The story of Moses is explored, highlighting his early rescue from the Nile and his instinct to intervene in situations of injustice, showing how personal tendencies may be shaped by early experiences.

In the same way, we can trust that when we seek God and offer ourselves to His will, He will use us in His grand story of redemption, often in ways we cannot foresee, just as He used both the influential and the powerless in Moses' story.

Long before the Book of Proverbs, Shiphrah and Puah demonstrated that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,” as they courageously defied Pharaoh’s evil decree to kill Hebrew male infants.

Sleep struggles are universal, and the modern quest for the perfect night’s rest, whether through gadgets, medications, or routines, can be a reminder that true peace comes from surrendering to God's control.

Joseph’s path from a proud young man to a humble servant of God teaches us that humility is often cultivated through hardship and dependence on God. His transformation highlights how struggles can refine our character and deepen our understanding of God's hand in our lives.

In a world dominated by constant comparison, we can remember that characters like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph weren’t perfect. In fact, their flaws—ranging from lies to favoritism—show that God uses imperfect people to fulfill His promises.

While scripture clearly includes population growth in the command to "be fruitful and multiply," God's ultimate design for fruitfulness is about spiritual growth and kingdom expansion, not just having children.

The world may seem dark, but just as Noah found favor in God's eyes during a corrupt time, we too are chosen for assignments that allow God's grace to shine through us. Our response should be one of obedience, trusting that God equips us for the work He calls us to.

By delighting in God's word and meditating on it daily, we are reminded that we can avoid the influence of the wicked and remain rooted in His truth, which leads to prosperity and spiritual growth.

This year, don’t settle for a maintenance plan. Instead, may the redeemed of the Lord join hands in partnership with God and do the work that he has given us to do!

Drawing from Genesis, we reflect on how the initial beauty and order of creation was disrupted by disobedience, yet God’s plan for renewal was set in motion immediately after the fall.

Scripture shows that God's word has great power to accomplish His purposes, reminding us that when we align ourselves with His will, the impossible becomes possible.

While smartphones and devices help us stay connected and productive, the constant distractions they create often make it harder to find peace or time for spiritual reflection.

The start of a new year often brings pressure to stick to resolutions, but it's important to remember that we all have weaknesses and are not perfect.

Even in the midst of slow progress or uncertain tasks, God's Spirit empowers us to accomplish His purposes, and every small step is significant in His grand plan.

As we step into 2025, it’s comforting to remember that God is both the beginning and the end. From the very start of creation to the final chapter of eternity, He is with us.

Happy New Year from Dean Collins!

As we close this year and step into the next, we are encouraged to trust in God’s unchanging presence, knowing that He will continue to bring comfort, joy, and purpose as we serve Him and others in the coming year.

Eternal life is not just a future promise; it is something we can experience now as we live and love like Jesus, with the confidence that both we and our departed loved ones are alive in Christ.

While calendars and schedules help us manage our lives, they can also distract us from the deeper purpose of Advent and Christmas—to encounter the presence of Jesus in a meaningful way.