Author: Kevin Burrell

In the dry deserts of the Southwest, there are seasons when something truly miraculous happens. Every few years, after abundant winter rains, the seemingly barren desert explodes with color and life, as millions of wildflowers emerge from the dry, cracked soil. What was once lifeless and desolate suddenly becomes a tapestry of beauty and abundance. When the environment and conditions are just right, the seeds lying dormant for months or even years suddenly spring to life.

In a similar way, this is a picture of our spiritual lives. Just like the desert flowers, we all carry seeds of potential within us—gifts, talents, abilities, and spiritual fruit waiting to grow. However, these seeds only grow when we place ourselves in the right environments. Just as a super bloom is sparked by the right environment and nourishing rains, our spiritual growth flourishes when we intentionally place ourselves in environments that encourage and foster our faith to grow.

Jesus often spoke of growth in terms of soil. In the Parable of the Sower, He explains that seeds sown on good soil yield an abundant harvest (Matthew 13:8). In the same way, our souls need to be planted in “good soil”—healthy spiritual environments where our faith can be watered, nurtured, and cultivated.

So, in a practical sense, what does this look like? It means surrounding ourselves with people who encourage us in the Lord. It means being devoted to managing our time for daily prayer, reading and meditating on God’s Word, and carving out time to worship God in private and in public. It means choosing to be in fellowship with other believers who spur us on toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24). These are the “rains” that awaken the dormant seeds of our spiritual lives, transforming what once was dry and desolate into a spiritual life that is vibrant and alive.

Listen closely: Just as the desert super bloom doesn’t happen every year, spiritual growth can take time. You may go through seasons of waiting, where it feels like nothing is happening. However, you must continue to work while you wait. When you trust God’s timing and remain in healthy environments of spiritual growth, the Spirit of God will bring forth life. Even in the desert places of your life, God can cause a super bloom of faith, hope, and love to blossom.

I remind you today to evaluate and consider the environments you are intentionally placing yourself in. Are you rooted in places where your faith is being nourished, cultivated, and fed? If not, seek out environments of spiritual growth where the Word of God, the people of God, and the Spirit of God are present. Intentionally place yourself in these environments for spiritual growth. If you do, God promises that in due season, you will experience a super bloom of spiritual growth in your life. Never forget the law of the harvest:

“You reap what you sow, you reap more than you sow, and you reap later than you sow.”

That is a “Super Bloom!”

One morning, an 83-year-old man was ordering his breakfast at his local McDonald’s drive-thru. A young lady in the car behind him leaned on her horn, started mouthing rude comments, and gave the old man the “Hawaiian Good Luck” sign with her middle finger because she felt he was taking too long to place his order. When the old man pulled up to the first window, he paid for her order along with his own. As they moved up in the line, the cashier told the young woman about the kind gesture the man had done for her.

The young woman, feeling guilty by this time, leaned out of her window and waved to the man, mouthing, “Thank you!”—obviously embarrassed that the man had repaid her rudeness with kindness. When the old man got to the second window, he showed the server both receipts—and took the woman’s bag of food too. Now the young woman had to go back to the end of the line and start all over again.

The moral of the story: Don’t blow your horn at old people—they have been around a long time.

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the simple yet profound act of kindness. However, as followers of Christ, we are called to be reflections of His love—and one of the most tangible ways to do this is through the characteristic of kindness. Jesus showed kindness throughout His ministry—whether He was healing the sick, feeding the hungry, or simply spending time with those who were outcast and overlooked. His actions were rooted in love and compassion, setting an example for us to follow.

Kindness is more than just being polite; it’s a powerful expression of God’s love in action. Because “Love IS Action.” It’s a smile to a stranger, a listening ear to a friend in need, a word of encouragement to someone who is discouraged, or a helping hand to someone struggling. When we show kindness, we create a ripple effect of hope and healing in a world that desperately needs it.

Listen closely: Showing kindness requires humility and selflessness. It means putting others’ interests before your own—even when it’s inconvenient. It’s about seeing the needs of others and being willing to step in with love, just as Jesus did. And while your actions may seem small, they have the potential to make a profound impact.

Ponder the following two questions:

• What ‘tangible action step’ can you take to show kindness to someone in your life today?
• Are there people you find difficult to be kind to? If so, ask God to soften your heart and help you see them through His eyes.

Show kindness today!

In the heart of a dark forest, hidden from the world of the living, resides an amusement park unlike any other—Satan’s Amusement Park. It isn’t a place of mere frights or tricks; it is a paradise of forbidden pleasures, designed to indulge every craving. Above is a sign that flickers in crimson light: “Welcome to Sinful Delights.”

No tickets are needed for this amusement park; it’s free admission. Simply an open invitation to step inside. That’s what draws people in. Those who enter find themselves irresistibly drawn to the rides, each one tailored to exploit their deepest vices. People melt away in the warm haze of satisfaction, enjoying all the rides and indulging in unbridled fun, food, and drink for as long as they desire.

And so it goes, day after day, week after week, and month after month. The park is a kingdom of vices, and everyone is a willing subject. The laughter, the screams, the music—it all blends into a symphony of sin that seems to last forever. No one worries about the time because, in Satan’s Amusement Park, there is no closing hour, no warning bell, no sign of the fun coming to an end.

However, all things must eventually end. The guests stagger toward the exit, exhausted yet satisfied. But when exiting, they’re met with the sight of a small, unassuming booth. A figure sits inside, cloaked in shadows, with only the glowing embers of its eyes visible through the darkness. A sign above the booth reads:

“Payment Due Upon Exit.”

Confused, the guests approach, expecting a nominal fee. As they hand over their wallets, the figure behind the booth shakes its head slowly, the embers of its eyes flaring brighter. The evil voice says, “It’s not money I’m after. The rides are free, but the cost is steep.”

One by one, they realize what is being asked of them. The fee is not in dollar bills, but in pieces of themselves. Each one pays their dues with the cost of their soul. Their joy turns to despair as they realize the true price of their pleasures. They leave the park forever marked by their time in Satan’s Amusement Park. The evil voice says, “Thank you for visiting. Come again if you dare.”

Satan’s Amusement Park stands silent once more, waiting, always hungry for the next wave of souls eager to pay the price for their lifestyle of sin and their rejection of Jesus Christ—not at the start, but at the bitter, inevitable end.

Listen closely: Sin will take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and charge you more than you are willing to pay. Yes, sin can be enjoyable “for a season.” But payment is always due when you leave Satan’s Amusement Park.

Ephesians 6:11-18 reminds us how to identify and respond to Satan’s game plan against us:

• Satan is constantly scheming against us! (6:11)
• Know who the real enemy is! (6:12)
• We are told to “stand” four times! (6:11, 13, 14)
• We must find our strength in the Lord and His power! (6:10)
• We must guard our hearts, minds, and lives with the full armor of God in Christ Jesus! (6:14-18)

Take heart! “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.”

A couple, married for 15 years, began having more frequent disagreements in their relationship. They wanted to make their marriage work and agreed on an idea the wife suggested. For one month, they planned to drop a slip of paper in a “Fault” box. The boxes would provide a place to let the other know about daily irritations. The wife was diligent in her efforts and approach: “leaving the jelly top off the jar,” “wet towels on the shower floor,” “dirty socks not put in the hamper,” “toilet paper placed on the holder the wrong way”—on and on it went until the end of the month.

After dinner, at the end of the month, the couple exchanged boxes. The husband reflected on what he had done wrong. Then the wife opened her box and began reading. They were all the same; the message on each slip read, “I love you!”

It’s a fact: relationships can be messy! Whether it’s with a spouse, child, parent, family member, friend, coach, teammate, work colleague, or neighbor, we all face relational tensions and challenges in our lives. No age, gender, religion, church, occupation, or country is immune to this. Often, it’s a love-hate relationship. However, as Christians, we have a responsibility to be good stewards and managers of the relationships in our lives.

The Apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 12:18:
“If possible, as far as it depends on you, live in peace with everyone.”

Listen closely: don’t skim over that first sentence. “If possible, as far as it depends on you.” Christ-dependent, Christ-exalting humility thinks about what honors others. It rejoices with those who rejoice. It weeps with those who weep. It hurts with those who hurt. It doesn’t repay evil for evil. It blesses those who persecute. It loves peace! However, we can’t guarantee that there will always be peace. That’s okay. You’re not held accountable for the other person’s response—whether they forgive or not—but you are held accountable for obeying God and His word.

Always remember: great doors of opportunity often swing on the hinges of obedience.

“If possible, as far as it depends on you, live in peace with everyone.”

One afternoon, Satan was having a yard sale. On several tables, he spread out all of his favorite tools and placed prices on each one of them. The first buyer purchased a sparkling, well-kept tool labeled “anger” for $200. The second buyer bought a slightly worn “jealousy” tool for $350. The third buyer purchased the well-used “lust” tool for $1,000. All day long, people came and went.

Near the end of the day, a man saw an old tool lying on a table in the back row all by itself. It was rusted and worn, the hinges squeaked, and the handle was partly broken, but the price tag was exorbitant. The asking price was $1 million.

The prospective buyer asked Satan, “Why is this tool so costly?”

“Ahh,” replied Satan, “that is my most effective, powerful, and often-used weapon—and I hesitate to let it go. I’ve learned that Christians can eventually get over almost all of my other tools. They can recover from lust, greed, anger, jealousy, and envy. However, this tool works quietly, without them being aware I am using it. I can slip it in and keep them defeated for a lifetime.”

“What is the name of the tool?” the buyer asked.

“The tool is ‘Discouragement,'” Satan hissed. “I remind them of their sins, their past, and their failures. I remind them how weak they truly are, and they never even know what I am doing.”

Listen closely: do not allow Satan to continue using this tool against you. Rather, we must have the same attitude as Paul: “I press on!” Your sins and failures have been forgiven. You’ve been bought with a price. The power of sin no longer reigns over you. Christ is your strength where you are weak! If you have received Jesus by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, then you are a child of the living God. No weapon formed against you will prosper. Satan is a liar and the father of lies. Your old life has been nailed to the cross, and all of your past, present, and future sins have been “Paid in Full.” It is finished!

When Satan reminds you of your past, you remind him of his future. “Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things here below.” Lock eyes with Jesus and walk towards Him.

Live in victory today!

It was a bright, sunny afternoon at the local park. Zach, my son, was about four years old at the time and a bundle of high energy. On this particular day, Zach was more daring than usual. He climbed up the ladder, higher and higher, his little hands and feet moving with determination. He paused at the top, turning to look at me with a mischievous grin that told me he was about to do something unexpected.

“Dad, catch me!” he called out suddenly, his voice a mix of excitement and challenge. Before I could even fully process his words, Zach had launched himself off the ladder, a tiny blur of motion hurtling through the air.

Time seemed to slow down for a moment. I could feel my heart race, my mind flashing with the countless things that could go wrong. But just as quickly as he had jumped, I moved forward and caught him, scooping him up safely in my arms. His laughter filled the air, as if this was the most normal thing in the world. I held him close, with a mix of relief and amazement.

“Zach, why did you jump like that?” I asked, trying to keep my voice calm despite the rush of adrenaline still coursing through me.

With full trust and confidence, he gave me a simple yet profound answer that I would never forget.

“Because you’re my dad,” he said, as if that explained everything. And in that moment, it did.
To him, being his dad meant that I was his safety net, his protector, the person who would always be there no matter what. Zach didn’t need a reason beyond that—just the unwavering belief that I would never let him fall.

In a similar way, life can often feel overwhelming, with circumstances that challenge our faith and test our patience. In moments of uncertainty, it’s easy to let our emotions take the driver’s seat and allow our circumstances to dictate our decision-making.

However, Proverbs 3:5-6 calls us to a higher standard: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.”

When faced with challenges, our natural response might be to rely on our own logic, emotions, past experiences, or even the advice of others. While there is value in wisdom and counsel, this passage reminds us that true guidance comes from surrendering our understanding and trusting fully in God’s sovereignty. Our circumstances are ever-changing; however, God remains constant, faithful, and unchanging.

Trusting in the Lord requires us to acknowledge Him in all our ways—not just when it’s convenient, not just in the big decisions, but in the small, everyday moments as well. It’s in these moments that we practice faith, choosing to trust God’s plan over our feelings. When we acknowledge Him, we are invited to step back from the chaos of our emotions and circumstances and let God take control. He promises to make our paths straight, guiding us through the uncertainties of life.

Are there areas in your life where you’ve been letting your circumstances dictate your decisions or emotions? Take a moment to identify those situations and bring them before God in prayer. Ask Him to help you trust in His wisdom over your own understanding. Whenever you feel overwhelmed by a decision or situation, pause in that moment and ask the Lord for His guidance.

Take a moment to acknowledge Him, surrender your understanding, and trust that He is leading you.

Remember, your circumstances do not define you—God does!

He will show you which path to take.

Last week, after finishing my lunch and paying my bill, I asked my server if there was anything I could pray about for her. She immediately teared up and said, “Yes, sir, there is so much hate and division in our families, our nation, and our world today. Honestly, I’m fearful and afraid.”

The sovereignty of God placed me there on that specific day, at that specific time, and in that specific moment to connect with that young lady. She had a need, and God used me to fill that need. If we’re truthful, we don’t fully understand why God allows so much division, hatred, and hopelessness in our world today. If we’re honest, we can’t see God’s sovereign hand at work behind it all. And the truth is, neither could Job. In Job 38, God delivers a verbal rebuke to Job about His sovereignty, leaving Job speechless. I strongly encourage you to read Job 38 and 39 for yourself—it will leave you speechless as well.

The Book of Job helps us understand the following: As a child of God, Satan cannot bring financial and physical destruction upon us unless it is by God’s permission. It must be sifted through the hands of God the Father and God the Son before it ever touches our lives. God has power over what Satan can and cannot do. It is beyond our human ability to fully grasp, comprehend, and understand the “whys” behind all the suffering, evil, and division in the world. The wicked will receive their just due. However, we cannot always blame suffering and sin on our lifestyles. Suffering may sometimes be allowed in our lives to purify, test, teach, or strengthen us. However, God remains enough, and He deserves and demands our love, loyalty, submission, and praise in all circumstances of life.

The Book of Job reminds us that there is a “cosmic conflict” going on behind the scenes that we know nothing about. We can’t see it, but it exists. One of those conflicts is a relentless battle for the eternal souls of mankind. We often wonder why God allows things to happen. We question or doubt God’s goodness without seeing the full picture. However, the Book of Job teaches us to trust God under all circumstances. We must trust God not only when we do not understand, but because we do not understand.

The psalmist tells us, “As for God, His way is perfect” (Psalms 18:30). If God’s ways are “perfect” (and they are), then we can trust that whatever He does and whatever He allows is also perfect. This may not seem possible to us, but our minds are not God’s mind. His ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not our thoughts. Nevertheless, our responsibility to God is to obey Him, trust Him, and submit our will to His will, whether we understand it or not.

Trust in the sovereignty of God! He is in complete control of our world. He knows every detail of your life, and He is writing your story—don’t steal His pen.

I remember it well! It was March 13, 1993, when one of the most powerful storms hit the Atlanta, Georgia, metro area. In its path, the storm left 15 dead in Georgia—and hundreds more throughout the East Coast. It brought four inches of snow to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and dropped even more snow and ice the farther north you went—including as much as three feet of snow in parts of north Georgia. The storm caused $5.5 billion in damage and resulted in the most weather-related flight cancellations ever. The violent storm closed nearly all interstate highways from Atlanta to the Northeast. It shut down every major airport on the East Coast at one time or another. All you could do was hunker down and ride out the storm.

In a similar way, we encounter storms in life as well. It’s not a matter of “IF” but “WHEN” the storm hits our lives. And how prepared we are will make a huge difference. We go through financial storms, physical storms, coaching storms, relational storms, marriage storms, occupational storms, family storms, political storms, and spiritual storms.

In Mark 6:49-50, Jesus noticed the disciples were in distress. They were in the middle of a large lake, where the wind and waves were pounding their boat and keeping them from making any progress. They were terrified! At that very moment, Jesus walked out to them on the water. Don’t miss that! He met them right in the middle of their storm. Jesus gave them this challenge: He said, “Do not be afraid.” He reassured them, saying, “It is I.” You see, the name of God is “I AM,” not “I Was,” “I Will Be,” or “I Hope to Be.”

When Jesus says, “I AM,” He is saying, “I AM whatever it is you’re going through right at this moment, and you do not need to be afraid.” You do not need to fret, worry, doubt, fear, or sweat it. He is God, and we are not. He spoke the world into existence, and He created you. Therefore, He is big enough to handle your storm. Simply obey Him and trust Him.

If you’re going through a storm, you don’t need a job, you need Jesus. You don’t need a plan, you need a person. You don’t need a system, you need a Savior. You don’t need a new goal, you need the Great “I AM.” You need Jesus! When you’re in the middle of a storm, remember that God is not distant, apathetic, or uninvolved. He is right there in the middle of your storm. He is the Great “I AM,” and He will walk with you through your storm. Fix your eyes on Jesus and walk toward Him today.

Have you ever thought about the influence and weight of your words?  Imagine with me for a moment.  If you knew exactly one week from today that you’re going to die and go out into eternity, what would you say for the next seven days?  How would you talk?  What would be your “famous last words?”  Would your words leave a lasting mark on the lives of people that you rub shoulders with at work or do life with every day?  Would your words build up or tear down?  Would your words encourage or discourage?  Would your words leave a ripple effect long after you’re gone?  Below are some famous words:

“It is well, I die hard, but I am not afraid to go.” – George Washington, U.S. President

“Mr. Gorbachev tear down this wall!”

US President, Ronald Reagan

“Happy anniversary. I love you.”

Vince Lombardi

“When you come to a fork in the road, take it.” Yogi Berra

“Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” U.S. President, JFK.

In the verse above, the Apostle Paul is getting ready to die.  He knew his time was imminent.  So, he wrote a letter to Timothy, his beloved son in the faith.  It was his “famous last words.”  I encourage you to read the entire chapter when time allows.  The truth is that the greatest destroyer of relationships is an uncontrolled mouth.  Harsh words.  Cutting words.  Condescending words.  Discouraging words.  I read recently that the average person has 30 conversations each day.  If true, that means we spend approximately one-fifth of our lives talking.  At some point, our mouths will likely get us into trouble.  The odds are stacked against us!

Listen closely:  You have no idea the day or the hour you will die.  However, death is certain.  Therefore choose your words wisely.  Instead of heading in a destructive direction, choose to use your words to build others up.  Catch people doing something right and tell them about it.  Affirm their character when they make wise choices and decisions.  Lift them up with words of encouragement when you see them living a life of obedience.  Offer words of hope.  Building others up with your words isn’t difficult, but it is intentional.  Above all else, use your words to share Jesus with others.  When you do, you’re reflecting God’s glory to a dark, evil, and hopeless world all around you. 

What “Famous Last Words” will you be known for?

The 2024 Summer Olympics just wrapped up this past weekend. After a damp start during the opening ceremonies, the Paris Olympic games recovered nicely and were an incredible hit among worldwide viewers. For most spectators, the Olympics is a display of the highest level of athletic skill and competition. For many Christian athletes, they also provide an opportunity to express their faith to each other and to the world. One such athlete is Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, who has made her Christian testimony widely known through numerous interviews and in her book, Far Beyond Gold: Running from Fear to Faith.

“I credit all that I do to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He’s given me a gift, a drive, and a platform to glorify Him, so whenever I step on the track, I pray that God will allow me to be the vessel through which He is glorified, no matter the result. It’s about how I conduct myself and how I carry myself, not just how I perform. There is freedom in knowing that regardless of what happens, the Lord is going to get the praise through me. That’s why I do what I do.”

Sydney gets it! She clearly understands her “Why.” We get one shot in our life on earth to live in a way that brings honor and glory to Jesus Christ. As Rick Warren famously said, “It’s not about you!”

If you’re a coach, then you’re a minister in disguise as a coach. If you’re a scout, then you’re a minister in disguise as a scout. If you’re an athlete, then you’re a minister in disguise as an athlete. Whatever you do, whatever profession you work in, never forget: you’re a minister in disguise as a (fill in your blank) _________!

Paul admonished Timothy, and he is admonishing you and me as well: “Preach the word! Be ready to do it whether it is convenient or inconvenient. Correct, confront, and encourage with patience and instruction.”

Live the life! Let your life shine for Christ. But even more importantly, step up, speak up, and tell your story about how Jesus intersected your life for eternity. Know your “Why.”

Remember:

“You’re a minister in disguise as a ________!”