Don’t see the hard times in life as unfair or meaningless or getting in the way of the comfort we really want. We should learn from our suffering, growing in faith and prayer, and being reminded that there is more to the good life than our selfish comfort. We learn more in the hard times... Continue Reading

Scripture says, “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart,” (Hebrews 4:12). This encouragement should stir us to open the Scriptures... Continue Reading

We are not here for ourselves, but for the work of Christ and the good of others. What exactly our individual service is will differ from that of others. But we are called to serve diligently and faithfully. As Paul put it in 1 Corinthians 4:1-2: “This is how one should regard us, as servants... Continue Reading

Though free for them, for you, for me, forgiveness was anything but free. Someone had to pay that cost, but it never could be me— Too full of my own impurity, I could never forgive to this immense degree. But Jesus can, and He did, and He does. And for those who believe, it’s still... Continue Reading

During her imprisonment, Mrs. Prest’s resilience continued to shine with amazement. She was offered the chance to recant and to return to her family and live a quiet life if she would only renounce her beliefs and submit to the Roman Catholic mass. But she refused. To one who encouraged her to reconsider, she replied,... Continue Reading

By slowing down, prioritizing rest, and cultivating joy, we can experience the beauty of Advent and the personal God who came to us. May the peace and love of Christ fill our hearts and homes this Advent and always. Ultimately, our intimacy with Christ is more important than anything else we could fill our time... Continue Reading

Godly growth will lead us to fruitful, solid, and lasting relationships that focus on others. The twenty-first-century church will face all the challenges of the first century and then some. But, God willing, we will chart a course that will produce Christ-like and Christ-honoring reciprocal relationships. One of the best metrics for measuring the biblical... Continue Reading

This world is uncertain, and the mode of leaving it is also hidden from us. We can rejoice, though, that our Savior Jesus Christ has in his resurrection defeated death and hell and thereby secured a place for us in heaven with him forever. He will welcome us into his loving arms the moment our... Continue Reading

Don’t remove yourself from the world—we aren’t called to bunker down, lock out the world, and wait for our “beam me up, Jesus” moment. Pray, study, research, and learn as much as you can about the culture God has placed you in. It’s not by accident that you are drawing breath in a certain corner... Continue Reading

Do you wish you could control your child’s experience in the world and guarantee the outcome? Zoom out: that’s not on you. Sometimes it sounds trite to say God is sovereign, but not so here. Here it makes all the difference to a concerned parent. You are freed to steward your household without assuming the... Continue Reading