As we come together to celebrate the joy and wonder of Christmas, let us pause to reflect on the deeper significance of this season—how it inspires hope through faith, renewal, reconciliation, and transformation as we look ahead to the new year. Christmas is a celebration of unwavering faith: faith in the promise of hope, in the power of love, and…
Understanding Our Role in Knowing God, His Justice, and His Ways Introduction: The Challenge of Christian Knowledge If you’ve ever wondered why many people who call themselves Christians have a limited understanding of God, you’re not alone. His justice and His ways are often misunderstood. Seeing friends or fellow church members struggle with basic questions about faith can be surprising.…
Why Following the Rules Matters for Everyone, Every Day Understanding the Rule of Law Imagine playing a game where only some people have to follow the rules. Others get to cheat whenever they want. That game would quickly become unfair, and no one would trust the outcome. The same idea applies to our society. The “rule of law” means everyone—leaders,…
Diligence: The Bible’s View in Everyday Language Diligence is all about giving your best effort in whatever you do. It involves working hard and not quitting when things get tough. It also means getting things done with care and energy. The Bible says we should be diligent not just for our own sake, but especially for God. When you work,…
Exploring Our Deepest Yearnings for God in Everyday Life Every birthday, we close our eyes and make a wish. Every Christmas, children write out their deepest hopes for Santa. At weddings, we raise our glasses in hopeful toasts. When a new baby arrives, we dream big dreams for their future. Even in the tough moments of a mid-life crisis, the…
An Honest Look at the Troubling Trends Undermining Our Democracy and Society Introduction: The Widening Gap in American Culture There’s no denying it—America feels more divided than ever. We see arguments not just about politics across dinner tables, on social media, and in the news. These arguments are about the basic rules that hold our society together. If you feel worried,…
Personal Reflections on Unlocking Spiritual Growth Introduction: The Problem of Treating the Bible as Ordinary Have you ever felt stuck in your spiritual journey, like you’re just going through the motions but not really growing? I’ve been there, and it’s easy to wonder why our faith sometimes feels stagnant. Could it be that we’re treating the Bible as just another…
A Simple Look at a Powerful Prayer for a Fresh Start What Does Psalm 51:10 Mean? Psalm 51:10 says, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” This verse was written by King David after he made a big mistake in his life. He wasn’t just asking for a quick fix or to…
Pondering Our Need for Mercy, Strength, and Divine Presence in Uncertain Times Pondering the State of the Nation and the Church As I look around at the world today—at our nation, at the church, and at our personal lives—I can’t help but feel a deep need for something greater than what we can muster on our own. There’s so much…
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