Too often today, if someone doesn’t like something another is doing, the response is to mock them or question their worth. That’s what Nehemiah’s opposition did, but it was not what he did. He chose to pray.

The year has begun, and how are you doing? These colder, grayer days can sometimes sap the spiritual energy from the fervor we felt over the holidays. This week’s posts can help! Choose one or two to read again and share with a friend who also needs the encouragement only God’s Word provides.

Was Zechariah being punished for doubting the angel, or was his problem—and is yours—something else altogether?

Once the question leads to action, the activity will grow. What will prompt your upcoming work? What will prompt someone to join you?

Nehemiah experienced what you will discover: When God calls you to restore and rebuild, you can be confident at least two things will happen.

God prompts, often where we don’t expect, sometimes before we even realize we need his help. Are you hoping to feel his nudge?

We have something in common with Nehemiah. Faced with falling walls, he found God’s strength to get busy rebuilding. Will we?

It’s the equivalent of “hello,” but maybe this year we can make it mean more.

Posts this week focus on the new year ahead. Which of these has helped you anticipate the coming months with new courage and resolve? 

The echoes of “Happy New Year” are still ringing in our ears. But, frankly, Lord, “happy” doesn’t quite describe the way we’re feeling as we look ahead to 2022.

We teach the next generation to praise God by the way we praise him in both the good and the bad days of our lives. How did that happen in 2021? How will it happen next year?

The wind down of 2021 seems like a good time to consider what, when, and who we are thankful for this year.

We celebrated his arrival, and Scripture tells us how to experience him with us every day. In it all, we can know that eternity has already begun.

What’s different after Christmas than before? Not much. And that’s exactly the point!

Did you miss God at Christmas? Relax, there’s still time, and he’s still right beside you, waiting.

We’ve been thinking about Christmas every day this week. And now, on the day after, it’s not yet time to stop remembering the gift of God’s Son. Choose one or two of this week’s posts to push your thoughts away from holiday hubbub and back toward the deepest reason for our celebration.

When I look at the sons in my life, I shudder to realize the gift God gave when he sent the world—when he sent me—his Son. A repost of one of my favorite reflections.

Advent is not simply waiting to celebrate Christ’s birth. It is about anticipating his final return.

“You better watch out, you better not cry.” “Oh, be careful little eyes what you see.” Hmmm . . . do these songs teach us the right message?

“O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel.” The apostle tells us how God will answer the prayer of Phillips Brooks.