Read Galatians 5:21-23. As I walked to school with my friends, we’d talk and dream about gifts we hoped to get for Christmas. Invariably, the conversation would change to what it’d be like if [...]

The Spirit in us. We know the story. Jesus came to accomplish something – to establish his kingdom in this world and to work in the hearts of individuals. Words from Jeremiah echo the [...]

When my kids were younger, we’d dress up and play make-believe games where superheroes conquered bad guys and princesses ruled over the extravagant castles. We’d dress up in character, make forts, and enjoy the [...]

RELAX + REFOCUS Close your eyes and allow your mind to be still. Turn your palms downward as you let go of all distractions and cares. Now turn your palms upward as a physical [...]

Read John 1:11-13. Family. A word that holds promise for some, but a world of pain for others. Family. Where our sweetest joys can be found, as well as where our deepest scars can [...]

Read Psalm 2:1-8. Presently, we see global rulers who negotiate through whatever means necessary. We watch as those in positions of power and governmental authority try to set themselves apart to gain influence and [...]

Read Galatians 4:19-20. In the Parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-32, the younger son takes his share of the estate and squanders all of his wealth. He gets to the lowest possible [...]

Read Ephesians 1:5. My story of adoption starts in Calcutta, India. My birth mother had me when she was around 14. I don’t know much about her background, but I do know I was [...]

Read Isaiah 40:1-20 “Behold our God!” Isaiah marvels at who God is and what he’s done. There is no God like him. He is OUR God. It is he who created the world (v. [...]

11Read Romans 5:17. Have you ever regifted a present? Or have you received a gift you were pretty sure had been regifted? Whether you’ve given or received a regifted present, it probably felt awkward; [...]