Ways to Prepare Your Heart For the Holiday Season

by D.G. Shipton 2017 In this Holiday Season of busyness we need to remember to refocus our hearts on the real meaning of the season. Here are 5 things you might try to do this year alone or with your family to prepare your hearts and minds for the Christmas Season. Take time to read …

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Ready For The Season

Ephesians 6:10-20 Do you remember playing games as a child.  Many games of tag or other outdoor activities started with the words, "Ready, set, go!" We are instructed by Paul to be ready. Twice, in his writing to the Ephesians about the Armor of God Paul speaks of being ready. Ephesians 6:15 and with your …

The Rest of the Story

  Mark 16:1-8 Growing up I was blessed as many people were with Paul Harvey's "The Rest of the Story".  We enjoyed the way he put a story together to draw you in, and then when you were hooked he could reveal some great treasure, in the rest of the story. The book of Mark, …

A New View

By Duane Cragun   Have you ever done something that was just dumb? I did the other morning. I woke up in my normal morning haze and went to put on my glasses, even though I was reaching to the wrong side of the bed, I did not think about what I was doing. In …

Merry Christmas

Isaiah 9:6 (NIV) 6  For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. May the fullness of Jesus bless you today, and into the new year.  May you be …

Jesus Welcomed the Outsiders

Jesus was born to show that God is open to accepting the outsiders in our world. He was born an outsider of sorts, in his time. His mother was impregnated by the Holy Spirit, and so no one in society would have seen this family as normal. In fact, we are told, in Matthew 1:18-25, …

Good News in Tough Times

Isaiah 61:1-3 This passage in Isaiah was a passage of hope to the Jewish people, who had been looking forward to hope, help, and restoration for over 700 years. Shortly after Isaiah’s time the Glory of God left the temple in Jerusalem, and the capital city fell under the rule of foreigners. Although, the temple …

Reach Out in Hope

Luke 8:42-48 Imagine being told that there is no hope for you.  In ministry I have been witness to some people who have been like the woman in this story.  They were told by many doctors that there was no hope.  Some when they are diagnosed with cancer or other diseases are given an early …

Courage in the Lord

Joshua 1:9 New Living Translation (NLT) 9 This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” What is courage? I asked some young people recently if courage simply means that we jump into a situation with both feet? Is courage …

Using Gifts in Spiritual Mauturity

Genesis 37 Joseph, the Dreamer is growing up the favored son of his father Jacob.  Then in his youth, he begins to become gifted in dreams and interpretation.  However, this great gift of God isn't used in the best way when he first starts using it.  He tells his family, it seems boldly, about all …