by Craig McAndrews | Oct 27, 2025 | Testimonies
Peace may not be a word anyone would use to describe the condition of the world around us. Tension, conflict, and division may capture the reality of our culture more clearly. However, Jesus offers a peace that “surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7). The peace of Christ is not something earned, nor is it a fragile calm that depends on circumstances going a certain way. It’s a supernatural gift—steady, unshakable, and rooted in the promises of God. Yet many people live without that peace because they’ve allowed their thoughts to be ruled by worry, fear, or worldly philosophies rather than the truth of God’s Word. The way back is simple, though not always easy: anchor your heart in His promises, and peace will follow. Paul reminds us in Colossians 3:15 that the peace of Christ must rule in our hearts. That word “rule” means to act as an umpire—deciding what stays and what goes. When anxiety, anger, or confusion try to take over, peace can push them out. But peace can only rule where the promises of God are firmly planted. God’s Word is the soil where peace grows. One of the promises is found in Philippians 4:19: “My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” In moments of uncertainty—when bills pile up, doors close, or the future feels uncertain—this truth reminds us that God is the Provider. He owns it all, and He will not fail to care for His children. Another promise that restores peace is Romans 8:1: “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”...
by Craig McAndrews | Aug 19, 2025 | Articles, Mentors Corner
“Praise ye the Lord. Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in His commandments” – Psalm 112:1 (King James) Every other Monday, I have the opportunity to participate in a Bible study with a young guy who is eagerly seeking the Lord. Recently, I returned from vacation to find my inbox flooded with urgent issues waiting for attention. Unfortunately, Bible study happened to fall on the same Monday I was due back at work. I immediately felt the tension: Do I skip this one and get ahead of the chaos, or do I keep my commitment? I chose to attend—sort of. I went, but my mind was elsewhere. I was distracted, and the cares of the day captured my attention. My obedience was slow, reluctant, and partial. A far cry from the psalmist’s description of the one who “delights greatly in His commandments” (Psalm 112:1). Obedience is not a new concept for believers. From the beginning of Scripture, God has called His people to hear His voice and follow His commands. But Psalm 112 introduces a deeper distinction—one that moves beyond compliance to the heart of our response: delight. The psalm doesn’t just describe someone who fears the Lord. It describes someone who greatly delights in God’s commandments. The Hebrew word for “delight” conveys joy, favor, and deep pleasure. This is not the reluctant obedience of someone giving in after resistance. It is not half-hearted or delayed. It is glad, eager, and fast. So, here’s the question: How do I obey God? Psalm 112 paints a picture of obedience that is joyful, complete, and prompt....
by Craig McAndrews | Jul 31, 2023 | Articles, Mentors Corner
Do you have Peace in your life right now? Your answer to this question can profoundly impact how you mature as a follower of Jesus. My guess is you won’t come across many believers or non-believers who wouldn’t be interested in being at Peace. However, the fast-paced and divisive nature of our world makes Peace something many people only dream of having. But the Peace that Jesus offers is designed to deepen our relationship with Him and protect us from the theology of our culture. The dictionary defines Peace as “the freedom from disturbance or tranquility; a stress-free state of security and calmness.” In the Bible, the Greek word used in the original text is Eirene (i-ray-nay) which means quietness or rest. The word “Peace” is used in the King James translation of the Bible 429 times. Jesus Himself was recorded using the word 23 times. One verse that captures the essence of the peace message is in John 16:33, where Jesus says, “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have Peace. In the world, you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” Jesus contrasts the challenges and struggles we experience “in the world” with His promise of Peace found in Him. At first glance, Peace seems like a state of being or a mindset. However, when you look closer at the Peace of Christ, you see a more profound purpose taught in scripture. In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, we see a purpose for the Peace of Christ. In Philippians 4:7, Paul writes, “and the peace of God, which...
by Craig McAndrews | Jun 19, 2023 | Articles, Mentors Corner
In Ephesians 6:10-18, the apostle Paul points out to the Christians at Ephesus, they are fighting a spiritual war. Therefore, it’s essential to equip themselves with a spiritual arsenal to “stand firm.” Paul highlights six components of the spiritual armor of God, each designed to prepare, protect, or play offense against the “schemes of the devil.” Shodding our feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace is one part of the full armor that includes two dimensions for Christians to understand. The most understood dimension of this verse is about taking the gospel to others. In Romans 10:15, Paul writes, “But how are they to preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring the good news of good things.” The gospel is the good news of Jesus Christ. The gospel brings others a message of peace, grace, and salvation. Satan doesn’t want any of those life-giving words to get to people. As followers of Jesus, we must devote ourselves to learning and studying the Scriptures to walk in the peace that only the gospel can bring. Shodding our feet with the preparation of the gospel makes us ready to live out the great commission. However, if we aren’t firm enough in the gospel in our own lives, I would suggest taking the gospel to others will be a challenge. A second dimension of shodding our feet relates to being personally anchored in the gospel message. Just like a soldier puts on his armor and equips his feet with sturdy boots, we, too, must have our feet firmly...
by Craig McAndrews | Mar 28, 2023 | Articles, Mentors Corner
Psalm 73:28 I never put much thought into the impact of nearness until recently. Over the past six months, my wife and I have transitioned into the empty-nester phase of life as our youngest son went off to college. The early part of the transition was fun and exciting as we started to have a bit more time for the two of us. There were fewer activities to navigate, less managing curfews, and a dramatically lower grocery bill. However, as time has passed, we have wrestled with our sons being away. We miss them and often look for ways to get together. There is something about having them near that brings a sense of peace and comfort. These words describe a similar sense we may experience when God is near, however, in Psalm 73:28 the topic of nearness goes deeper and should more profoundly impact how we respond. In Psalm 73:28, Asaph writes, “But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge that I may tell of all his works.” I can’t think of many Christians who would disagree with the idea that having God near is a good thing. However, in this verse, we read about a deeper level of dependence and a compelling call to action as the output of the nearness of God. The nearness of God brings about a deeper dependence on Him as we make Him our refuge. The word refuge is more than just a place of escape. The King James translation uses the word, “trust” which means a literal shelter or a...
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