When you think of prayer what comes to mind? Growth in knowing who God is. . . or quiet times of presenting wish lists before God? Pastor Chris shares an excellent devotion on prayer (and don't miss the video!) “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) When you pray, how do you pray? Is the God of the universe your slot machine? Do you put in a token of prayer, pull the handle, and wait while the stars of the heavens spin, hoping that they align “just so” in your favor? In prayer, are we merely hoping for our circumstances to become more favorable or are we asking God to alter us through them? When it comes to prayer, that … [Read more...]

What does it mean to "pick up our cross"? Pastor Charles explains. "Then Jesus said to His disciples, 'If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.'" (Matthew 16:24) With the Easter season just around the corner, my thoughts have been turning recently to a total focus and thankfulness in my heart for the cross and the great victory that has been gained there for our lives. Jesus is very straight forward in this text and tells us exactly what we need to do in order to follow Him. He first recognizes that people will pursue Him. Some will be in genuine faith and some will be to slander and persecute the church. But for those who are looking for a Savior, He goes a step further and tells us … [Read more...]

Have you ever asked, "Where are You, God?" It is okay to ask, and Karlton explains what He believes. “Oh, that I had someone to hear me! I sign now my defense—let the Almighty answer me; let my accuser put his indictment in writing. (Job 31:35) I recently told someone that I do not doubt God's existence. I have known Him for so long, seen His work in my life and the lives of others. Just like electricity, though I may not see it with my eyes, I see its effects, and know that it exists. Yet there have been many times that I wondered when God was going to show up in a situation during a time of need and have asked, "Where are you, God?" I have feared He might be "late to the party," that He seemed in no big hurry to arrive on the … [Read more...]

Our circumstances and our surroundings change frequently, but God is the same. Bronlynn shares how this comforts her. “I the Lord do no change (Malachi 3:6). I know many changes are good and keep life from becoming monotonous, but I usually don’t handle them too well. One of my favorite department stores has been completely remodeled, moving different sections around and displaying an ultramodern look. It may be more up-to-date, but I don’t like it--at least not yet! My nearest grocery store no longer carries many food items that I buy, which means more trips to other stores. Fall is here and that’s a mixed change for me as well. The weather and colors are lovely but I can become down about the upcoming bleakness and coldness … [Read more...]