There is a constant call in Paul’s letter to the Philippians to rejoice. Six times in these four chapters, Paul tells them that he is rejoicing and calls for his friends in Philippi to rejoice also. But did you know that Paul is writing this letter from jail? In fact, Paul was in prison at … Continue reading Rejoicing in trials with the Philippians
The official Thanksgiving holiday may be past for this year, but is your heart actually less thankful today than last Thursday? We hope you enjoyed a fun celebration on Thanksgiving Day, eating delicious foods with family and friends. But every day is an opportunity to give thanks and celebrate the gifts we have! Whenever we … Continue reading An ongoing need for thanksgiving
"Where are you from?" If the thought of answering that question in one sentence puts you on edge slightly, you might have spent your childhood traveling from one place to another. For others, you may have been born and raised in the same place. When I was a child, I often wondered what it would … Continue reading Where have you been, Wanderer?
How do you handle the storms of life? We know they are inevitable, yet we often find ourselves ill-prepared and overwhelmed. Let’s take a look at how the disciples and Jesus handled a storm in Mark 4. As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” So they … Continue reading Success in the Storm of Mark 4
Wait a minute. This isn’t Latin class. Why are we starting off with a different language? There’s a point behind it all, trust me. What came to mind when you read the title? Most would lean toward the word Sincere. Sincerity, honesty, trust. These are things we search for in others, components of relationships that … Continue reading Sine Cera
And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3: … Continue reading Grasping God’s Love in Ephesians 3
The quick answer? YES. We all want to be happy and to enjoy life! And the Bible tells us that this is a good thing. God promises his people joy: it is part of the Holy Spirit’s fruit in a believer’s life (Galatians 5:22) and Jesus promises his disciples multiple times that they will have complete … Continue reading Is it okay to want joy?
"But I pray to you, Lord, in the time of your favor; in your great love, O God, answer me with your sure salvation. Rescue me from the mire, do not let me sink; deliver me from those who hate me, from the deep waters. Do not let the floodwaters engulf me or the depths swallow me up … Continue reading Prayer during suffering in Psalm 69
A household "spring cleaning" allows you to clean the dust and dirt that hides away in unnoticed spots - behind the refrigerator, on top of the kitchen cabinets, or under the beds. We can ignore those hidden spots, but that doesn't make the dust go away. The same is true of the dust and dirt … Continue reading Spiritual Spring Cleaning
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24 It is an exciting thing … Continue reading The attitude of your minds, in Ephesians