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đż Wellness Warriors: Who We Are and What We Stand For
In todayâs fast-paced world, itâs easy to get caught up in the hustle and neglect the most important thing we haveâour health. Thatâs where Wellness Warriors comes in. We are more than just a community; we are a movement of individuals committed to living well, staying balanced, and supporting one another on the journey toward lasting health and vitality.
đŞ Who We Are
Wellness Warriors is a group of health-conscious individuals who believe that wellness isnât a one-time achievement, but a daily practice. We are people of different ages, backgrounds, and lifestyles who share a common mission: to make healthier choices every day and inspire others to do the same.
Our name says it allâwe are warriors for our own health. We face challenges head-on, whether thatâs managing stress, staying active, improving our nutrition, or maintaining mental clarity. And just like warriors, we donât fight aloneâwe stand side by side, encouraging one another to keep going.
đą What We Stand For
At our core, Wellness Warriors is built on five guiding values:
1 Holistic Health â We believe in caring for the whole person: mind, body, and spirit. True wellness means balance in all areas of life.
2 Community Support â Together, we are stronger. We lift each other up, share our experiences, and celebrate victoriesâbig or small.
3 Sustainable Living â We value habits and practices that support long-term health, not quick fixes.
4 Positive Mindset â We embrace optimism and gratitude as powerful tools for mental and emotional well-being.
5 Growth & Learning â We stay open to new knowledge, wellness practices, and ways to improve ourselves.
𼌠What We Do to Stay Healthy
Wellness Warriors is more than just a nameâitâs a lifestyle. We commit to practices that keep us thriving, and while everyoneâs journey looks different, here are some of the ways we stay healthy together:
1.
Nutritious Eating
We fuel our bodies with wholesome foodsâfresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. We share recipes, meal-prepping tips, and encouragement to choose foods that nourish instead of drain us.
2.
Staying Active
Movement is medicine. Some of us love walking, others prefer yoga, weight training, or dance. Whatever the form, we celebrate staying active as a key to strong bodies and sharp minds.
3.
Mental Wellness
We take mental health seriously. Wellness Warriors practice mindfulness, journaling, prayer, meditation, and gratitude exercises. A healthy mind is just as important as a healthy body.
4.
Self-Care Rituals
We donât just push hardâwe also rest and recharge. Whether itâs skincare routines, relaxing baths, or unplugging from social media, we honor the need to pause and care for ourselves.
5.
Accountability & Encouragement
Most importantly, we hold each other accountable. We share our progress, cheer one another on, and provide the gentle push needed when motivation fades.
đ Why It Matters
Being a Wellness Warrior isnât about perfectionâitâs about progress. We know life comes with ups and downs, but we choose to rise every time. Each healthy choice we make builds resilience, and each step forward inspires someone else to take their own.
Together, we stand as proof that wellness is not just a goalâitâs a lifestyle worth fighting for.
⨠Final Word
At Wellness Warriors, we believe health is wealth, and true strength comes from within. By standing together, supporting each other, and committing to daily healthy practices, we are shaping not only our own lives but also inspiring those around us.
We are strong.
We are balanced.
We are resilient.
We are Wellness Warriors.
Adapted from the ESV Men’s and ESV Women’s Devotional Bibles
The high point of the Sermon on the Mount may be Matthew 6:33:
âSeek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.â
But first, Jesus engages the gods that keep us from seeking the kingdom: reputation (vv. 1â4, 16â18), wealth (vv. 19â24), and security (vv. 25â32).
The section on wealth concludes not with a command, âDonât serve money,â but with a choice: âNo one can serve two masters. ⌠You cannot serve God and moneyâ (v. 24). Jesus speaks to disciples who have chosen God: having taken that step of faith, they need not be anxious about material things like food or clothing (v. 25). The command âDo not be anxiousâ (or âDonât worryâ) appears in the beginning, middle, and end of this passage (vv. 25, 31, 34).
Jesus explains why disciples shouldnât worry:
1. We shouldnât worry because, âis not life more than foodâ (v. 25). Since God cares for all parts of life, he surely cares for our material needs.
2. Since God cares for his lesser creatures, such as birds, he surely cares for us, his children (v. 26).
3. Worry accomplishes nothing. It canât lengthen life and may shorten it (v. 27).
4. God adorns flowers with unmatched beauty, and he clothes grass faithfully. Flowers and grass are symbols of the brevity and fragility of life (Isa. 40:7). Life is fragile, but if God cares for plants, he will protect us, despite our little faith.
Jesusâ disciples have faith, but their worry proves the weakness of their faith. Great faith comes not by looking inward, to the believing self, but by looking upward, to God. By faith we stop thinking like pagans, filled with anxiety about food and clothing. Pagans, thinking like orphans, worry. Disciples, thinking like children, relax.
Anxiety may not always be sinful. Itâs wrong to tally our worries or let them congeal into one mass of anxiety (1 Pet. 5:7), but Paul had a proper anxiety (same Greek word) for all his churches (2 Cor. 11:28). Paul felt concerned, but he apparently saw his anxiety as a problem, not as a sin. There is a form of concern that is not sinful, as we take that concern to God.
Then, as faith quiets our fears, we find Godâs will and follow it. We may plan for tomorrowâs food, but we donât worry, knowing the Father supplies every need. Liberated from worry, we seek his kingdom and righteousness.
â Written by Dan Doriani
Access more Devotional teachings for your time in God’s Word with the ESV Men’s and ESV Women’s
I shared this article because it is filled with wisdom, and knowledge. We live in a world where we experience stress, depression, worry, and anxiety. Jesus doesnât want us to worry about unnecessary things like what we will eat, or what we will drink, or wear. God provides everything we need just as He provides for the birds of the air, and the flowers in the fields, are we not more important than they? We are important to God. We are His creation. He loves us more than our minds can fathom. It is all right to be concerned about something or someone, but to worry is a sin. What do we have to worry about that God cannot handle? What do we have to fear that God canât protect us from? Nothing. Thatâs right, Nothing. God is all-powerful. He holds the whole world in His hands, and what makes us think that He wonât provide for us, and protect us? We are loved beyond recognition and that will never change. Godâs love and provision for us endures forever. With that being said, and as always, thank you for joining me on my journey with Food for the Soul. Have a blessed week in the Lord.đđžâ¤ď¸âď¸
Adapted from the Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary
I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, âI am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing,â not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. âRevelation 3:14-17
For years, many of us have misunderstood what Jesus meant when He called the Laodicean church “lukewarm.”
We’ve been taught that being “hot” means being passionate for God, “cold” means being hostile to God, and “lukewarm” describes Christians who are spiritually apathetic or halfhearted. But this interpretation misses the profound geographic and cultural context that would have been crystal clear to the original audience.
This is why understanding the background of the Bible is so important.
The Water Crisis of Laodicea
Picture the wealthy city of Laodicea, boasting of its resources and self-sufficiency. Yet beneath this prosperity lay a fundamental problem that every citizen lived with daily: their water was utterly useless.
Just six miles north, the city of Hierapolis was famous for its hot mineral springs. These steaming waters cascaded down white travertine cliffs, creating natural therapeutic baths that drew people from across the region. Hot water had a purpose: it healed, it cleansed, it restored.
Eleven miles to the east, Colossae was renowned for its cold, pure mountain waters. Crystal clear and refreshing, these waters satisfied thirst and revived weary travelers. Cold water had purpose: it refreshed, it satisfied, it gave life.
But what about Laodicea, you might ask?
Despite all their wealth, they had to pipe in their water through Roman aqueducts from springs five miles away. By the time this mineral-heavy water reached the city, it arrived (you guessed it) lukewarm: too cool for therapeutic bathing, too warm for a refreshing drink. Archaeological evidence still shows us the calcified pipes, thick with lime deposits, a testament to water that served no useful purpose.

Image of calcified water pipes at Laodicea from the Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary
The Real Meaning of Lukewarm
When Jesus said, “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot,” He wasn’t expressing a preference for spiritual hostility over spiritual apathy. He was using a metaphor every Laodicean would instantly understand.
Their lukewarm water was useless: it couldn’t heal like the hot springs of Hierapolis, and it couldn’t refresh like the cold streams of Colossae. It was functionally worthless, good for nothing except to be spat out in disgust.
Jesus wasn’t talking about the temperature of their passion. He was talking about the effectiveness of their faith.
Useless Christianity
The Laodicean Christians weren’t lacking zeal; they were lacking impact. Their works were barren and ineffective. Like their city’s lukewarm water, their faith served no useful purpose. It didn’t bring healing to the broken like hot water, and it didn’t bring refreshment to the spiritually thirsty like cold water.
These believers probably attended church regularly. They likely participated in religious activities. But their Christianity was functionally useless. It didn’t transform lives, didn’t meet needs, didn’t advance God’s kingdom, and didn’t reflect His character to a watching world.
This is what made Jesus want to “spit them out of His mouth”. Not their lack of enthusiasm, but their lack of effectiveness.
The Self-Sufficient Trap
Laodicea’s wealth had bred a dangerous self-sufficiency. “I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,” they declared. But Jesus saw their true condition: “You are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked.”
When we become comfortable in our prosperity, whether material, spiritual, or social, we risk falling into the same trap. We maintain the appearance of faith while losing its transformative power. We become like lukewarm water: present but pointless, existing but not effective.
A Call to Usefulness
Jesus doesn’t want you to choose between being passionately hot or hostilely cold. He wants your faith to be useful. He wants your Christianity to accomplish something meaningful in His kingdom and in the lives of others.
Will your faith be like hot water: bringing healing, restoration, and cleansing to those who are hurting? Will it be like cold water: offering refreshment, encouragement, and life to those who are spiritually thirsty?
Or will it be lukewarm: technically present but practically useless, maintained but meaningless, claiming the name of Christ but accomplishing nothing in His name?
The Choice Before Us
The call to the Laodicean church, and to us, isn’t to manufacture religious excitement or choose spiritual indifference. It’s to make our faith effective. It’s to ensure that our relationship with Christ translates into real impact for His kingdom and genuine service to others.
Don’t let your Christianity become lukewarm water, present but powerless, claimed but ineffective. Let it be hot with healing grace or cold with refreshing truth. Let it be useful in the hands of the One who calls you to follow Him not just in name, but in transformative action.
The question isn’t whether you’re passionate enough. The question is whether your faith accomplishes anything that matters for eternity. That’s what Jesus is really asking of His church, not more temperature, but more effectiveness.
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” – Revelation 3:20
If you benefited from this explanation of Jesus’s use of Lukewarm, consider gaining similar insights from the Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds CommentaryâOn sale this week!
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Today’s verse comes from Revelation 21:4, a verse that offers profound comfort and hope to all believers. This scripture is a promise from God that a time is coming when all pain and suffering will cease, and all tears will be wiped away. This promise is set in the context of the new heaven and new earth, where the former things – the pains and trials of this world – have passed away.
In our current reality, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the sorrows and difficulties that we face. Whether it’s personal loss, physical pain, or emotional distress, the challenges of life can sometimes feel unending. But the promise in Revelation 21:4 is a reminder that these things are temporary. As believers, we have a future hope that is secure and glorious, where God Himself will comfort us and remove all sources of pain.
The assurance of God’s future promise also invites us to reflect on His present faithfulness. Even now, He is with us, offering comfort and strength in our trials. Each challenge is an opportunity to trust Him more deeply and to experience His faithfulness. This verse encourages us not to lose heart but to hold onto the hope that is set before us.
Moreover, this scripture opens our eyes to the heart of God. He is not indifferent to human suffering. The God we serve is one of compassion and mercy, who is actively working towards a future where sorrow and pain have no place. This truth can transform how we live today, inspiring us to act with compassion towards others, knowing that we are all part of a larger, divine narrative that ends in healing and restoration.
Let us pray:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the promise of a future without pain, where every tear will be wiped away. Help us to hold onto this hope in our daily struggles and let it guide how we treat others. Teach us to rely on Your strength and comfort as we await the fulfillment of Your promises. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Do you have any questions about today’s verse?
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âThe Responsibilities of the CDCâ, including how it continues to combat COVID-19 through monitoring variants, science-based interventions, and public health guidanceâcomplete with answers to your key questions and inspiration for future generations.
The Responsibilities of the CDC: Why It Matters Now More Than Ever
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the United Statesâ national public health agency, tasked with safeguarding the public through disease control, injury prevention, health promotion, and more . Its role has never been more essential than during the ongoing COVID-19 landscape.
1. Monitoring Variants: Staying Ahead of the Virus
COVID-19 has not disappearedâit continues to evolve. The CDC is at the forefront of variant surveillance, using the National SARS-CoV-2 Strain Surveillance system and collaborating with WHO and other agencies to track variants such as NB.1.8.1 (Nimbus), XFG (Stratus), KP.3.1.1, and XEC . Recent news confirms a rising surge driven by the âStratusâ variant, with infection levels increasing across 45 states, even as hospitalizations and deaths remain low .
2. Vaccinations: Are They Still Necessary?
Yesâvaccines remain our most powerful defense. The CDC strongly endorses updated 2024â2025 COVID-19 vaccines for everyone aged 6 months and older, with particular emphasis on adults, older adults, immunocompromised individuals, and those seeking to minimize Long COVID risk . However, recent guidance has shifted: recommendations for healthy children and pregnant women are now framed as âshared decision-makingâ rather than a firm endorsement .
3. Masks, Distancing, and Preventive Actions: A Flexible Approach
The CDC continues advocating core prevention strategies, especially during periods of heightened transmission. These include staying up to date with vaccines, practicing good hygiene, maintaining cleaner indoor air, and staying home when ill . While broad mask mandates are no longer in place, masks remain recommended in crowded or high-risk indoor settings. Social distancing is likewise situationalânot universally mandated, but encouraged when community spread is high or for vulnerable populations.
4. Treatment & Scientific Innovation
Beyond monitoring and vaccination, the CDC enhances public safety by supporting early testing and treatment accessâespecially antiviral therapies like Paxlovid, which remain effective despite evolving variants . The CDCâs scientific teams conduct lab-based evaluation of variant impacts on diagnostics, treatments, and vaccine efficacy .
Connecting Past, Present, and Future
Have things changed since the early pandemic?
Absolutely. In the beginning, strict lockdowns, blanket masks, and emergency-use vaccines were essential. Now, with most of the population having some immunity and access to treatments, strategies have shifted toward precision and flexibility. That said, vaccination, testing, isolation when sick, and mask use in certain contexts are still critical toolsânot relics.
Will future generations still need to act?
Yes. The CDCâs responsibilitiesâsurveillance, updating vaccines, guiding public health actionsâwill persist. Future families will rely on annual boosters, improved treatments, and scientific advancement to stay ahead of COVID and emerging threats. The agencyâs push for sustainability in vaccine development and rapid variant adaptation ensures readiness ahead.
Call to Action
⢠Stay informedâcheck credible CDC updates regularly.
⢠Stay vaccinatedâfollow current guidance for you and your loved onesâeven if booster policy shifts, immunity wanes, and new variants emerge.
⢠Stay cautiousâmask up in crowded indoor settings, practice good hygiene, and stay home when youâre sick.
⢠Advocate for scienceâsupport continued funding for CDC research and public health infrastructure despite political pressures.
Reflections & Words of Wisdom
In a world forever changed by COVID-19, we often underestimate the quiet guardians of our health. The CDC remains that guardianâtransforming from an agency of emergency response into one of evolution, balance, and resilience.
Let this be our guiding thought: âScience is not just about answersâitâs about asking the right questions, staying curious, and protecting the trust between knowledge and community.â
COVID-19 isnât over, but itâs not in charge. The CDC continues to listen, learn, and leadâknowing that tomorrowâs safety depends on choices we make today.
The Holy Spirit in the Old Testament
The Holy Spirit is often associated in our minds with the New TestamentâPentecost, the apostles, and the early church. But the truth is, the Holy Spirit has been active from the very beginning. His presence and work are woven throughout the Old Testament, revealing who He is, what He does, and how His power has been transforming lives for millennia.
Who Is the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit is not merely a force, an influence, or an impersonal powerâHe is God Himself. He is the third Person of the Trinity, co-equal and co-eternal with the Father and the Son. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God, the Spirit of the Lord, the Spirit of wisdom, truth, and holiness.
From Genesis to Malachi, the Spirit is seen as the One who empowers, guides, inspires, and anoints Godâs people to accomplish His purposes.
The Holy Spiritâs Presence in Creation
The first mention of the Holy Spirit is in the opening verses of Scripture:
âThe Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.â (Genesis 1:2, NIV)
Here, the Hebrew word for âSpiritâ is ruach, meaning breath, wind, or spirit. It speaks of Godâs active, life-giving presence. From the very beginning, the Holy Spirit was present in creation, bringing order out of chaos and life where there was none.
The Holy Spiritâs Role in Empowering People
In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit did not permanently indwell believers as in the New Covenant. Instead, He would come upon individuals for specific tasks, giving them supernatural wisdom, strength, and ability.
Examples of the Spiritâs Empowerment
:
⢠Joseph â Pharaoh recognized that Josephâs ability to interpret dreams came from Godâs Spirit:
âCan we find anyone like this man, one in whom is the Spirit of God?â (Genesis 41:38)
⢠Bezalel â God filled Bezalel with the Spirit to create the artistic designs for the Tabernacle:
âI have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills.â (Exodus 31:3)
⢠Joshua â The Spirit enabled Joshua to lead Israel with courage and faith:
âNow Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him.â (Deuteronomy 34:9)
⢠Gideon â The Spirit came upon Gideon, empowering him to lead Israel to victory:
âThen the Spirit of the Lord came on GideonâŚâ (Judges 6:34)
⢠Samson â His extraordinary strength came from the Spiritâs power:
âThe Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon himâŚâ (Judges 14:6)
⢠David â Anointed by Samuel, the Spirit came upon David from that day forward:
âThe Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David from that day on.â (1 Samuel 16:13)
The Holy Spirit as the Giver of Prophecy
The Spirit also spoke through the prophets, revealing Godâs will, giving warnings, and declaring future events:
⢠Ezekiel said,
âThe Spirit came into me and raised me to my feet, and I heard him speaking to me.â (Ezekiel 2:2)
⢠Micah declared,
âI am filled with power, with the Spirit of the Lord, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression, to Israel his sin.â (Micah 3:8)
⢠David testified,
âThe Spirit of the Lord spoke through me; his word was on my tongue.â (2 Samuel 23:2)
The Holy Spirit as the Breath of Life
The Spirit is the source of all life:
âThe Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life.â (Job 33:4)
This same breathâthe ruach of Godâgives physical life to every creature and spiritual life to those who believe.
The Promise of a Greater Outpouring
The Old Testament looked forward to a day when the Holy Spirit would be poured out on all people:
âI will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.â (Joel 2:28)
This prophecy pointed to Pentecost (Acts 2) but also speaks to the ongoing availability of the Spirit for every believer today.
Lessons on the Holy Spirit Then and Now
1 Then: Temporary Empowerment â Now: Permanent Indwelling
In the Old Testament, the Spirit came upon individuals for specific purposes and seasons. Under the New Covenant, the Spirit lives in believers permanently (John 14:16-17).
2 Then: Selective Anointing â Now: Universal Access
In the Old Testament, the Spiritâs power was given to kings, prophets, and specific leaders. Now, all believers have access to the Spiritâs fullness (Acts 2:38-39).
3 Then: Foreshadowing â Now: Fulfillment
The Spiritâs work in the Old Testament pointed to the ultimate fulfillment in Christ and the Church. What was once a shadow is now reality in the life of every believer.
4 Then: External Guidance â Now: Internal Guidance
God spoke through prophets, signs, and symbols. Today, the Spirit speaks directly to our hearts, guiding us into all truth (John 16:13).
The Power of the Holy Spirit for Us Today
The same Spirit who empowered Joseph, Moses, David, and the prophets is the same Spirit who dwells in us now. He:
⢠Guides us into truth (John 16:13)
⢠Convicts us of sin (John 16:8)
⢠Comforts us in trials (John 14:26)
⢠Empowers us for ministry (Acts 1:8)
⢠Transforms us into Christâs image (2 Corinthians 3:18)
Conclusion
The Holy Spirit in the Old Testament is not a different Spirit from the one we know in the New Testament. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. The difference is in His relationship with believersâwhat was once occasional and selective is now constant and available to all who believe.
As we read the stories of the Spiritâs work in the Old Testament, we are reminded that the same power, wisdom, and presence is available to us right now. The Holy Spirit is not just part of historyâHe is the living, active presence of God in our lives today.
Let us walk in the fullness of His Spirit, trusting Him to guide, empower, and transform usâjust as He has done for Godâs people since the beginning of time.
If youâd like, I can create a âHoly Spirit: Then and Nowâ visual chart to go along with this article so your readers can quickly see the differences and similarities in His work across the Old and New Testaments. That would make this even more engaging for your spiritual site.
Why I Review and Catch Up on Spiritual Articles
In our walk of faith, reflection is a powerful tool. Reviewing past spiritual writings is not simply an exercise in nostalgiaâit is an act of spiritual growth, gratitude, and continued learning. When I take time to revisit the spiritual articles Iâve written, Iâm reminded of where God has brought me from, the lessons He has taught me, and the truths that have shaped my journey.
Why It Matters
The Word of God is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12), and the same can be said for Spirit-filled writings. What God inspired in me years ago still carries weight todayâsometimes even more than when I first penned it. Reviewing old spiritual articles allows me to:
⢠Reconnect with Past Revelations â Sometimes we forget the depth of wisdom God gave us in a certain season. Revisiting those words refreshes my mind and spirit.
⢠Measure Spiritual Growth â Reading what I wrote before shows me how my faith has matured, how my understanding has deepened, and how Iâve overcome challenges with Godâs help.
⢠Encourage Others in the Present â Truth doesnât expire. What blessed me then can bless someone else today.
⢠Guard Against Forgetting Godâs Goodness â We are quick to move forward, but remembering where weâve been keeps us grateful and humble.
The Joy in Looking Back
There is something incredibly rewarding about reading my own past spiritual reflections. I smile when I recall how God turned struggles into testimonies, tears into lessons, and prayers into answered blessings. It is like leafing through a scrapbook of faithâeach article a snapshot of Godâs work in my life.
Often, I find myself encouraged by my own words, not because they are mine, but because they are reminders of Godâs faithfulness. An article written in a moment of struggle might now bring comfort in a season of uncertainty. A piece written in joy might reignite my passion to praise.
A Strong Call to Action
I encourage youâdonât let your old writings, journal entries, or reflections gather dust. Go back. Read them. Share them again. You never know how a word from the past could speak life into your presentâor into someone elseâs heart today.
Reposting or re-sharing older spiritual articles isnât repeating the pastâitâs keeping Godâs truth alive in the present. We often think new content is what people need, but sometimes itâs the timeless truth weâve already been given that makes the biggest impact.
A Reminder for the Journey
Spiritual growth is not only about pressing forwardâit is also about remembering, reviewing, and reinforcing what God has already revealed. In doing so, we keep our faith rooted and our perspective clear.
Joshua 4:6â7 reminds us that the memorial stones placed by the Jordan River were to serve as a sign for future generationsâa tangible reminder of what God had done. Your spiritual writings are your memorial stones. Cherish them.
Conclusion
Reviewing and catching up on spiritual articles is more than a personal habitâitâs a form of worship, gratitude, and discipleship. Itâs about honoring the words God gave me then, so that they can continue to speak now.
So I will keep reviewing, re-reading, and sharing these articlesâbecause they are not just pages from my past; they are living testimonies of Godâs unfailing love and guidance.
Letâs remember together. Letâs grow together. Letâs keep stepping out on faith, trusting Godâyesterday, today, and always.
Scripture-rich enhanced version of the review article for Stepping Out On Faith Trusting God â with each section anchored in the Word so it reads like a mix between a yearly review and a devotional.
Stepping Out On Faith Trusting God â 2025 Review: A Year of Deeper Surrender and Unshakable Trust
This year, the devotionals on Stepping Out On Faith Trusting God have woven a consistent message: trust in the Lord transforms not just what we believe, but how we live. Each study, reflection, and call to action reminded us that walking with God is both a privilege and a daily choice â a journey where grace sets us free, His power fills us with awe, and His peace steadies our steps.
Forgiven and Free
â
Romans 8:1â2
âTherefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.â
This devotional opened the year with a reminder that our past does not define us â Christ does. In Him, guilt and shame lose their grip. Forgiveness is not simply the removal of sinâs penalty; itâs the restoration of joy, purpose, and identity. As the article urged, we are called to walk daily in this liberty, not as those chained to old mistakes, but as children of the Most High, redeemed and renewed.
The Power of God: A Call to Fear and Praise Him For His Marvelous Works
â
Psalm 33:8â9
âLet all the earth fear the LORD; let all the people of the world revere him. For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.â
This reflection invited us to stand in holy awe before the God who speaks galaxies into existence. It reminded us that the fear of the Lord is not about hiding from Him, but standing in reverent wonder and letting that awe lead to wholehearted worship. As we behold His power â in creation, in miracles, in redemption â we are moved to trust Him more deeply and praise Him more boldly.
Peace Be With You
â
John 14:27
âPeace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.â
This message met us where life feels most fragile â in moments of anxiety, uncertainty, and fear. It reminded us that the peace of Christ is not circumstantial but supernatural. Just as Jesus calmed the wind and waves, He can quiet the storms in our hearts. The call was simple yet profound: lean into His presence and let His peace rule your heart, even when the world feels unstable.
Let the World Know
â
Matthew 5:16
âIn the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.â
Here was a bold encouragement to live our faith publicly, not hidden behind comfort or fear. Our testimonies â spoken and lived â are Godâs chosen way to spread the Good News. The article urged us to shine brightly, so that when people encounter us, they encounter the love and truth of Christ. Faith may be personal, but it was never meant to be private.
Communion: The Meaning, Significance, and Biblical Importance
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1 Corinthians 11:23â26
âFor whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lordâs death until he comes.â
This teaching took us deeper into the sacred act of remembering Christâs sacrifice. More than a ritual, Communion is a holy moment of worship, unity, and self-examination. Itâs an opportunity to realign our hearts with the Gospel, to give thanks for the cross, and to anticipate His return. The article called us to approach the Lordâs table with reverence, gratitude, and joyful hope.
Closing Reflection â Proverbs 3:5â6
âTrust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.â
If there is one thread that ties together the messages of 2025, it is this: trusting God is both our calling and our anchor. Whether we are resting in forgiveness, marveling at His power, receiving His peace, shining His light, or remembering His sacrifice â every act of faith draws us deeper into His love. As we step into the rest of the year, may we walk boldly, worship fully, and trust Him completely.
Stepping Out On Faith Trusting God â 2025 Review: A Year of Deeper Surrender and Unshakable Trust
This year on Stepping Out On Faith Trusting God, the message has been clear: when we walk in step with the Lord, we find freedom, peace, purpose, and a deeper awe for His mighty works. Each devotional shared in 2025 has been a reminder that faith is not a stagnant belief but a living, breathing relationship with the Creator â one that shapes our daily steps and eternal hope.
Forgiven and Free
This reflection reminded readers that forgiveness in Christ is not a theoretical doctrine, but a life-changing reality. In Him, we are not defined by our past mistakes but by the grace that covers us. The article encouraged believers to release the chains of guilt, walk in the liberty of the Spirit, and live out their new identity in Christ with joy and confidence.
The Power of God: A Call to Fear and Praise Him For His Marvelous Works
Here, the focus was on Godâs sovereignty and majesty. It challenged us to see that the fear of the Lord is not dread but reverent awe â a posture that leads to heartfelt worship. With biblical examples of Godâs power displayed in creation, miracles, and redemption, the article invited us to bow in humility and lift our voices in praise.
Peace Be With You
This devotional met readers in their storms. Drawing from the words of Jesus to His disciples, it offered comfort for anxious hearts, reminding us that His peace surpasses human understanding. It encouraged believers to trust that His presence calms not just the seas but the unrest in our souls.
Let the World Know
This piece was a call to bold witness. Faith is personal, but it was never meant to be private â the Gospel is meant to be proclaimed. The devotional urged believers to live as beacons of hope, letting our actions, words, and love point others to Christâs saving power.
Communion: The Meaning, Significance, and Biblical Importance
In this teaching, the sacredness of the Lordâs Supper was brought to life. It explored the deep spiritual meaning of remembering Christâs sacrifice, the unity it brings to the body of believers, and its role in keeping our hearts aligned with the Gospel. It was a reminder that Communion is not a ritual to rush through, but a holy encounter to cherish.
Closing Reflection
If thereâs one thread running through this yearâs messages, itâs this: faith in God transforms everything. Whether itâs the assurance of forgiveness, the awe of His power, the gift of His peace, the courage to witness, or the sacredness of Communion â each truth is an invitation to step out in trust. As 2025 unfolds, may we continue to walk in obedience, anchored in His promises, and unafraid to follow wherever He leads.
If youâd like, I can also create a Scripture-rich version of this review that includes direct Bible references for each title so itâs even more engaging for your audience. That would make it feel like both a review and a devotional in one.
Do you want me to prepare that enhanced version next?
Makeup and the Summer Heat: Staying Glam Without the Melt
When the sun is high and the heat is relentless, staying glam can feel like an impossible mission. That perfect contour, sharp winged liner, and glossy pout can quickly turn into a sweaty, smudged mess by midday. But donât worry â summer doesnât have to ruin your beat. With the right products, techniques, and hacks, your glow can survive even the hottest of heatwaves.
Hereâs everything you need to know about summer-proofing your makeup routine, so you stay beautiful, confident, and melt-free in the summer heat.
âď¸ Why Summer Heat Melts Makeup
Before we get into the fixes, letâs talk about why makeup tends to melt during the warmer months:
⢠Increased oil and sweat: Higher temps cause your sebaceous glands to produce more oil and your body to sweat more â both of which break down makeup faster.
⢠Humidity: The moisture in the air can interfere with the adhesion of your makeup, causing it to slide off your face.
⢠Sun exposure: The sunâs UV rays can break down the chemical bonds in some makeup formulas, making them less effective and more prone to smudging or fading.
So how do we fight back? Letâs start with your summer-proof prep.
đż Step 1: Skin Prep is Everything
Great makeup starts with great skincare, especially in the heat. Hereâs how to prep your face:
â Cleanse
Use a gentle foaming cleanser that removes sweat, excess oil, and SPF residue. Avoid heavy or oil-based cleansers during the day in the summer.
â Exfoliate (2-3 times/week)
Get rid of dead skin cells and unclog pores so your makeup goes on smoother and lasts longer.
â Tone
A balancing toner can reduce oil and tighten pores without stripping your skin.
â Moisturize Wisely
Use a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer or gel cream. Even in the heat, your skin needs hydration â skipping moisturizer can actually make you oilier!
â Prime with SPF
Always, always wear broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+). Bonus points for finding one that doubles as a primer. Look for mattifying SPF gels or hybrid moisturizers with SPF to cut down on steps.
đ Step 2: Use Heat-Proof Products
The products you choose can make or break your summer look.
đ§´ Use a Mattifying Primer
Primers help create a barrier between your skin and makeup. In the summer, choose:
⢠Mattifying primers for oily skin
⢠Hydrating primers with gripping power for dry or combo skin
đ§ Ditch Heavy Foundations
Swap your full-coverage foundation for:
⢠BB creams or tinted moisturizers with SPF
⢠Lightweight, oil-free foundations with long-wear claims
⢠Powder foundation for oil control and a soft-focus finish
Tip: If you need more coverage, spot-conceal with a long-wearing concealer and let your skin breathe.
đŻ Set Strategically
Use translucent setting powder on your T-zone and under eyes only, or where you know you get the most oily.
Finish your look with a setting spray designed for long wear and humidity control â this is a summer essential!
đ Step 3: Summer-Proof Every Part of Your Face
đ Eyes
⢠Use eyeshadow primer to prevent creasing.
⢠Choose cream-to-powder shadows or long-lasting liquid shadows.
⢠Go for waterproof eyeliner and mascara â no one wants raccoon eyes in July.
đ Contour, Blush & Highlight
⢠Use cream products, but set them lightly with powder versions to lock in place.
⢠Choose stain or gel-based blushes that melt into your skin but stay put.
⢠For highlighter, go for liquid or powder with a natural shimmer, not glitter â which can slide and accentuate sweat.
đ Lips
⢠Swap lip glosses for tinted lip balms, lip stains, or matte liquid lipsticks that last longer in heat.
⢠Hydrate your lips and exfoliate once a week to keep them smooth.
đ ď¸ Quick-Fix Hacks for On-the-Go
Keep your glam alive throughout the day with these touch-up essentials:
⢠Oil-blotting sheets: Lift sweat and oil without disturbing your makeup.
⢠Mini powder compact: Choose one with a mirror for fast touch-ups.
⢠Setting spray mini: Give yourself a refreshing midday spritz.
⢠Lip tint & balm duo: A swipe of color and moisture in one.
⢠Clean sponge or beauty blender: Dab away shine and re-blend any creasing or melting.
đ§ââď¸ Embrace the Natural Glow
Summer is a time for effortless beauty. You donât need heavy glam to look good â a fresh face with glowing skin and a pop of color is often all you need. Try:
⢠Bold brows + lashes + lip = a full look without foundation
⢠Bronzed cheeks + highlighter = sun-kissed goddess
⢠Monochromatic makeup using the same blush color on eyes, lips, and cheeks
đď¸ Bonus: Vacation & Beach-Day Beauty
If youâre hitting the beach or going on a getaway:
⢠Go bare or wear only waterproof mascara + tinted sunscreen
⢠Use brow gel and lip balm with SPF
⢠Apply tinted moisturizer or skin tint if you want minimal coverage
And donât forget your after-sun care! Aloe vera gel, hydrating masks, and cool showers help refresh your skin after a long day in the heat.
đ Final Thoughts: Beauty Shouldnât Melt Under Pressure
The summer heat might be intense, but your glam doesnât have to suffer. With the right products, techniques, and tools in your beauty arsenal, you can keep your glow intact and feel confident from sunrise to sunset. Adapt your routine, lighten the load, and let your natural beauty shine through.
Because the real secret? The best makeup look is the one that makes you feel good â heat or no heat.
⨠Quick Recap Checklist
â Cleanse, tone, and moisturize properly
â Apply mattifying primer & SPF
â Use lightweight, heat-proof products
â Waterproof your eyes and lips
â Set and spray your makeup
â Touch up with blotting sheets and powder
â Embrace the natural summer glow
Want more beauty tips for the seasons? Subscribe to the blog and follow us on [Instagram] and [Pinterest] for fresh looks, product recs, and tutorials every week!
Inner Anger: Can It Be Controlled?
Anger is a natural human emotionâone that we all experience from time to time. But when anger lingers deep inside, unspoken and unresolved, it becomes what many refer to as inner anger. Unlike an outburst or momentary frustration, inner anger simmers quietly beneath the surface, often hidden from others and sometimes even from ourselves. It can affect mental health, relationships, work productivity, and even physical well-being. So the question remains: Can inner anger be controlled? And if so, how?
What Is Inner Anger?
Inner anger is an internalized form of frustration, resentment, or rage. Itâs the kind of anger that doesnât always show up in loud arguments or explosive behavior. Instead, it festersâturning into bitterness, passive-aggression, withdrawal, or chronic dissatisfaction. People experiencing inner anger may not scream or shout, but they may:
⢠Struggle with trust
⢠Feel irritated without clear reasons
⢠Snap unexpectedly over small things
⢠Feel emotionally numb or disconnected
⢠Harbor grudges or replay old events mentally
What Causes Inner Anger?
Inner anger doesnât form overnight. Itâs often the result of accumulated emotional wounds, unprocessed experiences, or unmet needs. Common causes include:
đš
Childhood Trauma or Neglect
People who grew up in environments where expressing emotions was unsafe or discouraged often suppress their feelings. Over time, that suppressed pain can turn into unresolved anger.
đš
Unmet Expectations
When life doesnât go as plannedâbe it in relationships, career, or personal goalsâanger can build, especially if one feels powerless to change their situation.
đš
Betrayal and Broken Trust
Being hurt by someone you trusted can leave emotional scars. Instead of expressing that hurt, many internalize it, leading to ongoing resentment.
đš
Injustice or Oppression
Experiencing or witnessing repeated unfair treatment, discrimination, or exclusion can produce long-term internal anger.
đš
Self-Anger
This form of anger is directed inwardâtoward oneselfâfor past mistakes, failures, or perceived inadequacies.
Is Inner Anger Mental, Emotional, or Hereditary?
đ§
Mental and Emotional Roots
Inner anger is largely emotional and psychological. It often stems from unhealed emotional wounds or cognitive patterns that reinforce bitterness and frustration. However, anger can also be connected to mental health conditions such as:
⢠Depression
⢠Anxiety
⢠PTSD
⢠Bipolar disorder
⢠Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED)
đ§Ź
Hereditary Factors
While anger itself isnât inherited, emotional regulation can have genetic links. Some people are more naturally reactive or have a lower tolerance for frustration due to brain chemistry or inherited personality traits. But even if thereâs a hereditary component, anger management can be learned and improved through self-awareness, therapy, and lifestyle changes.
Solutions: How to Control and Let Go of Inner Anger
Controlling inner anger isnât about suppressing itâitâs about understanding, processing, and transforming it. Here are proven methods that can help:
1.
Acknowledge and Name the Anger
You canât change what you donât confront. Journaling, therapy, or speaking with a trusted friend can help identify the root cause of your anger.
2.
Practice Mindfulness and Self-Awareness
Pay attention to your emotional triggers. When you feel anger rising, pause. Ask: What am I really angry about? What part of me feels hurt or threatened?
3.
Learn Healthy Expression
Use âI feelâ statements rather than blaming others. Instead of âYou never listen to me,â say, âI feel dismissed when Iâm not heard.â
4.
Seek Therapy or Counseling
A mental health professional can help unpack deep-rooted anger and teach you techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), inner child work, or trauma healing.
5.
Exercise and Physical Movement
Physical activity helps release stored tension and anger. Whether itâs running, lifting weights, kickboxing, or dancing, movement is powerful medicine.
6.
Breathing and Grounding Techniques
Deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and grounding techniques can help calm your nervous system when anger flares up.
7.
Forgiveness
Forgiveness isnât about excusing hurtful behaviorâitâs about releasing yourself from the hold that anger has on your mind and spirit. Start small. Forgive for you, not for them.
8.
Create Boundaries
If your inner anger is caused by feeling mistreated or overextended, itâs time to set healthy limits with others.
Scenarios and Examples
⢠Scenario 1: John works hard but never feels recognized at his job. Over time, his frustration builds. He begins feeling resentful, but instead of expressing it, he becomes passive-aggressive and emotionally distant at work and home.
⢠Scenario 2: Lisa was bullied as a child and never felt safe expressing her emotions. Now, as an adult, she finds herself silently stewing over minor conflicts, unable to trust others or let go of small grievances.
⢠Scenario 3: Marcus went through a painful breakup and blames himself. Though he appears fine, inside heâs angry, ashamed, and emotionally closed off, keeping people at a distance.
In all of these cases, inner anger isnât loudâbut itâs powerfully destructive if left unchecked.
Seasonal Anger vs. Inner Anger: Whatâs the Difference?
Seasonal anger refers to anger or irritability that arises during specific times of yearâoften linked to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or changes in weather, routine, or daylight. Itâs more mood-based and can fluctuate with the seasons. Cold weather, lack of sunlight, or holiday stress can trigger heightened emotions and impatience.
Inner anger, on the other hand, is deeper and more consistent. Itâs often tied to personal history and unresolved emotions rather than external, seasonal circumstances.
How to Let Go of Both Types of Anger
Regardless of whether itâs seasonal or deeply internal, anger doesnât have to control you. Hereâs how to begin the process of letting go:
âď¸
Daily Gratitude Practice
Train your mind to focus on what is working in your life. Gratitude counters bitterness and softens the edges of anger.
âď¸
Sunlight and Nature
For seasonal anger, exposure to natural light and time outdoors can dramatically improve mood and reduce irritability.
âď¸
Creative Expression
Paint, write, sing, or build something. Creativity transforms emotion into expression.
âď¸
Connect with Others
Isolation fuels inner anger. Spend time with those who make you feel seen and heard. Community can be healing.
âď¸
Faith and Spiritual Practice
For many, prayer, meditation, and spiritual connection offer peace that surpasses understandingâand dissolves anger from within.
Final Thoughts: Reclaiming Your Peace
Inner anger is real, but itâs not unbeatable. Whether it stems from trauma, unmet expectations, generational pain, or temporary seasonal shifts, you are not powerless. Anger may visit, but it doesnât have to unpack and stay. With self-awareness, support, and intentional effort, you can control your anger instead of letting it control you.
Remember: letting go of anger doesnât mean forgetting the painâit means choosing to heal, to grow, and to live free from emotional captivity. You are more than your anger. You are worthy of peace.
Would you like this turned into a printable self-reflection guide or daily anger management journal? I can also make a Canva PDF or worksheet that includes journaling prompts and calming exercises. Let me know how youâd like to use this for healing, teaching, or sharing with others.