Elevate Your Day with Andi and Brian Hale

Finding Rhythm and Endurance

All throughout the Bible we are encouraged to run this race called life. But not to just run, to run well. The healthiest of runners are those who find their rhythm with a steady pace. Pace is the determining factor for finishing well or giving up. 
Most people don’t wake up each day with a desire to give up, but there are times where we all wrestle with HOW to keep moving forward. Today may have been one of those days for you. How can I get through this day without giving up and losing myself? We have to find our rhythm. 
The Apostle Paul teaches us that we are in a race, but not a race against one another. We are in a race running to the finish line of life, and we all want to finish well.
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. ~ 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
How Do I Find Rhythm and Maintain Endurance So That I Can Finish Well?
Stop Doing so Much Stuff
It is so easy for us to fall into the trap of doing, leading, and participating in so many things that we lose ourselves. We lose sight of our purpose and goals in attempting to do everything, and the truth is we aren’t good to anyone as a counterfeit version of ourselves. We get caught up in the instant gratification of every new thing, and then realize we did not enjoy any of it because we were focused on the next best thing. Spend time doing things that matter most.
Establish a Rhythm of Rest
An old-time preacher once said, “Sometimes, one of the most spiritual things you can do is take a nap.” Whatever your pace in life may be, it will require rest. Rest will either be forced upon you because you have burnt out and have nothing left to give OR you have set aside time to relax, to be with family, and to enjoy life. You get to decide. There is a reason why God established the Sabbath Day as a Day of Rest. It is God’s desire that we take time to rest. 
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ~ Hebrews 12:1
Remember, the goal of this life is not to just finish life quickly and in a hurry, but to finish life well. The Apostle Paul urges us to run with endurance that we may obtain the prize. 
Reflection Question:
What do I need to stop in my next season?

Stepping Into The New

We all come to moments and seasons in our life where it’s time to start something new. Sometimes these seasons come by design and the choices we have made, other times they come because of circumstances outside our control. Whether it is starting a new walk of life in Christ, a new business or job role, marriage, or new school year, a season of new beginnings gives us the opportunity to take steps of faith and start fresh. 
Starting something new can be a difficult task especially if it is out of your comfort zone. Our faith can be tested in extreme highs and lows and learning how to walk out this new way of life can be met with adversity. There are questions that come to our minds in these seasons such as: How do I actually live a life centered on Jesus? How do I learn this new position? How do I have a healthy marriage? How can I lead my kids in this next school year? 
Amidst all the questions and uncertainties, the Apostle Paul and the Prophet Isaiah understood something about God when it comes to facing new seasons. They understood that God is a path-maker. We need Him to set the new direction.
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. ~ Isaiah 43:19
Isaiah told the people that God was doing something new in the land and that He was going to make a pathway through the wilderness and create rivers in dry places. Isaiah trusted that no matter what was happening in the world, God had a way of making a path for those who trust Him. 
It can feel as though we are in new territory and a new way of doing life however, if we put our trust in God, He will make a path for us. The Apostle Paul understood that when we trust in Jesus Christ, the old life passes away and we walk into newness. In other words, God’s got this! 
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! ~ 2 Corinthians 5:17
Step into this new season fully trusting and believing that God will make a pathway and order our steps according to His purposes.
Reflection Question:
What is new in my life that I can trust God with?

As My Soul Thirsts

There are many seasons in our life where we can become tired, wearied, and in need of renewal. We need a strong Reboot in our life in order to keep going. Stress at work, in family, and unexpected circumstances can cause us to feel empty.  
We often attempt to find fulfillment in sources that do not satisfy our spirit. We begin to stress eat or drink, we workout harder thinking it will satisfy our body, we buy more stuff thinking it will fulfill the emptiness inside. These things are not necessarily bad, but they do not truly satisfy. Instead of rebooting ourselves with God’s Word, prayer, and rest, we tend to fill ourselves up with things that won’t really satisfy us. Being emotionally drained, tired, and stressed often comes from our spirits being neglected and ignored. 
Think about how vehicles work. A car needs gas to go. If you neglect to put gas in your car, then the car will not be able to take you anywhere. If you have ever experienced a moment running out of gas only to find yourself stranded on the side of the road waiting for someone to come to your aid, you know that that is a difficult and frustrating experience. The only thing that will make your car run again is gas. Anything else is useless.
On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”  By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified. ~ John 7:37-39
Jesus knew what we really needed. He understood that our spirits needed to be refreshed and rebooted with something more powerful, something lasting, something eternal. Jesus knew that we needed the Holy Spirit to fill us up and empower us to move forward. 
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? ~ Psalm 42:1-2
If you are running on empty, tired, weary, or longing for something to satisfy your heart, then look no farther than the Spirit that Jesus offers us. It is His Spirit that will strengthen and empower us to move forward. The offer Jesus gave over 2000 years ago still stands today. Rivers of living water are still flowing through His Spirit. All we have to do is believe and receive. Over the next few days we will journey together to find His rest and find satisfaction that only He can offer. 
Reflection Question:
What have I been turning toward to satisfy my soul?
Prayer:
Lord, I feel empty, weak, and tired. Help me say no to things that will not satisfy. I need what only you can give. Let your Spirit wash over me like streams of water. I’m setting you in your place of first priority. ~ Amen

Joy of Obeying

From The Joy of Belonging by Angie Moses
Bible References: Genesis 6:9-22
Key Verse: “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching…” (John 14:23)
Obeying God isn’t always easy. Take Noah: God told him to build a giant boat when rain wasn’t even a thing yet. People mocked him, thought he was nuts. But Noah trusted God, followed the plan, and built the ark. Good thing, too—because that obedience saved his family and fulfilled God’s purpose.
God’s commands—like loving your neighbor, forgiving the unforgivable, or stepping out in faith—can feel tough. They might not make sense right away or win you popularity points. But obedience isn’t about comfort; it’s about trust. When we obey, we’re saying, “God, I believe You know best.” And that trust brings a deep joy—knowing we’re in step with the One who loves us most.
Let’s Pray:
“Father, give me a heart that hears and obeys You. I want the joy of living Your way. Amen.”
Questions to Reflect On:
What’s one thing God asks of you that feels hard—like forgiving or giving up a habit?
Why do you think it’s tough to obey there?
What matters more: pleasing people or pleasing God? Why?
Take Action:
Ask three friends or family what they’ve enjoyed most about their week—listen and share a bit of your own joy.

Joy of Knowing God

You get to know someone by hanging out with them—sharing meals, swapping stories, just being together. The same goes for God. David, the guy who wrote the Psalms, didn’t just know facts about God; he knew God personally. How? He spent time with Him—praying, worshiping, reading God’s Word. Through that, David learned God’s heart: His love, His power, His care.
We’ve got the same chance today. The Bible shows us who God is—His kindness, His justice, His plans for us. Prayer lets us talk to Him. Worship draws us close. The more we do this, the more we know Him—not just as a distant God, but as our Shepherd, our Friend. And that knowing? It fills us with joy.
Let’s Pray:
“Father, help me carve out time for You. I want the joy of knowing You more. Amen.”
Questions to Reflect On:
How many Bible verses do you know by heart? (No pressure—just curious!)
When could you fit in some God-time—morning coffee, lunch break, before bed?
What’s one small change to make that happen?
Take Action:
Switch up your routine—sit with someone new at church, lunch, or a group. Share a little about your day and listen to theirs.

Joy of Hearing God

Life’s noisy, isn’t it? Work, family, news, social media—all shouting for your attention. But God’s voice? It’s often quieter than the chaos. Take Elijah’s story: he was running for his life, hiding in a cave, desperate for God to speak. A wild wind tore through, then an earthquake, then a fire—but God wasn’t in any of that. Instead, He spoke in a gentle whisper, reminding Elijah he wasn’t alone.
God still speaks today, but we’ve got to slow down to hear Him. It might not be in the big moments—winning the lottery or a loud sermon (though He can use those!). More often, it’s in the quiet—when you’re praying, reading His Word, or just sitting still. That whisper says, “I’m here. I love you. I’ve got you.”
Let’s Pray:
“Jesus, quiet my heart so I can hear Your whisper. I want the joy of knowing You’re speaking to me. Amen.”

The Joy of Being Known

Who knows you best? Your spouse might know your quirks, like how you take your coffee or what makes you laugh. Your friends might know your hobbies or your go-to stories. Your coworkers might see your strengths and struggles. But there’s Someone who knows you deeper than all of them—God.
Before you were even born, He knew your name, your personality, your dreams. When Jesus called His disciples—Peter, James, John, Matthew—He didn’t need introductions. He knew them inside and out, just like He knows you. He knows your favorite meal, your secret worries, the things you’re too afraid to say out loud. And here’s the best part: He loves you anyway.
Being fully known and fully loved by Jesus is a gift. You don’t have to hide or pretend with Him. He sees it all and says, “You’re Mine.” That’s a friendship deeper than any other.
Let’s Pray:
“Jesus, thank You for knowing every part of me and loving me still. Fill me with the joy of being Yours. Amen.”
Questions to Reflect On:
Who are the people in your life who know you well? List them out.
Who on that list gets you the most? How does that feel?
What does it mean to you that God knows everything about you?
Take Action:
Strike up a conversation with someone new today. Ask about their favorite food, movie, or hobby—get to know them a little and show them they’re seen.

The Joy of Belonging

Think about a time when you felt left out—like no one noticed or cared you were there. Maybe it was at a gathering where everyone else seemed connected, or at work when you weren’t included in the conversation. That loneliness stings, doesn’t it? Now picture a lost sheep wandering through a busy town, surrounded by people yet totally alone. That’s a picture of how we can feel sometimes.
But here’s the good news: you’re never truly alone. You belong to someone greater than you can imagine. First, you’ve got your family and friends who love you—imperfectly, sure, but they’re there. Even better, you belong to God. He’s like the shepherd in Jesus’ story (Luke 15), who drops everything to find that one lost sheep. That’s how much He loves you. He’ll search every corner of your life to bring you back to Him.
And get this: before God spoke the world into existence—before the stars, the oceans, or even Adam and Eve—He had you in mind. You’re not an accident or an afterthought. You’re His from the start, chosen to be part of His family. That’s the kind of love that changes everything. Today, He’s inviting you to rest in that belonging.
Let’s Pray:
“Lord, thank You for choosing me before time began. I want to belong to You fully. Fill me with the joy of knowing I’m Yours. Amen.”
Questions to Reflect On:
What’s your favorite part of God’s creation? Why does it speak to you?
God thought of you before the world began—what are 10 things He might love about you?
Who do you belong to today—family, friends, God? How does that shape your life?
Take Action:
Look around today—find someone who seems alone and offer them a smile, a conversation, or a coffee. Be the hands of Jesus showing they belong too.

The Good Shepherd Finds You

Have you had a mid-faith crisis? Are you in one now? One of the hardest parts of this experience is the loss we feel along the way. We may have lost friends and family, church and community, beliefs and identity. We may even feel like we’ve lost Jesus.
Luke 15:1-7 ESVNow the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” So he told them this parable: “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.
But unlike the many “wolves” who use God’s name to harm and not to heal, Jesus is the good shepherd. He doesn’t employ the silent treatment when we fail to perform. In fact, Jesus disoriented the “good” religious people by constantly hanging out and eating with “sinners,” those who had no standing in the religious community.
When the “good guys” complained about this, Jesus asked a question. If you had one hundred sheep and lost one, wouldn’t you go looking for it? Wouldn’t you celebrate joyfully when you found it? Wouldn’t you hold it close?
Experiencing a faith crisis isn’t sinful; turning away from toxic religious institutions or manipulative leaders, or unhelpful doctrine can be a step towards and not away from goodness. But it can also be lonely and disorienting.
Friend, if this sounds like your experience, remember that you are not alone. You have brothers and sisters experiencing a mid-faith crisis, too, and Jesus would rather come find you than stay with the ninety-nine back in the fold. Jesus is willing to carry you in his arms, even—and especially—when you feel the most lost, the most far away.
Adapted from Mid-Faith Crisis: Finding a Path Through Doubt, Disillusionment, and Dead Ends by Catherine McNiel and Jason Hague.

When Suffering Blindsides You

As we consider the signs of mid-faith crisis, there’s one that’s all too common: suffering. When we’re weighed down with pain, we often feel so alone. But the truth is, we all walk this road at some point. You are not alone.
Psalm 23:4 ESVEven though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
One thing is for sure: life is full of suffering. Even a quick glance at the news or a history book, or a chat with a few friends, will clarify that no one gets through life unscathed.
And yet, when deep suffering catches up to us, we do often feel blindsided, caught off guard, betrayed. Often, it’s our faith in God we feel betrayed us. Yes, we read in Job that humans are “born to trouble as surely as sparks fly upward” (Job 5:7), but we also read that if we follow God, he will give us the desires of our hearts. And the desires of our hearts are surely not for this level of pain and loss.
Suffering is a great catalyst for faith crisis. How do we square our belief that God is good and present with all the evil we experience?
This is a question that humans have asked for thousands upon thousands of years, and there’s no easy answer. But throughout the Bible, we find a different angle. Truly, no person or nation escaped suffering in these pages. Rather, these books were written to and by some of the most oppressed people in the world. Yet in their darkest moments, they found that if they slung their grief and grievances upon God—they could make it through. Not easily. Not quickly. But in shouting their laments to God, they found the courage to keep going.
Psalms 22:1-31 NLTMy God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far away when I groan for help?  Every day I call to you, my God, but you do not answer. Every night I lift my voice, but I find no relief.  Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.  Our ancestors trusted in you, and you rescued them.  They cried out to you and were saved. They trusted in you and were never disgraced.  But I am a worm and not a man. I am scorned and despised by all! 
Everyone who sees me mocks me. They sneer and shake their heads, saying,  “Is this the one who relies on the Lord? Then let the Lord save him! If the Lord loves him so much, let the Lord rescue him!”  Yet you brought me safely from my mother’s womb and led me to trust you at my mother’s breast.  I was thrust into your arms at my birth. You have been my God from the moment I was born.
Do not stay so far from me, for trouble is near, and no one else can help me. My enemies surround me like a herd of bulls; fierce bulls of Bashan have hemmed me in! Like lions they open their jaws against me, roaring and tearing into their prey. My life is poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart is like wax, melting within me. My strength has dried up like sunbaked clay. My tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. You have laid me in the dust and left me for dead. My enemies surround me like a pack of dogs; an evil gang closes in on me. They have pierced my hands and feet. I can count all my bones. My enemies stare at me and gloat. They divide my garments among themselves and throw dice for my clothing.
O Lord, do not stay far away! You are my strength; come quickly to my aid!  Save me from the sword; spare my precious life from these dogs. Snatch me from the lion’s jaws and from the horns of these wild oxen.  I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters. I will praise you among your assembled people.  Praise the Lord, all you who fear him! Honor him, all you descendants of Jacob! Show him reverence, all you descendants of Israel! For he has not ignored or belittled the suffering of the needy. He has not turned his back on them, but has listened to their cries for help.
I will praise you in the great assembly. I will fulfill my vows in the presence of those who worship you. The poor will eat and be satisfied. All who seek the Lord will praise him. Their hearts will rejoice with everlasting joy. The whole earth will acknowledge the Lord and return to him. All the families of the nations will bow down before him. For royal power belongs to the Lord. He rules all the nations. Let the rich of the earth feast and worship. Bow before him, all who are mortal, all whose lives will end as dust. Our children will also serve him. Future generations will hear about the wonders of the Lord. His righteous acts will be told to those not yet born. They will hear about everything he has done.
What would happen if you shouted your grief and grievances at God today?