In a season often marked by a frenzied busyness, Advent is an opportunity to set aside time to prepare our hearts. The term advent is a version of a Latin word that means “coming.” The four weeks before Christmas are set aside as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of Jesus’…
Have you ever thought of failure as a success? When we usually think of failure, we think of missing the mark – not achieving our goal. I believe that failure can also be part of the journey that leads to the successful completion of that goal. In our garden, Margie and I haven’t always gotten…
“Then Jesus told him (Thomas), ‘Because you have seen Me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed’” John 20:29 Following His resurrection, while appearing to Thomas, Jesus spoke of a future group who were to one day believe in Him. We who are included in that group do…
When you hear or read the words, “evangelism” or “witnessing,” how does it make you feel? For some, they will break out in sweat or hives, or even in to a full-blown panic attack! I remember when I first became a Christ follower. I was bubbling with excitement and the church group I was with…
James tells us that, “…faith apart from works is dead” (James 2:26). In Matthew 25, Jesus tells a parable about talents given to three servants and how they used – or didn’t use, those talents. For the two servants that used their talents for work, the master responds with the words, “well done, good and…
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6 The past can be a funny thing. Some look back to a time when they were happier, healthier, less stressed… in other words, those glory days. The problem with those…
Faithfulness comes to us when we feel like quitting or are discouraged about something. We have a choice to make, keep pressing on or stop and throw up our hands. Like the Apostle Paul, let’s keep pressin’ on. The Lord wants us to hope and trust him through the Holy Spirit. Staying faithful will bless…
13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14 Have you ever been held back because of your past? I…
I believe; help my unbelief—Mark 9:24 Have you really thought about what you believe about God? Some givens (I think): We know He is Omnipotent – all powerful. He created everything (Genesis 1; Colossians 1:16). We know He is Omniscient – he sees everything and knows everything and can do anything (Isaiah 55:9; Hebrews 4:13;…
If we aren’t careful, it’s possible to make an idol out of our comfort. The Bible tells us to carry our cross for Christ daily. That means we are guilty of the crime of being His, committed to Him – no matter the cost. It is to be so identified with Jesus that when they…