Being a Christ follower, at its core, is all about the relationship we have with Him. In the same way we build our relationships with others through time and communication, it is important to strengthen our relationship with Jesus by communicating frequently with Him. It is through a vibrant and healthy prayer life and the…
I noticed that when my 9-month-old granddaughter wants to hide from me, she doesn’t actually hide. Instead, she covers her eyes with her hands. She hasn’t learned that closing her eyes doesn’t make anything disappear. The truth is still there, though we may want to “see things differently.” Many in our world make a similar…
In Luke 5, it says that Jesus would withdraw to desolate places and pray. We often talk about entering our prayer closets to pray. I believe that means that we are to seek to be present with God and not be distracted when it comes to spending time with God. Why is this so hard?…
For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 2 Peter 1:16 Peter had absolute certainty about Jesus’ power. In 2 Peter 1:16, Peter tells us that he is not an author of fiction. He didn’t devise myths or…
Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Colossians 3:14–15 I believe the goal of every church is to see its congregation united by love and ruled by…
Charles Wesley wrote a hymn in 1762 that really should motivate us today: A charge to keep I have, A God to glorify, A never-dying soul to save, And fit it for the sky. To serve the present age, My calling to fulfill: Oh, may it all my pow’rs engage To do my Master’s will!…
“Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.” 3 John 1:2 As the church – the body of Christ, we carry within us the only solution to the despair and confusion of our current culture. A New Year is just around the corner, and…
When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Matthew 2:10-11 Christmas is not just about acknowledging Jesus but adoring him. It is not first about our witness to the world but about worship…
One of my favorite Christmas carols is Joy to the World. It is an upbeat hymn and one that, right from the beginning, celebrates the coming of Jesus and calls us to worship. The hymn was written by Isaac Watts (1674-1748) and was published in 1719. While Joy to the World has been sung during…
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’…