Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. — 2 Corinthians 5:17 Striving for self-improvement is a dead-end street. The temptation to fix yourself, better yourself, feel good about yourself by cleaning yourself up — that temptation is real. We aren’t alone…
Seeing Yourself as God Sees You
Do you have a photo of your spouse, significant other, or children as your phone background, eager to show them off at the first opportunity to anyone and everyone? What about your driver’s license photo? Do you delightedly show it to others? Pass it around at parties? Copy it to your online profile? Or…
Do Not Fear Change
I am the Risen One who shines upon you always. You worship a living Deity, not some idolatrous, man-made image. Your relationship with Me is meant to be vibrant and challenging, as I invade more and more areas of your life. Do not fear change, for I am making you a new creation, with old…
Hope of Heaven
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! — 2 Corinthians 5:17 Heaven is both present and future. As you walk along your life-path holding My hand, you are already in touch with the essence of Heaven: nearness to Me. You can also…
Christ-Centered Easter Traditions for Kids
One of the best parts of being a parent and having my own family is getting to pass on family traditions, as well as starting new traditions of our own. Growing up, on Easter, I always wore a new Sunday Easter dress, went to early worship service then headed to my aunt’s house for a late…
Man’s Windfall
As youngsters, we neighborhood kids would play street football. The minute we got home from school, we’d drop the books and hit the pavement. The kid across the street had a dad with a great arm and a strong addiction to football. As soon as he’d pull in the driveway from work we’d start yelling…
Learn to Let It Go
I’ve learned that when you try to control everything, you enjoy nothing. ~ Anonymous I like to think I have it all under control. I mean, you already know without even knowing me that I don’t. Girlfriend, I’m just gonna let you in on a little secret right now: no one has everything under control,…
Do I Belong?
Before You Go to Study Before your Group Gathering this week, take a few minutes to prepare your heart and mind using the prompts below. PREP Belonging is a big deal to us humans. To really be a part of something. To feel truly wanted and accepted. To be connected to others in meaningful…
Rhythms of Renewal OBS Week 3 — Restore
God invites us a wholeness that isn’t just mind, isn’t just body, and isn’t just spirit. But, it’s the culmination of all those things coming under submission to what God intends for us. Physically, mentally, and emotionally. Restoration brings us back to life. ~ Rebekah Lyons I’ll give you a full life in the emptiest…
Names Reveal Value and Meaning
For years, I didn’t really know the significance of the name that had been chosen for me. Similarly, I’m afraid we have lost the significance of naming in our culture today. Many of us don’t appreciate the power inherent in names that confer meaning and value. That wasn’t true of those we meet in the…