“And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Luke 12:29-31)“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)Are th...  Read More

So the world accuses us of hypocrisy and says we want the same things they want and to do the same things they do. Where do they get that idea? What do they see that causes them to speak that way? There must be some things that are common enough that, in their opinion, make them credible to them. Could they be watching our most successful and high profile models of Christianity, let’s say supersta...  Read More

As we compare our lives as Christ followers who are running a “race set before us” (Hebrews 12:1) with the challenges we might find in a literal race, we have the great example of our Lord who, while He walked on Earth as a man, ran His race as well and encountered all the temptations and challenges that we do (Heb.4:15). Our Lord was opposed by the most powerful political and religious systems of...  Read More

"Born a Zero"It’s finally here . . . Christmas Day! There’s a special magic about this most special of days, isn’t there? Why is that? Is it because of all the presents, decorations, meals, and gatherings of friends and families? Yes, but there is so much more . . .It’s because today, around the world, we celebrate the birth of a Savior!According to Isaiah 9:6–7, one would assume the prophet was p...  Read More

The Greatest Gift of AllTake a moment to imagine what your life would be like if God had never sent His Son to earth. Think about how it would feel to exist without the promise of eternal life, or a connection to God. Consider how it would affect your relationships, your sense of self, and your vision for the future.Because of the promise of Christmas, that will never be a reality.The birth of Jes...  Read More

Luke 12:49-50"I have come to cast fire upon the earth; and how I wish it were already kindled!  But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is accomplished!"...  Read More

The Joy Set Before UsAnd when they saw the star, they were so ecstatic that they shouted and celebrated with unrestrained joy. When they came into the house and saw the young child with Mary, his mother, they fell to the ground at his feet and worshiped him. Matthew 2:10-11a TPTJoy: the praise-filled assurance that God is in control and working everything out for our good and His glory.It can be d...  Read More

The Thrill of HopeImagine it’s a dark, silent night and you’re in a field surrounded by sheep. Suddenly, a host of angels appears and proclaims that after 400 years of waiting, the hope of the world has arrived­—a baby called Immanuel, “God with us.”It can be easy to focus on difficult circumstances or experiences, especially after the challenges of the past year. But Advent offers us an opportuni...  Read More

Anticipating ChristmasFor to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 NIVWhat are you looking for this Christmas? Maybe you’re trying to process a difficult decision, and you’re in need of a Wonderful Counselor. Perhaps you’re feeling like you’ve reac...  Read More

The story of Ruth is part of the grander story of God’s plan to bring redemption to the world. Through the lineage of Obed, Ruth’s son with Boaz, Christ was born of a virgin named Mary. Jesus is the greater Kinsman Redeemer who brought salvation from sin and death to all who put their faith in Him for forgiveness of sin.Our choice to obey God today will impact generations to come. Are we leaving a...  Read More

God poured out His blessings on Ruth and moved her from barrenness and loss to fruitfulness and abundance. He is always faithful to provide for His children, but we must trust in His timing and wait for Him to open the doors. Famine is but a season, and now feasting has come.Are you in God’s waiting room right now? Ask God to strengthen your resolve to continue to obey. His promises will never fai...  Read More

When Naomi left Moab, she encouraged Ruth to stay because she would not have another son to marry. But, God is not limited to meeting our needs in expected ways. Here the same people who witnessed Naomi and Ruth return through the city gates empty are present to observe firsthand God’s providential blessing.Maybe you are standing empty handed right now, and you cannot see how God will turn around ...  Read More