Faith is not some trendy church word used by Christ-followers, or a word to be tossed around in a casual manner. Isaiah 6:7b says, If you do not stand firm in your faith, then you will not stand at all. God takes our faith in Him very seriously and we should, too.

What an exciting time to be alive! Yes, for real. For followers of Jesus Christ, walking by faith, trusting in the Lord our God, and leaning into the hope of our calling, we have nothing to be afraid of in this world.

Every day we’re invited into so many stories. Some are uplifting while others are heartbreaking. Some are infuriating, scary, and others make us laugh out loud. Whether the story is in the news, a movie, a book, or listening to a friend share a page from their life, the lens from which we view this world is story.

Tis the season! SEC football, mountain escapes, Trick ‘r Treating, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, and all things Winter. Between now and the next issue of Living Real, there will be numerous occasions where we can show Jesus to a world desperate for truth, hope, love, peace, and joy. Tucked between the covers of this volume of Living Real Magazine are life-transforming stories, reflective devotionals, and deeper faith challenges, all steeped in the Word of God, and all designed to help us live out our real faith every day.

Lazy days are upon us, my friends. Cookouts in the backyard, pool parties, and family vacations are on the horizon. At the close of Summer, memories made will be talked, reminisced, and laughed about for years to come.

The chill in the air reminds us we’re in a season of change. Moving from summer to fall and fall to winter are seasonal changes I get excited about. Swapping out sandals for boots, t-shirts for sweatshirts, and cold coffee for hot? Oh yeah.

While rays of sunlight dance like diamonds on lakes, rivers, and oceans, there is a dark cloud looming overhead. Our spiritual enemy is working furiously to lure our most precious of blessings, our children, away from God’s truth, love, mercy, and grace.