On the day I am writing this, a weather alert has been issued for our area. We have already had hail. Freezing rain is predicted for the next few hours, accompanied by high winds. Schools have been closed for the day, and people have been asked to stay off the highways unless it is necessary. Hydro crews are prepared to deal with power outages, and all emergency crews are on high alert. But here in my apartment, I feel secure. I have battery-operated lights if the power does go out. Extra clothing and blankets are available if the heat fails.…
“And the ark of the LORD continued in the house of Obededom the Gittite three months: and the LORD blessed Obededom, and all his household.” 2 Samuel 6:11. Why do you think Obededom’s home was blessed? It is because it was housing the ark of the covenant, the very presence and mercy of God in the Old Testament. However, the ark of the covenant was never designed to be in one man’s home; this was a unique accident that worked out in Obededom’s favor. The purpose of the ark was to bless an entire Nation; Israel. Through this story, we learn that every time we allow the presence of God to enter our homes and our families, we will be blessed. However, just as the presence of God was not meant for one man, Obededom and his family, but for an entire Nation, the presence of God is not only for our households, but for our city, our Nation, and our world. We don’t only go “to church,” we are “the church.” We gather the church body together in a building on Sundays, but when we leave, we bring the presence of God with us wherever we go. 1…
It’s finally spring! There’s something powerful about this season, especially the spring equinox, when day and night are held in perfect balance. It marks a shift because darkness no longer dominates, and from this point on, light begins to stretch further into our days. What was dormant starts to awaken. And maybe, if you’re honest, your soul has been craving that kind of shift too. “My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him…” (Psalm 62:5–8) Spring reminds us that waiting is never wasted. God will, at times, intentionally lead us into a waiting season to: teach us patience, prepare us for growth, reveal His glory, or accomplish what we may not yet understand. Think about a butterfly. If you try to rush the process of a butterfly emerging from its cocoon, you risk killing it. During metamorphosis, the caterpillar literally breaks down into an unrecognizable state—almost like liquid. It’s messy. It’s hidden and uncomfortable. And from the outside, it looks like nothing is happening. But everything is happening. Transformation is taking place in the dark. The Darkness of a Cocoon Have you ever been in a place where it feels like you’ve been wrapped in…
“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groaning which cannot be uttered.” Romans 8:26 Throughout scripture, we learn there are different ways to pray. Intercessory prayer, for example, is the deepest and most unselfish form of prayer. This type of prayer is characterized by terms such as “wrestling in prayer”, “groaning that can’t be uttered”, and “fervent, agonizing prayer.” The word intercession means, “to come between,” or “to interpose on behalf of someone else”. An individual who is engaged…
If you have ever been to Canal Street in New York City, you will find a plethora of fake merchandise—anything from a faux Gucci bag, to a fake Rolex to Chanel purses with backward C’s on the pleather exterior. Many people do not care about authenticity anymore, plus it costs so much more to pay for designer prices, right? When a designer puts their own name on a product, it’s a stamp of quality and excellence. Tiffany & Co is named after its founder, Charles Tiffany, and has become the go-to jewelry store for the affluent and famous. Louis Vuitton was a French designer who led in quality leather products, which are sought after today. Guccio Gucci was an Italian fashion designer who built a world-renowned fashion empire. The problem with Canal Street and every other outlet that sells fake merchandise is that it devalues the original. There is an ambivalence about counterfeit items or a counterfeit lifestyle because the “real thing” will cost more than many people are willing to pay. Counterfeits thrive because they resemble the real thing; the same goes for being a Christian. There are a lot of people in this world who proclaim to be…
He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake.” 1 Peter 1:20 (NIV) Before God spoke light into darkness, named every star, and formed humanity, He already had a plan—a plan of redemption (Gen. 1:3; Ps. 147:4; Gen. 1:27). From the very beginning, God was not distant; He was intentional. His love was not reactive—it was predetermined. God demonstrates His closeness to us through His infinite love by stepping into humanity Himself. Jesus is not just a moment in history—He is the long-awaited promise fulfilled, the Messiah revealed. One of my favorite glimpses of this truth is found in Luke 2:22–40. In this passage, we see Joseph and Mary faithfully upholding the Law of Moses through Jesus’ circumcision and their offering (Luke 2:21, 24). But tucked within this moment is a quiet detail that speaks volumes—the offering of turtledoves reveals their economic reality. They could not afford a lamb. And yet, this is where it gets powerful. Because Jesus is our perfect Savior, it’s easy to forget that He did not come through what we would consider a “perfect” life. He wasn’t born into wealth, status, or privilege. He didn’t…