Estimated reading time: 9 minutes Building Bridges, Not Walls: Living Out True Christianity Why do some Christians feel the need to label others? Perhaps they don’t know what it means to be a Christian. We label others with names, like hateful, crazed, stupid, and ruthless, and on top of that, we send them to hell. Labels create walls that prevent us from forming relationships.

Estimated reading time: 10 minutes In Scripture, the night symbolizes the seasons in our lives when we face fear, uncertainty, or despair. In both the literal darkness that falls after sunset and the darkness that surrounds our souls, God’s presence shines brightly. The Bible reminds us that God is never absent. Many Bible stories beautifully demonstrate how God works at night in ways we may not expect.

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes A Story of Biblical Deliverance There is a story in Mark 5:1-20 of the Bible about a demon-possessed man whom Jesus delivered from certain death by casting out a legion of demons. Perhaps the reason the Bible does not tell us this man’s name is that his story could be any one of ours, if it were not for God’s grace.

"Then He opened their minds." — Luke 24:45 NIV Estimated reading time: 3 minutes Many of us have read the Bible and learned its stories from childhood. Yet there is a significant difference between knowing the words and truly grasping their meaning. Jesus' disciples, like so many faithful Jews of their time, were familiar with Scripture. However, they did not fully comprehend them.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes “It happened, late one afternoon, when David arose from his couch and was walking on the roof of the king's house, that he saw from the roof a woman bathing; and the woman was very beautiful.”— 2 Samuel 11:2 ESV The story of David and Bathsheba is one of the most familiar stories in the Bible.

“Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them.”— Mark 10:13 NKJV During Jesus’ time, it was customary for parents to take their children to the rabbis to receive a blessing. However, in Mark 10:13-16, we see the disciples turning parents away when they attempted to bring their children to Jesus. This raises the question: Why would the disciples discourage the parents and keep the children from Jesus?

Estimated reading time: 13 minutes A few days ago, I had an interesting conversation with a young man. For the sake of his privacy, I will identify him as John. The subject of our discussion was a passage of Scripture found in the New Testament book of Matthew, chapter 11, verse 12, which states: “The kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.”

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes “But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away.” — Luke 8:13 NKJV Let us examine ourselves this morning by the wisdom of today’s Scripture verse in Luke 8:13. Whenever we receive a word from God, it fills us with joy and enlightens our spirits.

"Jesus answered and said..."— Matthew 11:25 Throughout the day, Jesus had silent conversations with God. Today's Scripture verse from Matthew 11 highlights one such conversation. In this passage of Scripture, no one asked Jesus a question. Therefore, it is evident that Jesus is answering someone, even though no one has asked Him a question. The verse records, “Jesus answered and said, ‘I thank Thee, O Father...’”

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes "David asked the Lord what he should do.”— 2 Samuel 5:23 CEV Seeking God's Guidance Before Decisions Before you jump “head-first” into any decision, do you pause to ask the Lord what you should do? David made a habit of seeking God’s guidance before taking action. His dependence on God's divine direction wasn’t just a fleeting moment of faith.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes “Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice.”— Romans 12:1 NIV Did you know that as believers, we are living sacrifices? Under the Old Covenant, people offered animal bodies as sacrifices to God. Their goal was to atone for sins and cultivate a relationship with God. Every part of the animal held significance. The priest would sprinkle the blood on the altar, symbolizing purification.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”— 2 Peter 3:13 NKJV During the first month of this new year, let us desire to grow in grace. Grace has its roots in faith. Just as the roots of a tree are anchored in the earth, so does faith anchor our souls in Christ.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever.”— Exodus 14:13 NKJV Throughout history, God’s people have faced seasons of overwhelming oppression and uncertainty. The Israelites, for example, endured 430 years of harsh slavery under Pharaoh’s rule in Egypt.

There Is Still Time for Salvation "Though we speak in this way, yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things—things that belong to salvation."— Hebrews 6:9 ESV The Closing of the Year: A Vital Opportunity With the last hours of 2025 quickly passing, let us thank God for graciously allowing us to reach the end of 2025.

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes “Joseph knew his brethren, but they did not know him.”— Genesis 42:8 AMPC Jesus is our kindred brethren, and He knows each of us intimately. Genesis 42 gives us a glimpse of what it will be like to stand before our Kindred Ruler. The King of the Universe will immediately recognize us, but will we know Him?

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”— Matthew 11:28 NIV Jesus is our burden bearer. His invitation is gentle and welcoming. He calls out to anyone who feels worn out and weighed down. In biblical times, the Pharisees—Israel’s religious leaders—insisted on strict obedience to every detail of the law of Moses.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel:‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’Says the Lord of hosts.”— Zechariah 4:6 NKJV Today’s Scripture verse is a reminder that God is the source of our power. The story of Zerubbabel and the rebuilding of the temple illustrates that, when faced with overwhelming obstacles and limited means, God’s Spirit equips and enables us to fulfil tasks that seem impossible.

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes God, who called you to become his child, will do all this for you, just as he promised.— 1 Thessalonians 5:24 TLB When we get to heaven, we will be safe and secure. Sin will never cross our minds. There will be no need to watch for the fowler or his snares, because there will be no devil to ensnare us.

The joy and wonder of Christmas remind us of the miraculous event that changed the course of history. The humble beginnings of the Savior in Bethlehem bring hope to our hearts. It also inspires us to reflect on the lasting peace and unconditional love that His birth represents. Amid the gifts and festivities, let us cherish the message of redemption and gratitude, allowing the spirit of Christmas to fill our lives with faith, compassion, and praise for all that God has done.

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes “The rich think their wealth protects them; they imagine themselves safe behind it.” — Proverbs 18:11 MSG Wealth often gives people the false impression of invincibility. They believe trusting their financial resources offers complete protection and security in every circumstance. The illusion of safety can become so strong that people overestimate the power of their wealth to shield them from life's challenges.

Discovering Faith Through Everyday Moments Estimated reading time: 4 minutes Prayer and Worship in Everyday Moments Some of my most meaningful experiences of prayer and worship occur during the ordinary routines of daily life, such as while I am showering. This morning, as I worshiped God in the shower, a thought occurred to me: Why do I feel such a deep love for the Lord?

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. — 2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV Two things are necessary to become righteous, both of which come from God: reconciliation and regeneration. We cannot become righteous by our own doing. Why? Because we are sinners in need of reconciliation to God.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes “Tell me the secret of your great strength.”— Judges 16:6 In the story of Samson and Delilah in Judges 16, Delilah asked Samson where he obtained his strength. Today, unbelievers also wonder where believers get their strength. The strength of faith in the believer is rooted in what they feed on. The food of faith draws power from meditating on God's promises.

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope.— Psalms 119:49 NIV Finding Hope in God’s Promises Are you seeking God about something? Whatever your need, God has a promise for every need in the Bible. Diligently search the Bible until you find it, and when you locate it, remember it; it will give you hope.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes In the 1970s and '80s, I was a keyboardist in a rhythm and blues band. I co-wrote and produced a record for a friend, David Rivet, a/k/a 'the Bionic I (One)'. That song, "DISCO CLAUS," became one of my favorites. Disco Claus hits home with my family during the Christmas season. Partly, this is because my son, Eric, is directing the children in the chorus on the recording session.