Category Archives: General

“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great JOY for all the people.” –Luke 2:10   Christmas brings lights, music, and gatherings that make many people feel happy—and happiness is a good, God-given gift. But happiness is often tied to circumstances: a warm fire, a present under the tree, time with family.Continue reading “Emmanuel: The Joy of Christmas”

“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” –Luke 2:13-14   The angels declared “peace on earth” at Jesus’ birth, a promise that pointed to more than a temporary lull inContinue reading “Emmanuel: The Peace of Christmas”

 “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestorContinue reading “Emmanuel: The Hope of Christmas”

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” -1 Thessalonians 5:18 There’s something honest and true about the morning after Thanksgiving. The table has been cleared, leftovers packed away, and the noise of the day softens into ordinary time. And that ordinary time is exactly where gratitude must liveContinue reading “Practicing Gratitude”

I recently heard a pastor share something I had never really thought about before. When you read through the creation story in Genesis 1, you see a rhythm taking place. The phrase “God saw that it was good” or “it was very good” appears seven times in that first chapter. But then, in Genesis 2:18, before sin everContinue reading “Wired for Relationship”

I spoke about obedience this past Sunday and I’m following it up with this little devotional, because I believe it’s that important. If we’re followers of Jesus, obedience isn’t an option: it’s the outflow of our relationship with God. Jesus says it pretty clearly in John 14:15 when He says: “If you love me, you willContinue reading “Obedience Isn’t An Option”

“Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apartContinue reading “Intimacy Before Activity”

Jesus never hurried past people. All through the Gospels, we see Him stop, notice, and give His full attention to those in front of Him—the Samaritan woman at the well, Zacchaeus in a tree, Matthew at his tax booth, and even a woman weeping at His feet.  Each encounter shows us what it means toContinue reading “Being Present”

“The LORD is for me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?” -Psalm 118:6 Criticism is something we all face. It doesn’t matter who you are—whether you’re a pastor, a teacher, a parent, a friend, or a follower of Jesus trying to live out your faith—there will always be voicesContinue reading “Listening to His Voice”

When we talk about values it can sound noble: “I value God. I value my family. I value people.” These words are important—they name our hopes and convictions—but words alone don’t prove a thing. Jesus gives us a simple, searching measure of what we truly value—it’s what we treasure. Matthew 6:21 tells us: “For where yourContinue reading “What We Value”