Out of Many, One
Unity is a concept that has no borders, being advocated by many nations around the world for hundreds—perhaps even thousands—of years. It’s used in the national mottos of over 40 countries. It’s referenced in classical literature and popular songs. It has an especially prominent place within our country: the United States of America. As Americans, […]
Not My Problem
“That’s not my problem.” The phrase has been used for decades. We hear it on the television, in movies, our friends say it and we may even say it ourselves. It is a mantra that seems to fit well with America’s independent culture and our own demanding lives. We’re too busy, so we don’t have […]
Don’t Be a Fool on April 1
Although April Fools Day is not an official holiday, we all recognize it as a special day. Many different cultures have had days of foolishness around the start of April, give or take a few weeks. The Romans had a festival named Hilaria on March 25, rejoicing in the resurrection of Attis. The Hindu calendar […]
The Fountain of Eternal Life: Quenching Spiritual Thirst
Here in Florida, spring has arrived, soon to be followed by the hot humid summer. We can look forward to those scorching hot summer days, when our skin quickly turns a vibrant shade of scarlet as the sweat pours down our faces. Those days, it seems like gallons of water aren’t enough to keep us […]
Springing Into Stewardship
“Ask the LORD for rain in the spring season, the LORD who brings storm clouds, and heavy rains, who gives to everyone grain in the fields.” Zechariah 10:1 Finally, it seems that the cold snaps are beginning to melt away. The first official day of spring isn’t until March 20, but signs of rebirth and […]
Consumerism: The Modern-Day Serpent
“Now the snake was the most cunning of all the wild animals that the LORD God had made…the snake said to the woman: ‘You certainly will not die! God knows well that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened and you will be like gods, who know good and evil.’” -Genesis 3:1-5 […]
The Trustworthy Steward: Preparing for Lent
“Now it is of course required of stewards that they be found trustworthy. (1 Corinthians 4:2) Too many times when we think of stewardship, it is a code word for giving more money to the church. True stewardship means living our whole life in a way that acknowledges God as the creator and owner of […]
Solidarity Through Stewardship: Loving Your Enemy
Think back to the last time you needed to forgive someone you considered an enemy. hurt someone you love It may have been a neighbor, a friend, or a family member. How difficult was it to let go of the anger and reconcile your differences? How long did it take for you forgive them completely? […]
Matthew 4:22–Leaving Behind Earthly Endeavors to Serve God
One of the most well known stories in the Bible is that of the “Fishers of Men,” when Jesus calls the first apostles to serve his mission. According to Matthew 4:22, “He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed Him.” It is no wonder that this story has such […]
How are You Answering the Call to Serve? (John 1:29-34)
Throughout history, there have been documented accounts of brave men and women answering God’s call to serve him. One particularly powerful story can be found in John 1: 29-34, documenting the moment when Jesus was revealed to John the Baptist: The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of […]