There’s an old saying: “If it were easy, everyone would do it.” The walk of Christian faith is not a leisure stroll through serene territory. Often, it is a challenging trek through some of the most rugged self-imposed terrain imaginable. I say self-imposed, because Jesus often guides us through the ...

I was in a conversation with a nonbeliever and the topic of Scripture came up. He wanted to know why the Bible was considered Holy.  He had a hard time putting faith into something wrote by a man and besides that it was translated over and over.  How could I trust ...

Do you ever wish you could ‘see’ the images described so vividly throughout the Scriptures?  I do!  I have a very literal mind and minimal artistic ability.  As I read through books like Daniel, Ezekiel and Revelation, I long to have a straight-from-Scripture glimpse of the passages.  Over the years, ...

‘Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.’ Proverbs 31:30 (NIV) Beauty is everywhere around us; in nature, in sound, in experiences, and in people.  We should be able to identify and enjoy the very essence of beauty, in all ...

A recent study listed fifteen different behaviors or emotional states  which can surface in the adolescent years. The study, conducted by Baylor University, also brought into account the views and observations of youth and college pastors. This list includes: depression (the highest), followed by pornography, grief/bereavement, anxiety, aggression and anger, ...

If you want to have your financial needs met–give of what you have! If you want to have a friend–show yourself friendly! If you want to keep your life–give it away! These are spiritual truths, but they sure don’t make sense to our natural way of thinking– give and you ...

One of my favorite ministries is Foundation of Praise.  It was birthed in the late Merlin Carothers’ soul by God’s wonderful design.  God taught Merlin through some tough, personal experiences how important and beneficial it is to lift up praise and thanksgiving to God for all things.  Yes, for all ...

Though things seem to be in total chaos these days, we can still be thankful for the privilege of living in the most blessed and free country in the world. We honor our forefathers and show our gratitude through our active participation as citizens. We can continue to build on the ...

Monday morning came. The oppression was so heavy I had to fight through every second after I swung my feet out of bed just to make it through simple tasks. Two days earlier I’d had a spiritual breakthrough. And now – a heavy, nameless fear weighed on me. “After you ...

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” –1 Thessalonians 5:18 We wish one another “Happy Thanksgiving” but are these just well wishes or are we happy about this time of year. Thanksgiving day can be the most difficult time for ...