many trials and thought I was no longer any use to God.

I’m not in the hall of faith like the heroes of Hebrew 11, but I still let God use me for his purpose.

Just because you don’t feel like you’re accomplishing the mighty feats of biblical heroes doesn’t mean God isn’t working through you.

Sometimes, His greatest work is done in the hidden moments.

Remember, if you’re broken you may be in a better place to be used by God.

“His grace is sufficient for us and His power is made perfect in our weakness.”

This surrender demonstrates that you need Him.

God helps those who REALIZE they can’t help themselves.

When we are broken and then “repaired” we become a trophy of God’s unwavering grace.

It could be for something you may see as trivial, but to God it’s everything.

I would encourage you to be willing to let him use you no matter where you are in your journey and watch a modern-day miracle happen before your eyes.

-G. Banks

I remember the first time I was denied a job.

I worked tirelessly preparing for my interview, believing this job was my ticket into adulthood, and my first big step toward independence.

Defeat and disappointment are the emotions that flowed through my mind.

I had invested so much into this goal.

I prayed and worked hard to secure what I believed was for me.

Yet I wasn’t successful.

At the time, I wish I was aware of this encouraging word From Isaiah 14:27

“For the Lord of hosts has purposed,

and who will annul it?

His hand is stretched out,

and who will turn it back?”

My interpretation?

No man can stop what God has set for each of us because God's plan for us is bigger than our immediate setbacks.

The context of this verse is God speaking through Isaiah.

He’s prophesying to the people of Israel that God has a plan and not even the great nations of the time can outsmart God.

If nations and armies can’t overturn what God has for his people then our current enemies are no match for the hand of God.

If God’s hand is unstoppable, then nothing can derail His purpose for our lives.

His plan will be fulfilled because all things work together for the good of those who love God and for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

But we must remember that our good may not be God’s good.

When things don’t go the way we want, remember that God has a long-term plan that includes our lives in Heaven.

The road may seem long and uncertain, but when we trust in God, every rejection, heartbreak, and hardship becomes a stepping stone toward a future we can’t yet see .

Be encouraged, because He already has worked it out for our good.

-G. Banks

I can only imagine what it's like to never walk again.

Over 50 years ago, one of my favorite uncles was paralyzed as a young man.

He fell from a tree in a tragic accident trying to save a stuck cat.

There was something special about my Uncle Pablo. (May he Rest in Peace).

He was prepared to take action.

He always had the coolest gadgets to help him with whatever he needed.

He drove by himself, navigated up and down a few stairs, and even had what my son would call a "grappling hook" to grab things that were too high on the the refrigerator.

He didn't let his disability define him.

But I imagine he would do almost anything to walk again.

Much like my uncle, who once had the freedom to walk, there is a man in the Bible who faced a similar disability

I imagine he too was once able to walk.

But now he was stuck by the Pool of Bethesda, waiting for a miracle.

The Pool of Bethesda was known as a place where miraculous healings occurred, attracting those who were desperate for hope.

He carried 38 years of desperation and during that time,

he went through different iterations of how he could be healed.

His only hope was to sit by this pool and pray for healing.

And yet, nothing ever happened.

Can you imagine the disappointment that settled in, day after day and year after year, as hope flickered like a distant candle?

One day Jesus approached the man, asking if he wanted to be healed.

The man gave an interesting answer.

He didn't say yes or no. He said, "While I try to heal myself, someone else beats me to it."

So now he had to keep trying.

Jesus does His thing like He always does.

He says, "Get up, take up your bed, and walk."

And the most impressive part?

The man doesn't hesitate.

He responds immediately to Jesus’ command.

He doesn't come up with a plan for how he's going to be carried to the pool.

His faith at that moment is strong enough to dismiss 38 years of failure.

His muscles and nerves had atrophied to the point of no return.

And in an instant, he was changed.

How often do we hear God's voice after struggling and try to work out solutions in our head to problems He's already solved?

My uncle Pablo didn’t get another opportunity to walk again, but it didn’t keep him from taking action when he heard God’s voice.

If we act in his will, we will be taken care of.

The math isn't always going to add up.

but when we hear God's voice telling us what to do, it's important to remember to take action over iteration.

-G. Banks

Subscribe now

The earth is a gift to us from God.

We should go out and enjoy it.

On this particular morning, I'm in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina.

Looking out into the distance, I can't help but think about the glory God has bestowed upon us in creating this world.

So often we take it for granted.

We hustle throughout the day and don't take the time to appreciate the Lord's greatness.

How can we change that?

By going outside and slowly taking in a breath of fresh air.

By taking a walk and literally "touching grass."

There's a current idea of living a slow life.

We can do this by not rushing, taking our time, and appreciating what God has made for us.

The mountains are a gift to explore, the ocean a gift to relax by, the fields a gift for sustenance, and the valleys a gift for protection.

Let's enjoy every aspect of God's creation.

It's His gift to us.

-G. Banks

Share

Subscribe now

I'd bet you want to be prosperous.

Success is a beautiful thing—it often brings a sense of healthy pride.

The feeling of success is fulfilling when we put genuine effort into something we believe in and receive a meaningful return.

What would you say is the surest way to become prosperous?

A common answer is earning lots of money through hard work.

However, prosperity isn't just about wealth; it encompasses emotional, relational, and spiritual well-being.

One historical example that embodies these principles is the story of Hezekiah, one of the kings of the Israelites.

Let's explore his tale.

Share

Hezekiah was tasked with restoring the temple to fulfill God's intended purpose.

In previous generations, the temple had been closed and treated without reverence.

He ordered his people to cleanse themselves and the temple from the filth that had overtaken the Holy Place.

This was a refreshing message, as most Israelites were worshipping idols at the time.

Hezekiah worked tirelessly to reconnect his people with God, which is why many regard him as the best king.

He always acted in his people's best interests, as guided by God.

To cleanse the temple and his people, he performed numerous sacrifices.

The scale of these sacrifices is astonishing—can you imagine offering almost 20,000 animals to prove your commitment to God's will?

Hezekiah did just that.

In our own lives, we may not be called to make literal sacrifices anymore, as Jesus' death on the cross eliminates that need.

However, we can reflect on what it means to invest time and effort into our commitments.

I often ponder my own goals and the sacrifices I make for them.

It's about dedication, just as Hezekiah demonstrated.

When doing a task for God, don't just go through the motions.

Put excellence into your work and enjoy the process.

Just as Hezekiah exemplified commitment and dedication, we too can approach our endeavors with the same spirit of excellence, leading to our prosperity.

Whatever God wants you to do, put your best foot forward, and you will prosper.

-G. Banks

Subscribe now

Be mindful of the words you use to describe your relationship with God.

It's important to understand why: by our fruits, they will know us.

I've heard a story from someone at my church about their attempt to share God's love and power with a friend.

The person sharing thought everything was going well until the friend receiving surprised them with a relevant question: "Why would I serve a God that doesn't bless you?

All you do is talk about your struggles and how miserable your life is.

If you served a God that loves you so much, why don't you ever talk about how He blesses you?"

What a reality check.

God doesn't operate like a fairy godmother, but He deserves so much more credit than we give Him.

How are we supposed to feel encouraged in our journey if the words out of our mouths are constantly negative?

How are we supposed to grow in faith if we don't dwell on the ways God has come through for us?

This life on earth is surely not perfect, but that's the result of sin—not because of God.

Jesus teaches us not to worry.

Even the birds of the air are taken care of. How much more, then, does our heavenly Father take care of us and provide everything we need? (Matt 6:26)

Dwelling on what God doesn't do for us, according to our standards, is selfish and brings nothing but resentment.

Focusing on what He has already done is the key to trusting Him and having peace.

How often do we put our trust in the things of this world, only to be let down and disappointed?

Money, fame, power, food, and other pleasures in all forms will go away.

They are fleeting.

Don't let them take over your mind, heart, and spirit.

God wants the best for us.

Be open and let Him show us what that looks like.

We as Christians are sometimes taught that it's righteous to be humble with our praise.

But when talking about God, don't use ordinary words—He deserves more.

-GB

“I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart;
    I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.”

Psalms 9:1

Share The Bible for Self Improvement

Ephesians 2:8-9

It took 945 days for Lewis Hamilton to win his next race.

When it comes to Formula 1, I’m a new fan.

The first season I watched was Max Verstappen’s maiden championship season.

December 5th, 2021 was the last time Lewis won.

945 Days until July 7th, 2024

What’s amazing is that Sir Lewis Hamilton is widely considered to be the best Formula I driver of all time.

And yet he couldn’t win a race in three years.

Formula I is as much a team sport as any sport I’ve ever seen.

Thousands of engineers, mechanics, designers, and manufacturers spend their careers tweaking and improving on an ever-improving formula to make the car drive as fast as possible in straights and turns.

But like every sport, there are a set of regulations about what components the car must have to be legal to race.

Many think this type of racing depends on how well you can drive, but that assumption is why there can be such a gap between race wins.

If your car doesn’t drive well, it doesn’t matter who is behind the wheel.

You won’t win.

The driving effort can be tremendous but still, it may yield a 5th place finish.

This reminds me of Ephesians 2:8

“For grace you have been saved through faith…and this is not your own doing; It is the gift of God”

I know it’s a stretch to compare being saved to the success in Formula 1, but Lewis’ driving reminds me of ourselves.

We may be the most obedient Christians of all time, and yet we can do nothing to save ourselves.

Just like there is nothing Lewis could have done to make his car go half a second faster on the straight section of the race track.

Even though we can’t save ourselves, it’s still important to put our best effort forward in doing the best for God because we love him.

All the good in life we do is fantastic, but can’t be enough on its own.

Lewis is a fantastic driver and he snapped his 945-day streak with excellent driving, but mostly because of his team.

Unless we are one of the “top 20” Christians in the world, we can’t compare our Christianity to the driving of Lewis Hamilton.

How lucky we are that being a Christian isn’t a competition!

Because with God we will always win the ultimate prize.

Not through ourselves, but because of what God has already done to save us

-G. Banks

Share The Bible for Self Improvement

Self-esteem is a tremendous issue in our lifetime.

Many factors contribute to how we view ourselves.

First, it was keeping up with the Jones, a phenomenon as old as Cain and Abel (jealousy).

Most recently we have forms of media.

Magazines, Television, and Social.

All of these distractions are easy to recognize and though social media does many things I disagree with, there is nothing new under the sun.

Worse than the influences that sway our self-worth, one power is stronger than the rest.

There is someone who can affect our self-esteem more than any outside influence and that is the Devil himself.

He comes in acting as if he’s in control.

The problem is that if we aren’t careful, he can make us feel as if we are worthless.

And it’s a lie from the pits of Hell. (All the puns intended)

There is a reminder in the Bible’s penultimate book that supports the idea that if you lean on God, He can also help you with your self-esteem.

Jude 1:24

“Now unto Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of His Glory with great Joy.”

Imagine that, someone to catch us every time we are destined to fall.

Relying on God to keep us focused on being the best version of ourselves is not easy,

but it’s simple.

When we stumble, He will pick us back up.

The self-esteem that we crave can only come from Him.

Don’t let the Devil trick you into thinking you’re worthless.

God’s got us and we are made perfect with Him.

So let Him take control.

Sorry guys.

Unfortunately, this isn’t written in the Bible.

We’ve all heard this phrase when others want to encourage us to get to work to receive God’s blessing.

We ask for something from God and figure the best thing to do is to lift ourselves by our bootstraps.

We believe that only then will God bless our efforts no matter what they are.

Even though this phrase isn’t in the bible specifically I think there is a story that demonstrates how we can act in faith knowing that God has already helped us.

The people of Israel had just been freed from captivity.

They had crossed the Red Sea.

A tough journey I must admit.

But the people of Israel came to a crossroads.

The land that God promised for them was inhabited.

And they got scared!

Of the 12 spies sent into the promised land, only two came back confident that God would keep his promise.

The English Standard Version describes their response as grumbling (Num. 14:27).

God has brought us all this way just for us to die here in the wilderness when we could have just died in Egypt!

They were disobedient and God was fed up.

He told them to kick rocks and walk around the wilderness for 40 years since they thought He didn’t have their best interest at heart.

The Israelites then tried to change their mind and fight “In the name of the Lord”.

And they lost.

They thought that God helps those who help themselves.

But the reality is that God doesn’t need you to help yourself.

He wants you to act on how He has already helped you as a faith-building exercise.

God didn’t need the Israelites to fight.

He wanted them to fight as an example that He has their backs.

According to the spies, the people in the promised land were like Giants.

What better way for God to continue to show his grace, mercy, and love than this?

Save you from slavery in Egypt, Cross the Red Sea, and fight foes 3 times your size?

It’s true, God doesn’t help those who help themselves.

But rather,

God helps those who rely on His help AND act on his promises.

This is an endless circle because you can know his promises without hearing his voice.

And you won’t hear his voice as clearly as you can if you don’t spend time with him.

Spend time with God.

Listen for his voice.

He will take care of you.

Don’t help yourself and then ask God to bless you.

Ask for God’s blessing and watch him help you fulfill His will.

Like the Lord’s prayer says,

Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will be done.

I challenge us all to surrender to God’s help so that He can help us accomplish what He has for us.

G. Banks

I drove nine hours to Ohio and thought I was going to miss the eclipse.

I stared out the window that morning panicking because all I could see were thick clouds.

How disappointing!

My wife kept me calm throughout the day and encouraged me that the weather forecast was showing clear skies when it mattered most.

I’ll save the suspense.

At 3:15 pm at Mosquito Lake Park, OH I experienced totality.

And to be in the path it was all worth it.

Many have since questioned if making the trip provided a difference in what we saw.

The short answer? Yes!

We had to travel this far to be 100% in the path of totality.

Because being only 98% of the way there wouldn’t cut it.

Not if you wanted the experience millions across the country had.

Seeing a total eclipse in the path of totality is like nothing you will ever experience.

Others I’ve talked to also say it’s indescribable but I’ll do my best.

A partial eclipse is a special moment because of the rarity of the event.

But I must say that totality and a partial eclipse are as different as listening to someone play chopsticks versus sitting front row at a Beyonce Concert.

Not even the same event.

Most are curious about what it feels like to go completely dark.

A surreal experience I must admit.

But a few other phenomena stuck with me.

When the total eclipse started, it took me by surprise. I was struck with a feeling of awe.

Respect,

Fear,

Wonder

Are my eyes deceiving me?

Am I really seeing what I’m seeing?

Is this real?

This picture that I’ve chosen to share from NASA shows my favorite part of the eclipse in detail.

The white rays of light surrounding the sun are just as visible to the naked eye.

Not only are they visible, but the rays of light are LITERALLY dancing around the sun.

They extend 5 million miles above the sun’s surface and move as if the wind were blowing the petals of a large flower.

(I’ve since learned that this is the Sun’s atmosphere. How cool!)

So here I am witnessing the Sun’s atmosphere and solar flares and temperature change and total darkness all with my family.

A life-changing experience that I had to intentionally travel to this location to witness.

As we were sitting in traffic on the Pennsylvania Turnpike my mind started to wander.

And I got a longing to see the eclipse again.

I immediately declared that at the very least I would see the next one in America in Miami in 20+ years.

That was a given.

But I started wanting to see it more often.

It reminded me of how we ought to long for Jesus and his imminent return.

The white coming off the sun was as pure a white as you could ever imagine.

It gave me a glimpse of the light that will surround Jesus as he burst through the clouds to save us and the explosions gave me a glimpse of the Angels that will accompany him.

This experience was life-changing and I want everyone to have this opportunity.

Here is the kicker though.

Just like I had to be intentional to go view this natural phenomenon.

We too have to be intentional.

We won’t be able to witness this AWE-some experience of Jesus coming back if we aren’t intentional in getting to know him and yearning for his love.

Don’t travel 98% of the way with Jesus.

Just like the eclipse. If you’re not in the narrow path you’ll miss the experience.

G. Banks

Share

Subscribe now

P.S. Here are some pictures from the trip