Pruned for Purpose: Beginning the New Year Abiding

My final Bible reading of the year landed me in John 15—and it couldn’t have been more fitting. Jesus speaks of abiding—remaining connected to Him as branches are to a vine—because apart from Him, we can do nothing. He also introduces the image of pruning: the careful, intentional cutting away done by the Father so that our lives might bear fruit that truly lasts.

You may be asking, Why is this so fitting? Good question. As a follower of Jesus, I don’t believe in coincidences, so I see this as more providential than accidental. Many people approach the New Year by making resolutions—losing weight, eating healthier, getting back in the gym, reading more books, and the list goes on. But as I sat with this passage, I felt like God was gently speaking to my heart, saying, Abide in Jesus, and let’s prune some things from your life.

So I’m spending time reflecting and meditating on what may need to be pruned. Through focused prayer, I’m asking God to reveal areas of my life that need His loving attention—things that may be hindering growth, even if they don’t seem harmful on the surface.

Pruning isn’t punishment. It’s preparation. When we look at the image below we see the beauty of what pruning produces. Each winter, the vine is cut back, not to destroy it, but to strengthen it—so that when the season changes, it can produce even more fruit. That is what God desires for us as well. He lovingly cuts away what no longer serves His purpose, so that our lives can bear good fruit for His Kingdom.

As this New Year begins, my encouragement is simple: take time to abide. Before setting goals or making plans, sit with the Lord and ask what He might want to prune so that new life can grow. Trust that His work is always rooted in love and aimed at fruit that lasts. When we remain connected to Him, even the cutting becomes a gift—and the fruit that follows brings glory to God and life to our souls.

Defiant Joy

A few years back—well, maybe more than a few—when I was still going to the gym, I walked in and passed by an older gentleman who was incredibly in shape, barrel-chested, and unmistakably manly. Some might even say he was an intimidating figure. We exchanged the usual “Good morning, how you doing?” kind of greeting. When I said, “So far, so good,” he replied in his deep voice, “Great. Don’t let anyone take that away from you.”

All I could muster was, “Yes sir!”

That moment has stuck with me for years, and it resurfaced again today as I listened to a sermon.

In the sermon, Matt Chandler talked about something he called “defiant joy.” It was a phrase he borrowed from a friend—so I’m borrowing it from the borrower. What he meant by it is simple but powerful: my circumstances don’t get the final say. I can walk in the joy of the Spirit despite what I’m facing. I can stand firm, look my circumstances in the eye, and choose joy anyway.

Hebrews 10:23–24 says:
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.”

Holding fast to hope isn’t passive. It’s an active choice—sometimes a daily one—not to hand over the joy God has already given us, no matter what tries to shake it loose. And Hebrews reminds us that we’re not meant to do this alone. We get to encourage one another toward love, toward good works, and toward that same resilient joy.

So today, I’m choosing not to let anyone—or anything—take that away. And maybe that’s the invitation for you, too.

In the beginning

Now that we’ve established two foundational truths—
1️⃣ There is one God.
2️⃣ The Bible is the perfect, divinely inspired Word of God—

The question naturally becomes: So now what?

If the Bible truly is God’s Word, then that’s where we go to know Him. It’s through Scripture that God reveals who He is, what He has done, and what His purpose is for us. The Bible isn’t just a collection of writings; it’s God’s story—His account of creation, redemption, and restoration.

And like any story, we start at the beginning.

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” — Genesis 1:1

We don’t need to get lost in debates or theories here. The Bible gives us a simple and powerful truth—God created. Everything we see, everything that exists, began with Him.

That’s the foundation. Before anything else, there was God. He spoke, and creation came into being. The heavens, the earth, the light, the life—all of it starts with Him.

This verse sets the tone for everything that follows in Scripture. It reminds us that God is the source of all things and that nothing exists apart from Him.

When we begin here, we build our understanding of life, purpose, and faith on solid ground—on the truth that God is Creator.

🌍 The Order of Creation (Genesis 1)

Day 1: God created light, separating light from darkness.

“And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.” (Genesis 1:3)

Day 2: God created the sky, separating the waters above from the waters below.

“God made the expanse and separated the water under the expanse from the water above it.” (Genesis 1:7)

Day 3: God gathered the waters so dry ground appeared and made plants and trees grow.

“Then God said, ‘Let the land produce vegetation.’” (Genesis 1:11)

Day 4: God created the sun, moon, and stars to give light to the earth and to mark seasons, days, and years.

“He also made the stars.” (Genesis 1:16)

Day 5: God created fish and birds—life in the sea and the sky.

“So God created the great creatures of the sea and every winged bird.” (Genesis 1:21)

Day 6: God created animals on the land, and finally, man and woman in His image.

“Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness.’” (Genesis 1:26)

Day 7: God rested, blessing and setting apart the seventh day as holy.

“By the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so on the seventh day He rested.” (Genesis 2:2)

🌅 Reflection: God of Order and Purpose

When we look at the order of creation, we see more than just the steps of how the world came to be—we see the heart and nature of God Himself.

Everything God did was intentional. He didn’t rush. He didn’t speak everything into existence all at once. Each day had purpose, and each part prepared the way for the next. Light came before life. Land and sea were formed before living things filled them. And finally, after everything was in place, God created humanity in His image.

This shows us a God of order, wisdom, and purpose. He is not a God of confusion or chaos, but of design and beauty. What He creates, He sustains. What He begins, He completes.

And perhaps most importantly—it reminds us that our lives, too, are part of His design. Just as He ordered creation with care, He is at work bringing order, purpose, and meaning to our own story.

From the very first verse of Scripture, we see that God is the Creator of all things—powerful, intentional, and good. His creation reveals His character: orderly, purposeful, and full of life. But the story doesn’t end there. At the height of creation, God made something unique—us. Humanity wasn’t just another part of creation; we were made in His image, set apart to reflect His nature and to live in relationship with Him.

That’s where we’ll go next—what it means to be created in the image of God, and why that truth shapes everything about who we are and how we live.

The Word

Good morning, good day, or good evening! I pray this finds you well — and maybe even a little curious.

So far on our journey, we’ve laid the foundation: there is a God, one God, who created all things and holds everything together. From the tiniest cell to the tallest mountain, creation itself points to a divine Creator.

Now, our next stop is looking at His Word — what we know as the Bible. The Bible is made up of 66 books written by various human authors, all inspired by God. It’s divided into two main parts: the Old Testament (39 books) and the New Testament (27 books). Simply put, the Old Testament comes before the life of Jesus, pointing forward to His coming. The New Testament comes after, looking back at His life, death, and resurrection, and explaining His significance. And together, these two sections form one perfect, unified story written under God’s inspiration. But maybe you’re wondering: So what?

Here’s the so what — the Bible is not just another book. It is the divine, written Word of God, perfect and without error. Through it, God reveals Himself to us. He chose to use imperfect people to write down His perfect message, so that we could know Him and be drawn closer to Him. 2 Timothy 3:16–17 – “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

The Bible isn’t only about facts on a page; it’s God’s story unfolding through history. From Genesis to Revelation, it tells one grand narrative — God’s plan to redeem and restore His people through Jesus Christ. Every page, whether pointing forward to His coming or reflecting back on His work, leads us to Him. Romans 15:4 – “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” John 5:39 “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me.”

And here’s the amazing part: this same God who spoke creation into existence still speaks today through His Word. The Bible teaches, corrects, encourages, and equips us to live with hope and purpose. It’s not just about knowing that God exists; it’s about knowing Him personally.

So as we take this next step in our journey, I invite you to see the Bible not only as an ancient book, but as a living Word — one that has the power to change your life.

Storms

Tonight, on the way home from soccer practice, we drove straight into a thunderstorm. Off to our right — over downtown Houston — the sky glowed with a stunning sunset. The buildings were bathed in golden light, but where we were driving, the rain poured and the wind whipped. Why? Because our Journey — from Campbell Road to League City — ran through the storm, not under the sunshine.

And that’s life.

We all go through storms. Sometimes, while we’re drenched and struggling, we’ll see others standing in the sunshine, carefree and joyful. And it can feel unfair. Why is the sun so close, but not for me right now?

My own “major storm” started in 2018 and lasted about five years. I began a new job — one I truly believe God led me to. Our industry is challenging in the best of times, but throw in a pandemic, and the stress multiplied. I became worn down, sometimes even depressed, and I didn’t always handle the job well. There were moments when the clouds broke and the sun shone through. Those gave me hope. But all too often, I’d find myself back in the middle of the storm. It was a long, difficult season.

And then, eventually, my journey in that storm ended — just like all storms do. But here’s the part that stuck with me: when I exited the storm, I could still see it behind me. I knew others were still in it, driving through the very rain I had just escaped.

That’s when I realized something important. When we come out of a storm, our job isn’t just to breathe a sigh of relief and move on. It’s to remember what it felt like — and then be there for others who are still in it. Our scars, our stories, our prayers, and even our presence can become a shelter for someone else.

Because storms don’t last forever. But while they’re raging, it means everything to know you’re not walking — or driving — through them alone. God is with us always, even during the storms. Below are verse to cling to when the storm rolls in.

“Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed.” — Psalm 107:28–29

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.” — Psalm 46:1–2

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” — Isaiah 43:2

“He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.” — Mark 4:39

The World Points to God

In the last post, we started our journey with the foundation that there is a God. I wanted to unpack that a little more as we get going. I left you with four verses that point to God being the Creator of all things. Let’s look at two of those.

Psalm 19:1–2 — “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.”

Colossians 1:16–17 — “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”

When I read Psalm 19, I’m struck by the idea that creation is not silent — it’s speaking all the time. Every sunrise and every star-filled night proclaims something beyond itself. The order of the seasons, the beauty of the skies, the rhythm of nature — it all points like a signpost to God’s glory.

Even science, which I admire deeply, can’t help but uncover that same beauty and order. For example, scientists have discovered that the laws of physics are incredibly precise. If gravity or the forces that hold atoms together were even slightly different, life wouldn’t exist. It’s as if the universe has been “fine-tuned” with perfect balance.

Or think about DNA. Inside each of our cells is a complex code — billions of “letters” of information, perfectly arranged to sustain life. That doesn’t feel random to me. It feels like design. It feels like the fingerprints of a Creator woven into the very fabric of who we are.

But Colossians 1 takes it even deeper. It tells us that all of this — the stars in the sky, the code in our cells, the forces that hold the universe together — was created through Jesus and for Jesus. He isn’t just part of creation; He’s before it, above it, and the one who sustains it even now.

That amazes me. The same Jesus who walked dusty roads, who healed the sick, who welcomed the broken — He’s also the One who holds galaxies in place and keeps our hearts beating. Creation shows us there must be a God, but Jesus shows us who that God is: personal, present, and full of love.

So when I feel small or uncertain, these verses remind me: I’m not adrift in a random universe. I’m held in the hands of Jesus, the one who said, “No one will snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:28).

And maybe that’s the invitation I’d leave with you today. The world around us is constantly declaring God’s glory. The question is, will we pause long enough to notice? And if we do, will we let that wonder draw us closer to the One who not only made it all, but who longs to walk with us?

The Beginning

Every journey has a starting point.

Maybe it’s stepping onto a trailhead for a hike, boarding a plane for vacation, or deciding to begin something new. Wherever the journey takes you, it always begins with that first step.

Faith is no different. Each of us begins somewhere, and from there, we set out on a journey toward a destination. For this blog, that destination is clear: a personal relationship with Jesus.

Now, I want to pause and clarify something. When I say “your means of getting there are going to be different,” I don’t mean there are multiple paths to God. Scripture makes it clear — there is only one way, and that is Jesus: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). What I’m talking about are the unique life experiences that shape each person’s journey. Your story may have more twists and turns than your friend’s. Mine has had its share of mountains and valleys.

Think of it this way: we’re all headed to the same destination, but the roads we travel look different. Some routes wind through mountains, others cross open plains. Some are smooth, others bumpy. But in the end, we arrive at the same place.

That’s how this journey of faith works. The foundation — the place we all must start — is believing there is a God. A God who created all things. Without that belief, nothing else along the way makes sense.

So let me start at the beginning, the foundation:

There is a God.

As a Christian who believes in Jesus, this isn’t just a statement of doctrine for me — it’s the lens through which I see the world. I believe God is eternal: He always has been and always will be. He is the Creator of everything we see and everything we don’t.

I’m not a scientist — my wife is. I admire how science uncovers detail and beauty. But when I look at creation, it doesn’t feel random. The rhythm of the seasons, the intricacy of a cell, the quiet order that sustains life — these stir in me the conviction that there is a God who designs and cares.

My goal in writing this isn’t to win an argument or silence doubt. I know questions are real and often hard. But faith gives me a framework: a God who is both Creator and Father, who doesn’t stand far off but came near in Jesus. That belief doesn’t answer every mystery, but it grounds me in hope and purpose.

I want to be clear: it’s not my job to convince or convert anyone. That work belongs to the Holy Spirit. My part is simply to share what I’ve seen and believed — to say, honestly, that when I look at the world, I see evidence of love, intention, and invitation.

Maybe that makes you pause. Maybe it stirs a question in you. If so, I’d say curiosity is a good place to start. Jesus invites seekers, doubters, and skeptics alike to come and see.

And that’s all I hope this space becomes — not a battleground of arguments, but a place of honest witness and gentle invitation.

I want to leave you with some scripture to think about:

Romans 1:20 — “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”

Psalm 19:1–2 — “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.”

Isaiah 40:26 — “Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.”

Colossians 1:16–17 — “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”

Where to begin?

Where to begin? That’s the million-dollar question. Perhaps the best place to start is with a question for you: Have you ever wondered if there’s more to life than what we see? More than the day-to-day rat race we run at full steam?

We wake up. Go to work or school. Grind for 8–12 hours. Run around in the evenings. Sleep. Repeat.

At the end of a long day, week, or month, it’s easy to wonder: What’s the purpose of all this?

If you’ve ever felt that way, you’re not alone. And I want you to know—there is more. Much more. This blog is about exploring that together: slowing down, asking the deeper questions, and discovering the hope, purpose, and life God has for us.

You may or may not believe in God right now, and that’s okay. Wherever you are, this blog is about exploring life’s deeper questions together—and I believe those questions ultimately point us toward Him. For me, the “something more” I was searching for turned out to be God. But even if you’re unsure about Him right now, I’d love for you to stick around and see what this journey might uncover.

If you’d like, I invite you to read my testimony—how I went from unbelief to faith in Jesus. I’ve only shared the big picture here, but as we journey together, we’ll unpack the details and build a foundation for faith step by step.

This blog is meant to be a place of encouragement, honesty, and discovery. Some posts will share practical ways to grow in faith, others will wrestle with life’s hard questions, and some will simply remind us of God’s love and presence. Whether you’re just beginning to explore who Jesus is, or you’ve been walking with Him for years, there’s a place for you here. My hope is that as we journey together, you’ll find not only answers but also the peace and purpose that can only be found in Him.

Wherever you are, I’m glad you’re here. Let’s take the next step together.