How can you really know a God you can’t see? Aren’t relationships a two-way street?God created us, loves us and wants to be our friend but there’s a problem. Our sin separates us from Him—a holy God.The Good News is that God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins so He could have a personal relationship with us. The Bible says in 1 Peter 3:18, “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the ...  Read More

'“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). 'Matthew 1:23and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”Matthew 28:20 I am the type of person who absolutely loves having family, friends, and people around me, especially during the holidays. I realize I migh...  Read More

'As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”'Matthew 3:16-17'“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 'Luke 2:14 Today’s Scripture passag...  Read More

'For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. '1 Corinthians 13:12'There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever. 'Revelation 22:5 When I think of the new heavens and ne...  Read More

'No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. '1 Corinthians 10:13  'For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—y...  Read More

“But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.Psalms 39:7 NIVThe Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.2 Peter 3:9 NIV We live in such a fast-moving society, don’t we? We are likely experiencing that to its fullest right now during the Christmas season. The holid...  Read More

God is so good, and His people truly should have a thankful heart, praising Him for who He is and what He has done. Unfortunately, His people haven't always had that thankful heart.  Read More

This weeks Reading:James 5:1-20 Warnings to the WealthyThe Bible says riches are neither good nor evil. We find many wealthy people in the Bible who are not condemned for their prosperity – Abraham, Job and David, for instance. In Genesis, we find God created all good things so people could fully enjoy His glory.The problem is not mere possession of things. The problem is our sinful desires, the w...  Read More

This weeks Reading:James 4:13-17 Prideful BoastingJames concludes this section of the letter with verses 13 through 17. He presses into how little we actually know or control our lives. Therefore, our best possible option at all times is to depend on God. These verses call us out for the times we boast about where we will go, what we will do and how things will turn out – habits commonly accepted...  Read More

This weeks Reading:James 4:1-12 Troubles and TemptationsJames points out sins, also called ways of the world. Believers commonly struggle with old habits of sin. They must be abandoned by applying true wisdom to produce new works by faith.Discontentment: James writes, “You do not have because you do not ask God … you ask with wrong motives.” He addresses the sin first seen in Adam and Eve (1). Dis...  Read More

This weeks Reading:James 3:1-18 Speech of the TongueFrom the beginning of his letter, James identifies speech as a key test of authentic faith. Chapter 1 says those who “do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless” (1:26). James has already condemned speaking words of moral filth, dead faith, hypocrisy, favoritism and false gospels by the time we g...  Read More

This weeks Reading:James 3:1-18James 4:1-17James 5:1-20 Living for ChristLike no other time in human history, global communication technology increases the damage uncontrolled tongues can do. Some leaders rule nations by the force of their speech. Parents and others shape the next generation by what they say and how they say it. How do you respond to careless criticism, gossip or angry outbursts ...  Read More