If God is loving and all-powerful, then why is there injustice, suffering, and pain in the world? This is a difficult question, and it represents one of the most difficult reasons people struggle with believing in God. In this message, we will examine a secular...
At Easter, God’s new creation work bursts out onto an unsuspecting world with new life and new possibilities for hope. We join that never-ending celebration of God’s faithfulness, compassion, and power by responding and living with confident hope. How does life change...
“And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20b (NLT)hortly after having our third child, my husband took a huge leap of faith and left the corporate world to make a career switch. He had hoped this change...
For she said to herself, “If I only touch his garment, I will be made well.” Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And instantly the woman was made well. Matthew 9:21-22 (ESV)o you want to be...
And Nehemiah continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!” Nehemiah...
Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. “Lord,” they answered, “we want our sight.” Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him. Matthew 20:29-34...
Throughout His time on earth, Jesus' disciples asked Him many of the same questions that we find ourselves wrestling with today. Instead of giving a direct and clear response to their questions, Jesus focused more on the heart and attitude of His followers. We have...
God’s people, the nation of Israel, waited hopefully over centuries for God to send their promised Messiah. Finally, a young woman named Mary, responded with faith to an angel’s surprising announcement that God was fulfilling his promise through her. Hope is a...
Dark Nights, Faithful GodAll of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet: Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’ Matthew...
Hope Deferred You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11 (NKJV) At first we were annoyed at the four cowbirds bullying the little sparrow—all puffed up, chasing and...
Hope. It’s so easy to lose but so generously available. We need hope. In a world where uncertainty and disillusionment are mixed into the air we breathe, we need a fresh perspective. For centuries people hoped for the coming Messiah—Jesus, the Savior of the world. He...
The Wonder of Advents a child, I would eagerly await the arrival of December 1, the day we could start opening our Advent calendars. The thick, paper calendars – imported from Europe by my mom who’d spent most of her childhood there as a missionary...
I Didn't Sign Up For ThisI have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. John 16:33 hen we moved to Carroll County almost six years...
Pulling Back the Curtain I'm bursting with God-news; I'm dancing the song of my Savior God. God took one good look at me, and look what happened--I'm the most fortunate woman on earth! What God has done for me will never be forgotten... Luke 1:46-49...
With Hope His Love has the first and last word in everything I do. 2 Corinthians 5:13 was stopping for coffee one morning and pulled into the drive through line. It was a busy morning and the cars waiting in line spilled out into a very busy road,...
The Best Possible Time in History Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of...
The Gift of Hope Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces...
Our AnchorWe have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. Hebrews 6:19 (NIV)At least once each summer, we rent a boat for the day. This carefree day is one my husband loves and looks forward to. There's something about being out on the open water that...