We know “God is love” (1 John 4:8). Yet, I meet Christians every day who seem to think God is only about the do’s and don’ts of His Word–and they totally miss that any suggestion or command He may have for us was birthed out of His character of love. I was thinking about this for two reasons: I heard ...

I recently had a conversation with a gentleman who was a having a real issue with the tradition of celebrating Christmas and Easter. It wasn’t that he didn’t believe Jesus was born or that He was raised from the dead. This man just struggled with the tradition of celebrating them on particular dates of the year. He said, “We don’t ...

I was recently thinking about the words we use as Christians to refer to Jesus: we often call Him our “Lord” and “Savior.” Interestingly, this is how He was announced by the angels when He was born, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11)—but the definition ...

I woke up this morning with this rolling around in my spirit: The anointing of God precedes you, prepares you, and propels you. As I laid in bed considering this thought, each word reminded me of seasons in my life. The Bible describes the anointing as a priestly portion in the Old Testament and a communication and reception of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament. In ...

If you’ve tried to rent a movie lately, or even scrolled through your TV guide to watch something, you’ve noticed the plethora of scary, frightful, even downright evil that has taken over the media industry. Personally, I dislike it. And as Christians we need to understand this truth: Fear is the polar opposite of God. How, you ask? The Bible ...

It’s been said, “Faith comes by hearing, not by having heard.” In other words, it’s not what you remember or think you know that will increase faith in your life– it’s the fresh word from Heaven (no matter how many times you’ve “heard” it before). I was recently reminded of this in my ladies Bible Study when a wise, young ...

This article first appeared on The Christian Broadcasting Network | My son is an associate pastor at our church. Recently, while my husband and I were traveling to some special meetings, he ministered a message entitled, “Is God Enough?” By the title, most would think he planned on preaching a message on faith in God— the One who is more ...

Here’s something we know all too well: “For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish” (Galatians 3:17). Do you understand what this means? The Message Translations says, “For there is a root of sinful self-interest in us ...

When my oldest son and daughter-in-law lead their youth camp each summer, I get the privilege of keeping my grandchildren, Roman and Nova. They are both at a fun age, especially Nova, as she has recently learned to walk and explore, curious and easily entertained, but definitely still a bit needy. Roman, on the other hand, is a big help ...

“Dear, dear Corinthians, I can’t tell you how much I long for you to enter this wide-open, spacious life. We didn’t fence you in. The smallness you feel comes from within you. Your lives aren’t small, but you’re living them in a small way. I’m speaking as plainly as I can and with great affection. Open up your lives. Live ...