Posts by Tony Caldwell
Living Out the Prayer for God’s Will: Devotional on Matthew 6:10
May God’s kingdom come; may His will be done on earth as it is in heaven” – Matthew 6:10. We often find ourselves overwhelmed by the state of the world—conflict, brokenness, and division seem to dominate the headlines and seep into our own lives. Yet, as followers of Christ, we hold fast to the hope that He is present in our turmoil and actively working to bring peace, justice, and restoration. When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, “May God’s…
Why ‘Showing Up’ Matters in Living Out Your Faith
As a long-time United Methodist pastor, whenever someone desires to unite with our church membership, I ask the historical questions that make up our membership vows. By doing so, we call Christian believers to an active faith rather than a passive one. When we vow to uphold the church with our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and testimony/witness, we commit to “show up” in tangible ways for God and His people. This act of showing up demonstrates our dedication to building…
Completing the Work Before Us: Lessons from John 17:4
I brought glory to You here on earth by completing the work You gave Me to do” – John 17:4. As I sit with this powerful verse from Jesus’ prayer, I’m struck by its beautiful simplicity and challenge. Here is Jesus, near the end of His earthly ministry, able to say with certainty that He completed the work the Father gave Him to do. What an incredible testament to faithfulness! Pause and reflect deeply on this verse. Jesus knew His…
Embracing God’s Promise in the New Year
As we begin a fresh new year, I’m reminded of Paul’s beautiful words to the church in Corinth. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17. What a perfect reminder that each new beginning is an opportunity to experience God’s transformative grace in our lives. The past year brought challenges for many people in our communities and worldwide. Yet through it all, we’ve witnessed countless…
Finding Hope in the Names of Christ: Reflections on Isaiah 9:6
When life seeks to challenge us, the words of the prophet Isaiah offer heartfelt comfort and reassurance, especially when we reflect upon the names of Christ. For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” – Isaiah 9:6. These four magnificent names of Christ speak directly to our deepest needs and longings. They remind…
Hope That Never Fades: A Devotional on Psalm 71:14-16
But I will keep on hoping for Your help; I will praise You more and more” – Psalm 71:14. In these words, the psalmist makes a purposeful declaration of faith. His words don’t say, “I will hope when things are good” or “I will praise You when I feel like it.” Instead, regardless of circumstances, a steadfast commitment to hope and praise inspires us to imitate his unwavering determination. Hope isn’t born from comfortable circumstances but from a deep understanding…
The Promise Fulfilled: Tracing God’s Plan Through Scripture
As we enter the Advent season, I’m struck by the awe-inspiring way God intricately weaves the story of Jesus throughout the entire Old Testament. For 400 years after the last prophet spoke, God remained silent. But this wasn’t divine absence—it was divine anticipation building toward the most pivotal moment in human history. Consider this: over 300 Messianic prophecies, written centuries before Jesus’ birth, meticulously painted an impossibly specific portrait of the coming Savior. He would be born in tiny Bethlehem…
The Endless Song of Thanks: A Meditation on Psalm 136:1
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever” – Psalm 136:1. Have you ever noticed how some songs get stuck in your head? They play “on repeat,” sometimes for days, until you find yourself humming them in the grocery store or when out for a walk. Psalm 136 is like that. It’s God’s song of gratitude that refuses to let go. Twenty-six times, this psalm repeats the refrain “His faithful love endures forever,” as…
The Art of Caring: A Christian Response to a Self-Centered Culture
Today, we live in an era of individualism, self-promotion, and angry rhetoric. Where “self-care” often becomes a substitute for self-absorption, Christians are called to a radically different way of living. The Apostle Paul puts it plainly: Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too” – Philippians 2:3-4. The most Christ-like expressions of faith are not wrapped…
Windows Into Our Heart – What Our Words Reveal About Us: Matthew 12:34
For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of” – Matthew 12:34. When Jesus spoke these words, He told us something simple but powerful: what’s inside us comes out in our words. Listening to the Heart: Embracing Godly Speech. Think about your favorite coffee mug. What spills if it’s filled with coffee, and someone bumps your elbow? Coffee, of course! In the same way, when life “bumps” into us – through stress, anger, or hurt – whatever fills our hearts…
God’s Love, Not Condemnation: A Reflection on John 3:16-17
For this is how God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent His Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through Him” – John 3:16-17. These verses from the Gospel of John are perhaps the most well-known in all Scripture. They summarize the heart of the Christian message – a message not of condemnation…
Woven Together: Nurturing Connections in Your Spiritual Journey
In today’s whirlwind of activity and distractions, many of us find ourselves drifting apart from the anchors of our faith, the warmth of our community, and even the core of who we are. But as followers of Christ, we’re called to a life of deep connection. This is more than just showing up on Sundays or occasionally opening our Bibles. It’s about weaving our faith into the very fabric of our daily lives. In part two of our post on…
From Comfort to Calling: Embracing Growth in Faith, Service, and Generosity
Living in an ever-changing and fast-paced world, feeling disconnected from your faith and church community is easy. But as followers of Christ, we’re called to a life of continuous growth and deep connection—with God, each other, and our purpose. But what does it mean from a biblical viewpoint to be growing and connected? In part one of this post, we’ll focus on the growing aspect of your walk with Christ by looking at practical ways to nurture your faith and…
The Choices We Face: Decisions Every Christian Must Make
As a long-time United Methodist pastor, I’ve witnessed countless moments where faith intersects with the complex realities of our world. Today, the choices we face as Christians in an ever-changing society affect all of us. We live in a time of change and challenge. Our world is increasingly diverse, interconnected, and complex. But as Christians, we’re often called to make decisions that test our faith, challenge our understanding, and push us out of our comfort zones. These could be decisions…
Embracing Kindness: Reflecting Christ Amidst Political Divisions
As we stand on the brink of another presidential election, the political landscape seems more fractured than ever before. The air is thick with tension, and the chasms that divide us appear to have widened into seemingly unbridgeable gulfs. Partisan rhetoric echoes through our communities, social media feeds, and even our places of worship. Yet, amid this tumultuous climate, we, as Christians, are reminded of our higher calling. Our faith beckons us to rise above the fray and embody a…
Embracing Possibilities in Everyday Life
Life is often described as a journey marked by unexpected twists and turns, presenting challenges and triumphs. It’s easy to feel stuck when faced with setbacks, yet the journey is often about embracing possibilities. Let’s explore how we can navigate our lives with hope, faith, and determination, using God’s teachings as our guide. Seeing Beyond the Failure Everyone encounters failure. Instead of letting it hold us back, we must shift our focus. Paul shares these words with the church in…
Being a Game-Changer: Steps to Embrace Change and Impact
From a spiritual point of view, being a game-changer means stepping up and making impactful choices that reflect your faith and purpose. Embracing change is not just about the choices you make; it’s about the drive that fuels those choices. Here are three key areas to consider when becoming a game-changer … Taking the Leap: How Faith Fuels Change Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see” – Hebrews 11:1.…
Learning to Respond Rather Than React: Proverbs 19:11
Sensibility makes one slow to anger, and it is His glory to overlook an offense” – Proverbs 19:11. Wisdom often lies in our restraint. Learning to respond rather than react is a significant lesson for Christ-followers in today’s world. Reactions are usually impulsive and can lead to misunderstandings or conflict, while thoughtful responses reflect maturity and understanding. When we pause to weigh our words and actions, we cultivate wisdom that allows us to choose our responses carefully. Understanding wisdom is…
Transforming Your Communication Style
Communication is not just a tool for daily interactions but a powerful force that can transform our relationships and overall well-being. In a world often overshadowed by challenges and negativity, the transformative power of positive speech is not just a choice but a declaration of empowerment and hope. This shift in communication style doesn’t just foster a more encouraging and supportive environment; it sets off a chain reaction of inspiration and motivation. It empowers you to convey your thoughts and…
Walking in the Strength of the Lord
I walk in the strength of the Lord” – Psalm 71:16. Walking in the strength of the Lord means relying on His power and presence to guide, support, and sustain us in every aspect of life. This dependence on divine strength allows us to navigate life’s ups and downs with confidence and assurance that we are not alone. Throughout the Bible, we find numerous examples of individuals who relied on God’s strength to overcome seemingly impossible challenges. Moses is a…