Written by Steve Macchia on Jan 24, 2023 10:09 am* This past Sunday I was in the middle of singing one of the worship leader-led hymns with our congregation and found my soul strangely warmed by the presence of the Spirit we call Holy. I noticed my hands beginning to open up with a gentle gratitude …
Desire Drives Dedication, Determination by Harvey MacKay*
A young college graduate, determined to find a position with a reputable company, began seeking interviews. Although she faced continual rejection, her persevering talent kept her goals in mind. One busy personnel manager, flooded with applications, suggested the hopeful applicant check back in 10 years. “No problem,” said the young woman. “Would a morning or …
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January Prayer Update
PRAISE: I had good visit with my family Christmas weekend, and it was a delight to see my siblings, niece, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews in-person. (Two grandnieces and one grandnephew were born during the pandemic.) God works through our various year-end efforts including the email series and the needed funds came in for the ministry, …
Learning to Be Rich by Tim Challies*
There is no individual and no group the Bible does not address. Through its pages God speaks to husbands and wives, children and adults, masters and slaves, Jews and Gentiles. As we read the Bible we often find ourselves wondering if and how a particular instruction applies to us. How do I, as a man, …
Life Our of Broken Things by Max Lucado
<LISTEN> The story of Esther dares you to believe that God, though hidden, is active. He brings life out of broken things. The apostle Paul wrote, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). We know God works. …
Shepherds and Swaddling Clothes
Shepherds and Swaddling Clothes by Linda Littlefield On the night of our Savior’s (Baby Jesus) birth, there were shepherds watching their flock. And Angels appeared to them announcing that a child was born. They revealed, “this shall be a sign to you. You will see a baby lying in a manger wrapped in “swaddling clothes”. …
That’s What Live Does, by Max Lucado*
<Listen>: Would you do what Jesus did? He exchanged the worship of angels for the company of killers. If you were God, would you? I wouldn’t, but Christ did. Jesus humbled himself. He went from commanding angels to sleeping in the straw. Why? Because that is what love does. It puts the loved before itself. Your place in heaven …
Perspective for Daily Living
When Glory was Birthed in a Barn*
Anne: December 16, 2021 “And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.” Luke 2:6-7 ESV There, Salvation was nestled among animal …
THE FORGOTTEN QUESTION*
What shall we do next? Where shall we go? When shall we meet? Who shall we invite? How shall we get there? What, where, when, who, and how are by far the easiest questions to answer in life. We request and respond to each of them multiple times each day. The question we oft-forget is …