How to get 24 Hours of Sabbath Restoration: Have you ever wondered why some communities seem to defy the aging process, living longer and healthier lives than the rest of us? These regions, known as “Blue Zones,” hold secrets to longevity. These communities get up to 10 years more life than the surrounding population.
Read MoreA Biblical Perspective on Adaptation and Growth: In life’s journey, one of the most crucial lessons is realizing that “You don’t know, what you don’t know.” This truth becomes apparent as we encounter unexpected challenges and need to adapt to ever-changing circumstances. Starting something new can be a challenge, but having to change course in the middle of the journey can be a great obstacle to overcome.
Read More“Practice what you preach.” “Talk the talk, walk the walk!” We’ve all had those times where we struggle to translate our intentions into actions. Commitment is more than a passive engagement; it’s an active decision that requires follow-through. It’s an important component of our faith journey.
Read MoreBuild your spiritual resilience by adding fasting to your prayer. In our fast-paced Western society, where freedom and prosperity flourish, the spiritual discipline of fasting often takes a back seat. This is unfortunate because fasting holds the key to enhancing the frequency and impact of our prayers. Today we’re going to dive into some of Jesus’ teaching and uncover the crucial connection between prayer and fasting.
Read MoreI have a love-hate relationship with Nativity sets. I love that Nativity sets help us remember the first Christmas, adding a Biblical touchpoint to our Christmas decor. And yet, I struggle with how traditional Nativity Sets paint an idealized, pristine picture of the first Christmas. Let’s take a moment to peel back the layers and explore the messy reality that commercial Nativity sets overlook before I move to my main point.
Read MoreThe unfolding drama of the Christmas story is more than just a historical account—it’s a revelation of God’s immense love for humanity. The angel Gabriel’s message to Mary serves as a pivotal moment in this divine narrative, demonstrating the connection between God’s love and His choice. “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.”
Luke 1:30
An Advent Journey through Psalm 23: Have you ever wondered, “Why shepherds?” What’s the shepherds’ role in the Christmas narrative? Why did God choose these humble caretakers to witness the birth of the Messiah? In seeking out answers, we’ll find them today in an ancient, potentially unlikely source. We’ll explore the timeless wisdom found in Psalm 23, written by the shepherd David. From that text, we’ll widen our focus to discover the peace offered by our Good Shepherd, Jesus.
Read MoreFive outcomes of a transformed heart. In chapter 12 of Paul’s letter to the Roman Church, there are some unique outcomes that he lays out, on how an individual responds once they have received the Gospel of Jesus Christ. These responses or perhaps, better clarified as behavioural outcomes, are spurred on by the Holy Spirit and then lived out by the individual.
Read MoreEvery pastor claims to know the right way to evangelize. Many are also quick to downplay or disregard other methods or models of evangelism. Over my time in ministry, I’ve come to learn that the ways people come to know Jesus are both deep and wide. And we should be careful when targeting a single way to share the Gospel as the only way.
Read MoreNot sure if you’re familiar with the Enneagram, but I am an 8 (the Challenger), with a wing-7 (the Enthusiast). My internal nature is to always be working on or running to the next big thing. My mind is constantly focused on a challenge to overcome, or an experience to be had. Sure, I can get a lot accomplished and I have a lot of unique adventures, but there is a shadow side to every Enneagram number.
Read MoreCongregations are still struggling to reach their pre-COVID numbers for physical gatherings. Some remain online or continue to meet in small groups at home. Congregations are dispersed in a way that we haven’t seen in centuries…or millennia. Church leaders are looking for direction. Will God provide direction? He will, in His time for His purpose.
Read MoreOur family was hitting up Florida theme parks in February 2020. The greatest fear at that time? Upside-down roller coasters! Not COVID. People had coughs and colds, kids had runny noses, and touched everything, but there were no safety precautions. Lines were tight, no one wearing masks, and no hand-sanitizer stations. Simply put, there was no fear. Will we ever get back there?
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