Bookends are those supports that keep books from falling over on a shelf or desk. By way of analogy, there are two events that “bookend” the life of Jesus as recorded in the Gospel accounts of Luke and Matthew: two angelic appearances, two unlikely recipients of the angel's message, and two responses that teach us [...]

When discussing Christmas with family or friends, I get a variety of responses when I say these words: “No cross, no cradle.” Some reply with a puzzled look, others have laughed saying the opposite is true. Every once in a while, someone will nod. They know exactly what I'm talking about. . God became a [...]

In the book of Malachi, we see God's chosen people imploring Him to be gracious to them even while they keep disrespecting Him and showing contempt for His commands. . By God's law, they are to make unblemished animal sacrifices to God for their sins. Instead, they sacrifice blind, diseased, and injured animals. Even the [...]

As a teenager, one of the reasons I didn't believe in God was because I didn't think God cared about my individual struggles. There were people in far worse situations who needed God's help, so I didn't think He cared about me. It certainly didn't feel like He listened to me when I tried praying. [...]

Isaiah 9:6-7 is part of an Old Testament promise of a Messiah: a Rescuer and King for the whole world! This passage lists tons of names that are ultimately fulfilled in Jesus. One of those names is “Wonderful Counselor.” We may not always think a lot about this name, but it has special importance for [...]

I need help right now The waves are about to wash me away God, I need you right now This pain is too much for me to bear The sooner you help The sooner I can start to heal The sooner you help The easier things will be I can't wait any longer This hurts [...]

It doesn't matter when you pray. It can be early in the morning or the middle of the night. It can be on a good day or a hard day. It doesn't matter when, God hears you no matter what. . It doesn't matter where you pray. You can be at work or school when [...]

Do you ever feel down when you see others doing big things? Do you feel like you would never be able to serve like they do or make as big of an impact? Just because someone is better at something, or has found more success than you have, doesn't mean what you're doing isn't good. [...]

Death feels so final and real. Death has been on my mind recently because I have a family member who is not in good health. Once someone passes away, we cannot get them back. But, death does not have to be the end. Because God sent Jesus to die for us, death doesn't have to [...]

Sometimes I struggle when I read the Bible. It sorts people into two groups: the righteous and the wicked. It says God blesses the righteous and punishes the wicked. That sounds kind of good, right? Justice. We should all want that. My problem is, I often don't feel like the righteous guy. When I read: [...]