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.

Dean Collins quoted a favorite Christmas hymn, told us a little about how it was written, and challenged us to see its truth in one chapter from 1 John in this post that first appeared in 2021.

What good news we have is that our identity with Christ translates into community with God and each other.

“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. “

Decorating for Christmas is usually a sensory experience. Christ’s first coming involved all the senses, too.

Most of us have trouble waiting, especially for Christmas. Even more challenging is our wait for the second advent of Jesus.

Advent includes some looking back at the promises and prophecies of God. But Advent also always prompts us to wait and to hope for something yet to be revealed. 

A fond memory of a warm interaction. First posted here November 14, 2020.

Every leader gets plenty of criticism. But when the words of warning come from God himself, all who love him must take notice.

God’s direction seemed harsh to the prophet, and his ways sometimes seem difficult to us, too.

We are to do everything we can to encourage one another to stay the course, to endure whatever suffering comes.

Every church and every faith-based nonprofit needs volunteers and donors who will stand in the gap for the people God has called us to love and serve.

When we think of WWE, we easily associate The Rock with someone strong. The term applies to the one who saves us, but then the Bible uses a far different word for him, too.

“When we stay focused on Jesus and his Word and love each other sincerely, we have the best protection against allowing something else to be an idol in our lives. Our gratitude for the many gifts God has given us will keep the Grinch from stealing Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any other day of joy.”

We do well to remember the Lord is not silent—and it behooves us not to be silent, either!

“Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the Lord.”

The name of this holiday helps us focus hearts and minds on the divine source of every good gift that comes from above.

Gratitude changes everything. It moves us from the floor of pity to the pinnacle of praise.  And lifting up God pulls us up as well.

Have you ever lived in the shadow of an unpredictable power structure or leader? Take a glance at what the prophet told his people who faced a similar situation.

“So what do you do to get God’s attention? There must be something he wants from you. Actually there are a couple of things; expressing your gratitude and faithful obedience. Psalm 50 indicates that God basically rejects everything else we might offer.” Read this favorite post from our archives.