I’ve found something better than making New Year’s resolutions
A few years ago I began a new practice of picking a few Scriptures to read and pray each day. I have picked as many as seven and as few as two the last few years.
An obscure prophet, a holy dialogue, and hope for our new year
Maybe some are eager to tear the last page off of 2023 while we hope and pray for better times in 2024. And maybe in these last couple of days of the year, we should have an honest and bold conversation with the Lord.
We serve for the same reason we give, and it really is not about us
Yesterday I wrote suggesting that when we give, our focus should be on the kingdom and not about our own recognition. The same must be said about every kind of Christian service.
Thinking about year-end duty that can lead to lifelong blessing
It’s not uncommon to think about last year’s spending, next-year’s budget, and this year’s contributions as we come to the end of December. When it comes to giving, the question we might ask is, “Why?”
Here’s the first thing to do when we hear, ‘We need to talk.’
When someone says these words there has been a failure to meet expectations. Whatever the past looked like needs to change now. One thing is necessary for that to happen.
On Christmas Day, we’re beginning to see the promise fulfilled
Merry Christmas from Dean Collins!
Sleep in heavenly peace: an illusive goal, even for believers
We find ourselves rushing through Scripture readings, Advent devotionals, and prayer as we frantically try to get gifts purchased, food prepared, parties attended, and work finished. And we just can’t seem to find enough time to sleep.
How we can experience the fullness of joy promised by Christ
Christmas is a season of joy. And joy, real and divine joy, comes to us as we abide in Christ and follow his teachings.
Asking Santa? Why we know we can do so much better than that!
As we contemplate the gift of Jesus who came to the world a little over 2,000 years ago, we can have full assurance that he delivers on his promises 100 percent of the time.
Gratefully, today we sing what many for centuries only said
The angels spoke their praise. Today we gladly sing it. And it’s a message not limited to the familiar Christmas Bible texts.
We celebrate because God has not hidden the most important gift of all
We may hide gifts at Christmas, but God has made clear the remarkable gift h’s provided for us.
From a minor prophet, it is a challenge fit even at Christmastime
We may think of repentance as a subject for Lent more than Advent. But a second look helps us to think again.
O come, let us press on now with worship and service of Jesus!
“Let us press on to know the Lord.”
Three prayers, three gifts—nothing could be better at Christmas!
The little letter of Jude gives us the perfect Christmas list: “May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you.”
Peace, the promise of Christmas, comes through relationships
When we have a right relationship with God through Christ, then his peace fills us and makes it possible for us to bring peace to others.
Discovering the joy and necessity of a hiding place with God
When we go to our hiding place with God, he will cover us with his loving arms, remind us of all his promises, and give us the strength and the wisdom to navigate every challenge victoriously.
Our goal: staying together in a world intent on segmentation
What good news we have is that our identity with Christ translates into community with God and each other.
‘Love not the world’—even in the gift-giving month of December?
“For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. “
Our experience of Christmas can go beyond our physical senses
Decorating for Christmas is usually a sensory experience. Christ’s first coming involved all the senses, too.
We celebrate as always, but sometimes with a longing for what’s next
Most of us have trouble waiting, especially for Christmas. Even more challenging is our wait for the second advent of Jesus.