Why do we celebrate Thanksgiving? For many of us, it is a day of feasting, family, and football. Followed by Black Friday, more football, and Christmas decorating. Thanksgiving Day is a national holiday in the United States and Canada, celebrating the harvest and other blessings of the past year. Americans generally believe their Thanksgiving is… Continue reading Give Thanks
In American culture, we have an entitlement problem. It creates envy when others seem to be fairing better than we are. They call it "privileged." We feel that we are owed the American dream; when we don't get it we are disillusioned, angry at the world, and even God. "What separates privilege from entitlement is… Continue reading Gratitude Changes Everything
We all need to use our gifts in service of the church. If you let your gifts lie dormant in the Church, you are hindering the body of Christ. The Apostle Paul metaphorically uses the human body to illustrate how the Church needs every person to complete the gospel mission. "Now if the foot should… Continue reading Don’t Lie Dormant in Your Faith.
How to we live a life that is pleasing to the Lord? Paul explains that there are four elements to that lifestyle. In the letter to the Colossians Paul exhorts them to strengthen their faith. They were fighting false teachings that devalued Christ's supremacy and the adequacy of salvation through Him. This false teaching promoted… Continue reading Living a Life Worthy of the Lord
Why is transition or change so hard for me? Life transitions are challenging because they force us to let go of the familiar and face the future with a feeling of vulnerability. Most life transitions begin with a loss: the loss of a friend, the loss of a role., or the loss of a person.… Continue reading Maintaining peace during change
As a Christian, you should anticipate many changes and transitions as God uses you and your life for glory. Change is good; it is not always fun, but it is good. It is suitable for us and for God's kingdom. Change is a necessary part of life. Change shows we are growing closer to who God… Continue reading Navigating Change in the Christian Life
Do you ever wonder why prayers don’t get answered? They get responded to, but not in the way or the time frame we want. James gives us the answer to this burning question. Perhaps we ask with the wrong motive. “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend… Continue reading Why do our prayers go unanswered?
Most of us came to Christ through actions and conversations with lay people. By a lay person, I mean someone who is not a pastor. Maybe you noticed a peace in their lives that you didn't have. Perhaps you observed a generosity of spirit or kindness. Possibly they saw a need in your life and… Continue reading Are You Reproducing Disciples
The story of Martha and Mary has long been taught as the principle of prioritizing spending time with Jesus. Martha was busy working in the kitchen and trying to be a good hostess while Mary quietly sat at Jesus' feet, learning about her heavenly father. Martha was upset that her sister wouldn't help her with… Continue reading Martha & Mary – the Real Story
I Peter I: 15-16 “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” The word "holy" means to be "set apart." Set apart for God’s service, from the world and its influences, and for His use (ministry). We… Continue reading God has called us to be holy!
