Learning from Luke to do what seems good and see the amazing result
Maybe we shouldn’t be surprised that as we surrender ourselves to God and are faithful in doing what is in front of us, God may very well choose to do something extraordinary with our lives.
A book with a perfect ending, and it’s good all the way through!
I’ve read the end of both Bible Testaments, and the good news I find there motivates me to savor all of Scripture.
What to do when you’re feeling stressed by new year pressures
I will confess that over the years the last week of the year and the first week of the new year tend to keep me restless and stressed. It doesn’t take long for the worry and stress over things I can’t control to start backing up.
I’ll vote for hope! I’ll campaign for peace! I’ll choose God!
There is good news this year! In Psalm 146 and 147 we see many reasons to have hope, and we can gain perspective on where we can and must place our hope, no matter what the candidates tell us.
Hands prepared for battle, ready for trouble, and trained to praise
Just as David wrote that God had prepared his hands for war and his fingers for battle, we can also be prepared for our battles by spending time in prayer, in praise, and even by lifting our hands to God in worship.
From the beginning to the end, we can know our Lord is with us
Knowing that God was at the beginning and will be at the end of our lives, we can be confident he will not abandon us here in the middle.
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.”