Articles

How can you be joyful in the midst of suffering? Paul knew the answer. The book of Philippians proves it. Join us in this journey of joy!

God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day. (Genesis 1:31 NIV) God created the heavens and the earth and said, “It was very good.” These would not be the words I would choose. Miraculous. Breathtaking. Magnificent. Awe-inspiring. WOW! When I look around at the beauty in creation, be it dazzling sunsets or snow-capped mountains, I am often speechless. There are no words to accurately capture the beauty that ab

All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. (John 14:25-26 NIV) Comforter. Counselor. Advocate. Spirit of Truth. Guide. Intercessor. All of these words describe God’s Holy Spirit. And the most miraculous thing is that this Spirit lives in us. Stop. Think about that. God. Lives. In. You. That should knock us to the ground in

The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him “Immanuel” (which means "God with us”). (Matthew 1:23 NIV) God is with us. When God became flesh and walked among us through the person of Jesus, he became a real and visible presence in our world. The Gospels tell us that Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary, performed miracles, preached in synagogues and on mountaintops, then died on a cross for mankind. He was fully divine and fully human, with a mission

It was the worst of times. It was the best of times. Yes, I’m talking about 2020. For many, it was a very difficult year – loss of jobs, death of loved ones, racial unrest, homeschooling, isolation. And as I reflect back, two words continue to simmer and resurface – “Revealing” and “Opportunity.” Revealing. Events of 2020 pulled back the curtain from issues that have existed for years, both personally and nationally. The year that just ended brought chronic division to the su

By: Toto (with a little help from Oz) Something is going on in my world, and I wonder if it’s happening in yours too. It seems this something is not so good for humans, but I’m beginning to see some perks for me and possibly my other furry friends. Let’s start with the most noticeable one: grooming. I haven’t had to go to that place where they chop my fur off in a while. I personally think my female friends like my hair long, but my mom keeps getting it cut short which makes

It happened overnight. Job’s life was stripped away – his cattle, servants, and even his children were destroyed. Next he was physically stricken with boils that covered his body. While Job’s first reaction was one of trust in God, his wife didn’t share his faith. “Curse God and die!” she exclaimed. Those were the only words we hear from Job’s life partner. He had no support on the home front – where he needed it the most. Then there were Job’s “friends.” When they first appe

Fear. It has consumed our television screens, internet feeds, phone conversations, and many of our minds. It seems to be as contagious as the virus itself. While this may be a natural reaction and what many consider normal, I believe there’s a better way. Why not be concerned but not consumed? Why not stop fear from taking ahold of your quiet days at home? Now I don’t want to downplay what’s happening in our world. There is a real threat and a reason to be concerned. This dis

“Make new friends, but keep the old; Those are silver, these are gold.” As I rested and reflected on a recent weekend spent with five of my sorority sisters, these words simmered on my mind. It’s been 30+ years since we graduated from college, and since then we’ve reconnected during trips together – Chicago, New York, Nashville, etc. At each gathering we’ve reminisced about life back in the good ole’ college days as we launched into the unknown with optimism and excitement re