Passover. The Last Supper. The Garden. The betrayal and arrest. The beatings and crucifixion. The tomb. When you think of the events of the final days of Jesus' life on earth, is there one …
The Ultimate Valentine
The ultimate valentine has been sent to us. It expresses is an unending love of such magnitude that it is hard for us grasp, far beyond our limited comprehension. But it is so real. The Word of God …
True Security
Hatchlings in a nest. A baby asleep in mom's arms. A family hunkered in a warm house while a winter storm paralyzes the outside world in snow and ice. All these are images of security. Security …
8 Verses for Abiding in Christ
The tiny leaf in the middle of the photo illustrates the word "abide." It is new growth, protected by larger leaves. The smaller one shares the same source of nourishment for life. But if it is …
Abide in Grace
Last year, instead of resolutions, I chose one word to focus and guide my actions. This approach was new to me. The word for 2013 was "intentional." This word helped me focus on and complete some …
Time in His Hands
Time passes quickly when we are enjoying life, but creeps slowly when we walk through trials. We yearn for control over time. Everyone has the same amount of time every day. The Bible uses two …
Time, Days and Wisdom
This is the time of year we think about resolutions, goals, a fresh start, and TIME. A new year has begun with all its promise, opportunity and challenge. We have many choices ahead regarding how …
Trust the One Who Knows
A new year brings new challenges and ways to more trust the Lord. On New Year's Day when I changed the calendar on the fridge, I uncovered a familiar magnet. Once hidden by pictures, coupons and …
Year-end Tips
"But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians …
Welcome Him! Worship Him!
Christmas is more than a temporary season of celebration. It's the unfolding of the epic drama of God reaching to us, becoming a person like us. In doing so He remained fully God and fully human. It …
Christmas Joy!
Joy is one the great blessings of Christmas. It shows up Christmas services with beautiful music. Joy is in the giving and receiving presents. Joy can be evident in reconnecting with family. True joy …
Presence at Christmas
Presents or Presence? As Christmas day nears, even the last minute shoppers have presents on their minds. Some people have been planning their presents for months while others are just beginning to …
Traditions at Christmas
Traditions abound during Christmas. There are Advent calendars and wreaths, candy canes, Christmas cookies, caroling, trees, pageants, and Christmas Eve services. Also, there are stockings …
True Christmas Hope
Hope gets stirred up during December through the anticipation Christmas gifts. Kids look forward to having their favorite toy or video game to be under the tree. Families plan get-togethers for their …
Expectations at Christmas
Remember the old-fashioned bubble lights on Christmas trees? After plugging in the tree, the colored lights immediately came on, but there were no bubbles. For a child watching, it seemed like hours. …
Simplicity in Christmas
Simplicity becomes harder to grasp during the Christmas season. We are bombarded with so much advertising beginning before Black Friday. Shopping with the deadline for the best price brings …
Prepare for Christmas
It's time to prepare for Christmas! Over the next few weeks I'll be blogging "Words for Christmas." Each post will highlight one word, offer inspiration and give practical tips for preparing your …
The Importance of Thanks
What fills your heart? Gratitude or gripes? Is it words of thanks or complaints about the lack of something? Studies have shown that gratitude makes us healthier. In one study, one group of …
Praise and Thanks
What’s the difference between offering praise and thanks? Praise and thanks are closely connected but separate. Each has a specific objective, yet they overlap in purpose. In thanksgiving we list …
Praise in Personal Worship
How can we incorporate praise into personal worship? Praise honors God for who He is. He is worthy of our praise. With so many distractions that bombard us everyday, it's hard to focus and remember …
