No one had to convince you to love your children.  It happened the first time you held or saw them and memorized every detail of their faces.It happened when you heard them laugh for the first time or tell a joke.It happened when their personalities seemed to show up overnight.   But there’s something inside of us that wants our kids to really know how much they are loved. The problem is, that see...

In Philippians 3:7-14, the Apostle Paul provides a profound perspective on dealing with our past baggage. Paul reflects on his life before Christ, listing his impressive religious credentials and accomplishments. However, in verses 7-8, he declares that whatever gains he had, he now considers loss for the sake of Christ. This powerful statement sets the tone for understanding how to handle past ba...

We all carry baggage—emotional wounds, spiritual struggles, and relational conflicts—that weigh us down and prevent us from living fully. We must identify this baggage and check it at Jesus' feet to find freedom. Let’s explore how recognizing and dealing with our baggage can lead to a lighter, more fulfilling journey with Christ.1. Unforgiven OffensesOne of the heaviest pieces of baggage is unforg...

Dealing with the baggage from our past is one of the most challenging yet essential parts of spiritual growth and emotional healing. Our past, shaped by experiences, choices, and relationships, often leaves emotional scars that we carry into the present. These scars can affect how we view ourselves, interact with others, and approach our relationship with God. However, the Bible offers hope and di...

Through the Rooted series, I challenged the church to put down roots in their faith and live a life consistent with the Gospel they believed in. Here's the whole series in a nutshell. We tend to the soil of our souls so that our lives are fertile ground for the Gospel. With faith in Christ for salvation, we add goodness, knowledge, self-control, endurance, Godliness, affection, and love to be effe...

In John 15:1-8, Jesus describes Himself as the true vine, and His followers as the branches. God the Father is the gardener who prunes the branches so that they may bear more fruit. Pruning, though often painful, is an essential process for growth and fruitfulness in the life of a Christian. Understanding the purpose and examples of God’s pruning can help believers embrace this process with faith ...

Have you considered what it will take for you to grow spiritually? Whether you have known Jesus for weeks or decades, God still desires growth from us and in us. But what does that look like? In simple terms, what do I need to do grow spiritually?Well, let's turn to 2 Peter 1:5-8. 2 Peter 1:5-8 is a powerful passage that outlines the progression of spiritual growth from a new life in Christ to a f...

From The Parent Cue Was yesterday merry, but today, not so much?  You know one of the biggest culprits of your kid’s meltdowns? A disrupted routine. Do you know what the holidays are? A big ol’ (albeit festive) disruption to your family’s routine. If you’ve been facing some big feelings (read: “epic meltdowns”) at home lately, you’re not alone: you’re likely one of many families across the world w...

From The Parent Cue Traditions are important for families because they provide opportunities to keep your family legacy going. From the simple to the silly to the sentimental, traditions can create meaningful memories. Don’t hesitate to try out some new traditions this Christmas season and see what works and what doesn’t for your own family. You just may create a new tradition that will keep going...

The birth of Jesus, as described in Matthew 1:18-25, is a story rich with meaning and relevance for modern Christians. This passage focuses on Joseph’s reaction to Mary’s unexpected pregnancy, his internal struggle, and the divine revelation that leads him to embrace God’s plan. For Christians today, Joseph’s response offers important lessons in faith, obedience, and trust, especially when life ta...

The story of Jesus’ birth is a moment in history that changed history and still inspires us to live God-pleasing lives today because of who Jesus is. In Luke 1:39-56, we see Mary visiting her cousin Elizabeth shortly after the angel Gabriel announces that she will give birth to Jesus. This passage offers rich lessons in faith, joy, and trust in God’s promises. It reveals the importance of communit...

The birth of Jesus announced to Mary in Luke 1:26-38, is one of the most profound moments in Scripture. The angel Gabriel's visit to a young, humble woman in Nazareth, with the astonishing news that she would bear the Son of God, marks the beginning of God’s redemptive plan coming to fruition. For you and me, this passage offers timeless lessons in faith, humility, and the willingness to trust God...

From The Parent Cue We know the holidays can feel like many things: stressful, pressure-filled, and frenetic. But if we’re lucky, the holidays can also feel restful, grounding, and refreshing.  As a parent, you are in a unique position to create something for your kid that lasts far beyond the next 60 days of the holiday season. With the help of intentional traditions and times of being present to...

With the election nearing, it’s important to remember that our first priority in life is to please the Lord. One way that we do this is to know and vote our convictions. If that is the case, and it is, how should Christians approach voting? How can we ensure that our political decisions reflect our convictions in a way that honors God?  How do we know and vote our convictions?Understand Your Ident...

Politics often feels like a battleground where anger, division, and hostility take center stage. As election season heats up, it’s easy to get caught in the cycle of arguments and partisanship that marks today’s political climate. It’s easy to get caught in the moment on social media and share a post or add a comment that only stirs the pot.  But as Christians, we are called to engage differently—...

As election day approaches, Christians are often reminded of their civic duty to vote, but the call to pray for political leaders and the electoral process is just as important. In a world often marked by division and conflict, prayer serves as a powerful tool for believers to influence their communities and nations.The Biblical Call to Pray for LeadersScripture gives us clear instructions on the ...

Romans 8:14-17 is a passage rich with the themes of identity, inheritance, and the transformative relationship between God and His people. These verses remind believers of their status as children of God, emphasizing the intimate relationship they share with Him and the profound implications of being His heirs. Let’s explore the key insights from these verses and consider practical takeaways for...

Romans 8:1-4 is a powerful passage that encapsulates the heart of the gospel message—freedom and life in Christ. These verses offer deep theological insights and practical implications for believers, highlighting the transformation that comes from being in Christ. Let’s explore the key takeaways from this passage and how they can impact our daily lives, supported by Scripture.No Condemnation f...

From The Parent Cue Every family has a rhythm…yes, even the families who can’t seem to escape the cycle of daily chaos. If you look closely, you’ll find consistent things that happen every day or week in your family. Whether it’s meal times, car rides, or bath time routines, here are some cues you can leverage for meaningful connection with your kids: Morning time. (any kid, any age)Star...

Today, the concept of entitlement is more prevalent than ever. Social media, consumer culture, and a focus on individual rights have contributed to a mindset where many people believe they deserve certain privileges, often without effort or gratitude. For Christians, this entitlement mentality can be spiritually corrosive, hindering our relationship with God and others. The Bible provides clear gu...