I recently was having a conversation with a new believer, who was sharing that he feels it is very difficult to be a Christian in today’s society. The temptation from the devil is prevalent, and he was not sure where to begin in his faith journey. He felt like he kept messing up and not doing “the right things.”

It got me thinking about when Jesus saved me. “I want to follow God but this is all new to me. What’s next? How do I read the Bible? Where do I even begin?” Those are just some thoughts I had. I wasn’t raised in a Christian home, and I am one of the few believers in my family. In a way, I felt alone, but all I knew is that I asked God to be Lord over my life. Now looking back four years later, I am in awe of how far God has brought me. So, I want to share with you some thoughts the Holy Spirit spoke to me during my prayer time on how to take your next steps as a new believer.…

God does not look for us to be perfect. He looks for us to follow Him daily. We all have a past that we may not be proud of, and have done things that we wish we hadn’t; but do not let the enemy attack us in our thoughts about those things. The enemy is in the world, but so is God, and as children of God we are called to shine light in the dark world. Everybody’s walk with Jesus is going to look different. We cannot look at christianity as a checklist, marking off the boxes when we complete something. We just need to have a personal, intimate relationship with Him. What the enemy meant for evil, God turns to good. It makes me think of the worship lyrics that say “I sought the Lord and He heard and He answered and that’s why I trust Him.” There are many different influences going on in this world but we have the power of the Holy Spirit to be the influencers, not influenced. God is in control, but He is not a dictating God - He gives us free will. We have the choice every day when we wake up, before our feet touch the floor, to stretch our arms out wide, and say “God, use me today to further your kingdom, use me to lead people closer to you.”

Biblical community is key! The enemy wants us to be alone- he attacks us when we are in solitary and when we don’t surround ourselves with other believers. That’s why it’s so crucial to seek counsel, to pray and encourage each other. Do not look at your past and your mistakes as a failure, shame, guilt, or a burden, because that is all a lie from the enemy. We need to take our testimony, share it, and give God all the glory and praise. The power of your testimony will show people what He can do when you choose Him to be Lord over your life. There is power in your testimony, so He will equip you to share it! God is working through you. Don’t shy away from passing it on when the enemy tries to attack you, because he does not want you or others to know God. We should feel so incredibly grateful that God rules over the enemy, and we have the power through the Holy Spirit to rebuke the enemy when he tries to show up.

We cannot do any of this by ourselves. We need the Holy Spirit, so invite Him into your heart and ask Him to lead you. I encourage you to not be lukewarm, but to speak the truth in love every time God gives you the opportunity and watch lives be transformed. 

It's Not The End

By Eileen Glotfelty • May 23, 2026
Are you one of those people who like to read the end of the story before finishing the book? This morning I've been sitting here feeling overwhelmed by life. There are things that are out of my control and a lot of uncertainty. For someone who likes to have a plan, it's my worst nightmare. God's word says that He finishes what He starts and He will complete the good work in me (Philippians 1:6 NIV). I struggle with that when I can't see the finish line. God's word also says He's the Alpha and the Omega which means He is the beginning and the end (Rev 22:13 NIV). To me, that means that He sees it all. He knew where I would be on any given day. He knew my circumstances before I did, but unlike me, He's not worrying and overcome with anxiety because He sees the end. So, once again, I have a choice to make. I can sit here overwhelmed because I can't see the way out, or, I can trust the One who can. Will I choose hope or despair? This leads me to faith which is choosing to believe even though we can't see the outcome. I had to ask myself where I was putting my faith. Hope and faith work together. No amount of striving can earn them. Each one of us has access to them. All we have to do is ask the One who freely gives. Jesus, I know you've written my story and You know how it ends. Everything in this life is temporary. Even though I can't see the end, help me to rest in the fact that You do and I can trust You with my life.

The Lost Sheep

By Eileen Glotfelty • May 11, 2026
A few weeks ago I shared about my estranged child. Mother's Day came and went without a word. I spent the day wondering/hoping I would hear something. I didn't expect a phone call but maybe a text. I told myself not to have any expectations, but I still did. I was almost angry at myself for thinking maybe this year would be different. This morning I sat here talking to the Lord. He wants me to be honest with Him so I didn't try to hide the sorrow and the rejection. I told Him I was hurt and I had to forgive my child once again. He reminded me that I had three other children who hadn't forgotten me and made me feel loved and honored, so why was the rejection of one so painful? It was then I remembered the story of the lost sheep. For those of you who aren't familiar with it, it's about a shepherd who has a flock of a hundred sheep. One of them goes astray and the shepherd leaves the ninety-nine to go find it. It was a gentle reminder that He will never give up on my child and He loves Him more than I could imagine. In the same way, God will never give up on any of us. No matter how much we run or push Him away, He will never leave us. I needed that encouragement, maybe you do too.

The Prodigal

By Eileen Glotfelty • April 19, 2026
For those of you who have a prodigal child, you're not alone. What I mean by prodigal is a child who has turned their back on you and put up walls of defense. It came as a surprise, a shock actually. I should've seen it coming but after years of butting heads, I truly thought we were in a better place. The revelation came in a letter where thoughts and feelings were shared. I felt my spirit being crushed as I read it and my heart broke. I know I wasn't the perfect mother. I had struggles and behaviors that had followed me since childhood. I had resolved never to treat my children the way I was treated, but how many of us know that sadly it still happens, but in a different way. When you have a prodigal, it's not about forgiveness and reconciliation, it's about the pain they feel we've inflicted and they can't let go of it. I keep hoping that some day, things will change but there's no guarantee as it takes two surrendered hearts that are open to be healed. It's been four years now since I received that letter. I have grieved in a way I never have before and there were times I didn't think I would make it through. It's a different kind of grief because you know it can change but it's out of your control. It's been a process and I've experienced rejection, abandonment, guilt and shame but it brought me to a place where I knew it was going to keep me in a prison of pain if I didn't surrender it to God so He could heal my heart. The Bible has a story about a prodigal son. Even though the son went his own way and abandoned his father, his father never gave up hope. When the son had an “aha” moment and realized how foolish he had been, he humbled himself and returned home. This is my favorite of the story: “So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. Luke 15:20 NIV” This is how God greets everyone who returns to Him, no matter what they've done. I pray I would react the same way with my son. If you have a prodigal, my heart goes out to you, but just know that God sees you and your child. He is working behind the scenes as He is a God of redemption and reconciliation. He will heal your broken heart and give you the strength to hold on.