This Sunday begins the season of Advent – the “arrival.” As we enter into the Christmas season, we begin to schedule parties, plan shopping adventures, family gatherings, exploring all of the lights and festivities that this season brings. As recipients of the greatest Christmas gift of all, we often find ourselves focusing on all the…
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18. We live in a world that often encourages us to focus on what we don’t have. So, it’s easy to overlook the blessings we do have. As Christ followers, gratitude isn’t just an attitude—it’s a spiritual practice…
We, as a Nation, have often been complacent in our expression of thanks for the fact that so many have served to provide the protection and freedoms we enjoy as Americans. With our freedom to worship God seemingly always under attack both from outside forces and those inside America, I believe we as churches should…
Cars today come equipped with many bells and whistles. Some have driver assist that will keep your car in the lane and alert the driver when you begin to cross the line. There are heated seats and even seats that have air conditioning! And of course, a voice that will help you navigate to your…
28-30 “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on…
O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. Psalm 63:1 Just as the deer thirsts for streams of water in Psalm 42:1-2, we should thirst for God. Let’s make it a goal to…
Jesus, the Son of God, left Heaven and came to earth to become one of us. He was 100% human and 100% God. He taught us how to live, what the Kingdom of God was like, performed miracles and made disciples. After His death and resurrection and before His ascension back to heaven, he gave…
One way to become more firmly planted in God’s family is to build new relationships. This week, come to church 10 minutes early and stay 10 minutes late. Use those extra 20 minutes to meet with people and interact with them. Help those who may be visitors. Also, there are numerous areas where you can…
The Church really is something unique and wonderful. The Church is the called-out people of God. As we gather together in a group – whether large or small, God allows us to be a blessing to one another, a unified witness to the world, and a light that displays God’s glory to the “…ends of…
“On the next day the large crowd who had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took the branches of the palm trees and went out to meet Him, and began to shout, “Hosanna! BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD, even the King of…