From Our Hearts

The Old Testament book of Nehemiah recounts, in thrilling detail, a monumental time in Israel’s history led by an unlikely exile. I encourage you to read it for yourself to discern in full the qualities of a great leader — patience, confidence, and trust in God alone. 

Time is redeemed when you make the most of your life by fulfilling God’s purposes. As you line up your life and seize every opportunity for useful service, your life takes on an efficient quality. 

The Christian life and spiritual growth are not sprints. They are long-distance races that require lifelong perseverance. You grow in spiritual maturity as you run the race moment by moment, day after day, and year after year. 

Serving is a simple and noble assignment that pours from the heart. It is perhaps the most obvious sign of Christ-like maturity. When you are serving others, your heartfelt, Spirit-filled service is a dazzling reflection of the heart of your Savior, the greatest servant who ever lived.

If you are like many people, when you think of angels, your mind immediately thinks about the figure many people place on the top of the Christmas tree. Perhaps we are inclined to respond this way because the Christmas story in Luke 2 mentions angels who spoke to the shepherds.

Whether we acknowledge it or not, our homes, our finances, our husbands, our children, our health - and ultimately our lives belong to God.We are the stewards of all those things. We have the privilege and responsibility to answer to God for all He entrusts us with.

From the outside looking in, the Gospel story might seem to be about Christ’s suffering, death, and payment for our sins. But, for those of us who believe in the truth of His resurrection we know that it is really all about life – abundant and eternal life. But sometimes this can be easy to lose sight of. We grown-ups are often focused on the how-to’s of the good life in the here and now.

This time of year can be so painful for those who have experienced the loss of a loved one. If you haven't experienced the depth of such a loss, know what a blessing it truly is and how worthy it is of giving praise to God. This year, experiencing the grief and loss of a spouse will be the reality for so many. 

When Jim and I walked away from that ceremony we came away thrilled with all of the tradition and proud of the determination of those troops, but also sobered with the reality of what it means and looks like to be truly committed to something, a cause, a creed, a country — a set of beliefs. 

The holidays can be a special time to spend with family and friends, celebrating a common faith. But if you share the family table with unbelievers, it may be a difficult time - yet we can find peace and guidance in the Word of God. We are called to love (John 15:12-13). God Himself is love (1 John 4:8) and we are made in His image (Genesis 1:27). We are to walk as Jesus walked (1 John 2:6) and Jesus is one with God (John 1:18). The Bible is a blueprint for ministering to the lost and broken.

The woman who is beautiful in God’s eyes, “watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.” (Proverbs 31:27) “So what did you do today?” I can expect this greeting from my sweet husband every day when he arrives home.

If you want to understand God's Word more deeply, start with today's devotion about the main themes of the book of Matthew. The gospel of Matthew tells us that Jesus has conquered the power of death, and promises that He is coming again!