The period between the end of the Old Testament prophets and the coming of Jesus is often referred to as the silent period. In Luke 1, after Mary revealed to her relatives how God had chosen her to bear a son, Zechariah’s prayer of praise is recorded to remind us about the significance of what was about to transpire. Zechariah … Read More
Sharing Peace at Christmas
When the shepherds were standing in the field that night, they announced the arrival of “Peace on Earth.” This peace would be possible through a relationship with God. Jesus had come near, to bring hope and help to all who would receive it. This was “Good News” of peace with God through trusting in Him. Despite the peace that is available … Read More
How You Can Have a Happy Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving through New Year’s can be a rough time for many, especially if thoughts of home create more nervous tension than eager anticipation. In Colossians 3:12-15, Paul unpacks his recipe for how we can find peace within us and around us during the holiday season. “[12] Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, … Read More
How to Respond to Concerning Behavior
What’s your response when someone’s concerning behavior becomes known? How does your church or church leadership respond? Consider the following scenarios that churches may encounter in their congregation. A church board member laughs about trying marijuana gummies on the golf course with his friends on their annual golf trip to San Diego. A youth worker confesses they needed a designated … Read More
Do You Care? Challenging Churches to Embrace This Moment
“I don’t even know what to do anymore,” he secretly wished that the heart attack that killed his good friend had happened to him instead. Financial stressors, church hurt, and more house projects than he knew what to do with had led to a perpetual dread of waking up each morning. He finished with “My marriage sucks! My wife left me in … Read More
How to Help Teens in Trouble
Teens are heading back to school soon, with some adults feeling that the greatest danger facing our teens is the rising COVID variant. However, long before COVID, many teens were already facing serious troubles.
Simply reading the headlines describing one crisis after another, you can see that we are facing multiple challenges in reaching the hearts of the younger generations. In one sense, teens are going through something new in facing a pandemic.
Like past generations dealt with WWII, the Sixties, or the HIV Crisis, today’s teens are dealing with all kinds of trouble, but often feel helpless and don’t know what to do about it.
Freedom through Faith
This weekend there will be gatherings all across our country to celebrate our independence and freedom. As a culture, we value our freedom highly, and because of recent restrictions experienced by so many, perhaps this year’s celebrations will be a special reminder not to take that freedom for granted. This yearning for freedom was put into our hearts by God … Read More
Listening in a Loving Way (Part 2)
At one time or another, you’ve probably heard someone say in a dismissive tone: “I’m just not a good listener!” Whether we get distracted by what we are going to say next, are easily offended by unfair criticism, or feel overwhelmed by needing to find the right words to reply, quality listening is complicated. Add to that the fact that … Read More
Listening in a Loving Way (Part 1)
If you look around in our culture today, we are consumed with arguments and divisions. Whether it be COVID, #churchtoo, BLM, doctrinal differences, CRT, or a whole other variety of hot topics, we are arguing with one another at an ever-progressing pace. Some families and churches are also consumed with divisive spirit. You may feel overwhelmed when thinking about what can change … Read More
