God wants to use you, because of your strength and in spite of your flaws. But you’re never alone, because God promises to be with you. Life your life as a Christian in such a way that you are confident in God’s promise. Have faith in His plan, and go where He sends you— God’s way is the best for your life even though the world’s expectations constantly distract us.
Read MoreAlthough the wise men are a classic part of nativity scenes, they wouldn’t have actually been present at the birth of Jesus, but we include them to remind ourselves of their role in the Christmas story. The Magi symbolize Jesus’s journey and ministry, and the wonderful gift He gives each of us.
Read MoreThere’s a difference between listening and hearing and the key lies in the response. As God calls to you in your own personal situation, what are you going to do about it? Are you prepared to do as the shepherds did, and answer God’s call? Take action and make it known to others what God has revealed.
Read MoreWhen we experience hard times or moments of discomfort, it is our tendency to try to avoid them. This was the case for Joseph as well, but when an angel came as a messenger from God to tell Joseph how to respond to Mary’s pregnancy and Jesus, Joseph answered faithfully. We can challenge ourselves to be obedient during difficult times.
Read MoreWhen we consider Elizabeth and Mary and their part in the Christmas story, we can see their uncertainty, hesitancy, concern, and bewilderment, but also their willingness to carry the weight of responsibility of what God is asking. It is not unusual to no know how you fit in God’s story, but we can be assured of God’s understanding of our situation.
Read MoreAs we begin the Christmas season, know that the glory of God arrives with it. Christmas is more than just a holiday, it is a celebration of the arrival of Jesus, so we should treat the arrival of Christmas with excitement and anticipation evident in the way we live our lives. Look for the moments this month to shine God’s glory, as God shows you who He is and the gift He has given you.
Read MoreHow do we grow strong as the family of God? As we grow, differences in our foundations become evident and cause us to be unsteady, but that is not how God made us. If we pursue God together with our foundation built only upon Jesus, we can stand firmly and withstand any hurdles that come our way.
Read MoreBefore accepting Christ, we start from a place outside God’s family, even if we are a part of the church. We are excluded when we are outside a relationship with God. But God brings us in to bring us near to Him and be a part of His family and nothing can take it away.
Read MoreWhen we consider our place in the family of God, we need to understand that our position has responsibilities, but also privileges, and opportunities. To be a a family member, you should be involved and invested in the ministry of the church and have a heart for the things of God.
Read MoreWe are called by God to be obedient, even in difficult settings, for the purpose of spreading the gospel. Are you prepared to answer His call? There are three questions to ask yourself to determine your readiness.
Read MoreGod desires a relationship with His people, and through the covenant He provides, we can gain a greater understanding. A covenant is an unchangeable, divinely-inspired legal agreement imposed between God and man stipulating the conditions of this relationship.
Read MoreBe cautious to avoid failures of obedience—In moments where our faith is faltering, follow God’s promises to remember His plan and all that He can do. We don’t have to worry about our own shortcomings or what we’re capable of, if we remember God’s provision and calling for us.
Read MoreGod has given a call to each of us, and we must be looking to see and acknowledge that calling in our lives. When we understand the promises that God has made us, and recognize God’s calling, our response should be obedience. When we are faithful and heed His call, we worship God through our actions.
Read MoreGenerous giving is central to our faith; without it, how can we appreciate what God has given us? Giving as a church involves more than money alone. By giving our time, energy, resources and leaders to answer God’s call, we practice sacrificial giving, we become good stewards of the gifts God has shared with us.
Read MoreLeadership isn’t only for the pastors of a church—The church thrives when individual members step up in leadership and do the things God has called us to do. Through leading, we are given more opportunities to encounter people through the gospel. When we pursue decisions that honor God and uplift the gospel, we gain a greater knowledge of God’s direction for our lives.
Read MoreThe church must have doctrinal integrity—a complicated term for a simple concept: We take what we believe about God, salvation, and the world, and use it to understand what we should do and how to relate to situations in our lives. By putting into practice what we believe (doctrine), we are doing the things we say we should be doing (integrity). The world is watching and if we fail to follow through on our own beliefs, people will take notice.
Read MoreFoundational to our identity is discipleship— when we engage with scripture to model the behaviors and attitudes exemplified for us to see. When we join with others and examine passages to apply to our own lives, it not only helps one another to seek and follow God, it also grows the church
Read MoreAs individual members, together we form the church of God, and sometimes we face challenges and conflict in how things should be done. But God uses the church to do great things, so instead of complaining, we should be collaborative and innovative in spreading the Gospel.
Read MoreWhen we adopt God’s attitude, we have a desire to worship Him more. Others around us will see the difference in our attitudes and want to know what we know. Adopting God’s attitude with obedience and confession draws you closer to God, aligns your heart with Him, and gives you greater understanding of what He is doing by moving in your life.
Read MoreEvery day we have the chance to bring our family, neighbors, and even strangers closer to God through our own example. When we adopt the same attitude as Christ, we reflect Him to others, so that they may see God in us.
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