Our lives are often complicated with chaos. Deadlines, family needs, and responsibilities consume our time and demand our attention. As our Creator, our Heavenly Father, our bridegroom, and our friend, the Lord deserves not only a spot on our calendar, but a priority in our lives. His will and plans should be at the forefront […]
The word new occurs 260 times in the NIV. Perhaps the best-known verse with the word new is, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17). This challenges us to embrace newness in opportunities and growth. We became new creatures when […]
O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel, that mourns in lonely exile here, until the Son of God appear. Rejoice, rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel! Christmas is coming! It’s the most wonderful time of the year, according to a Hallmark Channel movie title. Decorations are everywhere, and Christmas music plays […]
My husband teases that I’m secretly Jewish—me, the preacher’s kid from Oklahoma. I must have some Hebrew roots, he says, considering the mezuzah by our door and the Jewish holidays I make our family celebrate. It’s true. Over the years our family has probably celebrated more Jewish holidays than Christian. We observe Passover each year, […]
The Call to Hope Hope is a biblical concept that should characterize the life of the Christian. I’ve heard people being criticized for depending on some whimsical hope and I’ve listened to sermons that discourage Christians from thinking about their reward. Yet hope is a topic mentioned throughout the Bible. Hope is good. Hope, correctly […]
