This month, I am going to revisit the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5). It is easy for me to claim Christianity and then go through the motions of my faith. I lose focus of the basics of my beliefs. The first two commandments are both centered on worship. Commandment 1 - No other … Continue reading Back to Basics: Misplaced Worship
faith
Prayer: Create a Clean Heart
Prayer is intimidating. Talking to someone you can't see or audibly hear is weird. In the Christian faith, prayer gives us direct access to our Creator and Savior and yet, many believers pray out of duty or desperation without ever feeling the presence of God. I know. I am describing myself. My focus word for … Continue reading Prayer: Create a Clean Heart
Growing Faith: Daily Trust
As we end this series on growing faith, I think it is important to not forget a basic foundation, trusting God with your entire life on a daily basis. Our faith is a reflection of our belief that we are sinners, that Jesus died as a punishment for our sins, and we know that He … Continue reading Growing Faith: Daily Trust
Growing Faith: Finding Fellowship
I have begun writing my second Bible study. This one is on the book of Acts. My first study on John is a for new believers and those who are new to or intimidated by studying the Bible through a look at the life of Jesus and his followers. I chose Acts for my next … Continue reading Growing Faith: Finding Fellowship
Growing Faith: Boundaries and the Bible
Last week in the Growing Faith series, I wrote about the need for patience regarding your spiritual growth, especially as a new Christian. Sometimes it can be overwhelming when it seems like there is a checklist to complete. Thankfully all we need to remember is daily surrender and working toward loving God, ourselves, and others … Continue reading Growing Faith: Boundaries and the Bible
Growing Faith: Patience and Prayer
January. The time of year for new beginnings, a fresh start, and hope for change. Last month I wrote about opening the greatest gift we have ever been given, the gift of God’s Son,Jesus. We don’t deserve such a perfect gift, but God loves us and wanted a way for us to have a forever … Continue reading Growing Faith: Patience and Prayer
A Gift Left Unopened
I wasn’t until I was married that I found an appreciation for one of the greatest Christmas movies of all time. “A Christmas Story” is about a young boy named Ralphie with his heart set on receiving a Red Ryder BB Gun for Christmas. Everyone in his life tells him “You’ll shoot your eye out” … Continue reading A Gift Left Unopened
Joy Uncovered
In this third week of Advent, we light the pink candle that represents JOY. This week's advent candle may be the most difficult of all. A friend lost her husband suddenly last week. Another is grieving over the loss of a marriage. For some, this is the first holiday without a loved one. Family members … Continue reading Joy Uncovered
Hope in a Hopeless World
We are in the first week of advent. In the church, Advent means the weeks leading up to the birth of Christ. Often this is represented by lighting a candle, specifically purple in color, to signify the hope of the coming of Christ. In the Old Testament, God's people had strayed so far from Him. … Continue reading Hope in a Hopeless World
Seasons of Harvest
This month's blog posts will center around the theme of Harvest. While most of us are not farmers and do not rely on a physical harvest of crops for our livelihood, we can all relate to the changes a harvest brings. A fall harvest brings farmers to the end of a season of growing and … Continue reading Seasons of Harvest
