The Most Wonderful Time of the Year: Peace
Are you experiencing peace today?
If not, this season may not feel like “the most wonderful time of the year.”
You CAN find peace through any storm in life - headlines, tragedies, heartache, loss, pain - because God took a giant step toward us when He sent His son as a baby to be our Prince of Peace.
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Is it really the most wonderful time of the year for everyone?
When Mary and Joseph first heard the news that Jesus was going to be born, I suspect their first thought was not “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!”
It may seem like their lives were turned upside-down - but really, their lives were turned right-side up!
Signs of Thankfulness: Surrender
How does being thankful relate to being surrendered?
After parades, turkey, pie, time with family, and a nap, keep reading to find out!
Signs of Thankfulness: Singing
Are you a singer?
I didn’t ask if you are a GOOD singer, but are you a singer?
God’s Word describes thankful people, as people who sing - even if singing isn’t your best skill!
Signs of Thankfulness: Thankful Service
Time for a thankfulness check-up.
Are you serving others from a heart of thankfulness? or a heart of self-promotion or obligation?
A grateful heart overflows into joyful, selfless service to God and to others.
Signs of Thankfulness: Thankful Speech
What’s down in the well comes up in the bucket.
Ever heard that phrase? It’s true.
As we head into the Thanksgiving season, let’s consider several outward signs that reflect the condition of our hearts.
First - what kind of speech reflects a heart of gratitude?
On the Move: From Idolator to Worshiper
Who (or what) do you worship?
You can live as a true worshiper of Jesus - just like the Samaritan woman we read about in John 4. Keep reading to find out more!
On the Move: From Ignorant to Disciple
Our oldest grandchildren are entering the exciting new world of reading. Watching them discover how to put together letters, words, and phrases to communicate a thought is quite amazing! Once they were ignorant - but now they are learners!
In our spiritual life, we as believers have been moved from ignorance to become learners in Christ.
We are disciples. But what does that mean??
On the Move: From Lone Ranger to Fellow Members
How has the body of Christ encouraged you?
You don’t have to live in isolation. God made us to thrive best through relationships - with Him and with each other.
On the Move: From Pauper to Heir
Hetty Green and John Wendel had much in common. They lived like paupers when they could have lived in luxury.
Some Christians live like this, too.
Do you?
On the Move: From Orphan to Beloved Child
Have you moved from being an orphan to being adopted into God’s family?
God desires for you to become His child, and live with all the rights and privileges of a child of the King!
On the Move: From Sinner to Saint
Have you ever thought about changing your name?
If you are a Christian, your name has been changed by God!
On the Move: From Enemy to Friend
How many friends do you have?
Not the social media kind that you haven’t seen since high school. I mean the close kind - the kind you can call at any hour of the day, count on for help, and share life with as you laugh, cry, celebrate, and hope together.
Do you consider God your friend? You can!
On the Move
When a college football player transfers from one team to another is quickly immersed in a new culture and receives a new jersey, a new logo, a new mascot, a new fight song and a new identity. Everything changes.
And when we come to Christ as believers, we are transformed into a new creation - from darkness to light, from death to life, from being alone to being in the family of God. We receive a new identity.
Do you know who you are - who you REALLY are - in Christ?
Let’s find out together!
As Iron Sharpens Iron
Never underestimate the power of a friend’s influence.
Are you lifting up your friends, or bringing them down?
Friendships
Gina and I are thankful to have some very special friends in our life. We have friends who encourage us, friends who challenge us, friends who strengthen us, and friends who pray for us.
And friendships like this are a gift from God. What are the keys to becoming a good friend?
Standing in the Gap - Praying for Your Spouse
What is the best thing you can do for your marriage?
Stand in the gap for your spouse before God. As you pray for your spouse, you are, in essence, praying for a stronger, healthier, growing, and lasting marriage relationship.
Read more to find out 3 ways to stand in the gap for your spouse.
Standing in the Gap - Praying for the Next Generation
How do you pray for the next generation?
Standing in the gap for your children and grandchildren is the best gift you can give your family. Read more for some ideas on how to faithfully and intentionally stand in the gap for your family and for the next generation.
Standing in the Gap - Praying for Your Pastor
Has it occurred to you that you should pray for your pastor?
Let me assure you, your pastor needs your prayers. He needs you to stand in the gap on his behalf.
Read more to discover 5 ways you can pray for your pastor!
Standing in the Gap - Praying for the Sick
It is true that not everyone we pray for receives healing in this life, and that is hard to understand, especially when we have prayed.
Still, God invites us to stand in the gap for those who are suffering from physical illness. And we can experience fullness in that standing whether the person is healed here on earth, or in the presence of God for eternity.