In society today, it's frowned upon to make judgments of right and wrong, but I'm going to live on the edge today and suggest that there is actually a right way and a wrong way to celebrate Christmas. We're going to start by looking at a familiar passage we just read just last week from Luke 2:4-7 (NIV)...
So now we're almost halfway through December and quickly rushing toward Christmas. I wanted to jump right in this morning with a familiar passage about the birth of Jesus from Luke 2:1-7 (NIV)...
You may have heard it said that it's rude to discuss politics and religion in polite conversation. I don't think that's exactly Biblical - but when family gatherings happen, just like our recent Thanksgiving celebration - sometimes those conversations do occur, and sometimes tempers flare. Any of you have any similar family conversations at your...
Thanksgiving is almost here - and it's one of those rare times where the entire nation pauses - for at least for a few minutes - to be grateful. But for believers, Thanksgiving is more than just a cultural moment. It's an opportunity to spiritually reflect on our blessings from God and how those blessings shape our priorities. Gratitude is ...
On the afternoon of June 12th, just this past summer, two hikers began climbing a mountain near Torreys Peak in Colorado. They contacted rescue workers around 5 p.m. saying that they were 'off route'. Mission leaders stayed on the line, guiding them back on track and eventually to the summit an hour later. Just moments after reaching...
Do you ever have trouble remembering someone's name? It drives me nuts when I know I know it - I just can't get it from deep in my brain to my mouth. - Names matter. - They carry meaning. When someone remembers your name, it implies you're important and valued.
Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. (15) But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of...
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (8) Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. (9) Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
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In the Middle East, we're witnessing an historic peace deal. There's a brokered peace agreement between the Muslim terrorist group Hamas and the Jewish Nation of Israel. Is everything in the agreement going to continue down the road to actual peace? Only time will tell.
Are there ever times when perhaps we find ourselves upset over things that are not that important while missing the actual big things...? I've probably been guilty of that.
