Last spring I had the privilege of speaking at a conference for NFL players put on by Pro Athletes Outreach (PAO), a group which exists to unite a community of pro athletes and couples to grow as disciples of Jesus and positively impact their spheres of influence. They have a fantastic outreach to professional football and baseball athletes and their wives. I’ve seen firsthand the amazing difference they’re making. In the off-season I exchanged emails and texts with dozens of NFL players and cha..Continue reading→
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Thoughts
Motherhood Is a Marathon
I wanted to do great things for God. In the spring of my senior year of college, on the brink of embarking upon my own journey into adulthood, my future was undecided and that was simultaneously terrifying and thrilling. As a philosophy major, my path was narrower than I had realized, but I was sure it would take me on some grand and glorious adventure. I knew the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever. “Glorify” sounds like such a grand term. It evokes images of battlefie..Continue reading→
1 Peter 5:7–8: How Not to Battle Anxiety
Anxieties attack our faith and torment our peace. The question with anxiety is not whether it will come, but rather, how can I fight it when it does? Watch NowContinue reading→
Is Love of Money Really the Root of All Evils?
Is the love of money the “root of all evils” or only the “root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10)? “All evils” is the formal English equivalent of the original Greek (pantōn tōn kakōn). It is remarkable that all older versions of the Bible translate 1 Timothy 6:10 in the more literal way: “The love of money is the root of all evils” (or all evil). This includes the Wycliffe Bible, Luther Bibel, Geneva Bible, King James Version, Douay-Rheims, Darby Bible, and Revised Standard Version. Bu..Continue reading→
Daily Verses
There Is NO Place God Is Not
"I will never leave you nor forsake you." Hebrews 13:5, NKJVPraise God that you and I can be where Jesus is-now, and for all eternity-because He lives within us and has promised that He will never leave us nor forsake us! When your parents forsake you through death or abandonment, or your spouse forsakes you through divorce, you have His presence. (Ps. 27:10) When the fire of adversity increases in intensity, you have His presence. (Dan. 9:1-25) When you are overwhelmed by burdens or depress..Continue reading→
Psalm 27:14
“Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.”Continue reading→
Proverbs 10:17 (10-17-16)
He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.— Proverbs 10:17 (KJV) Thoughts on Today's Verse... God has given each of us a circle of influence, a place where our lives impact others for either good or ill. In much the same way, each of us is also influenced by others, some of whom can help us see and overcome our problems and shortcomings. However, if we reject or snub discipline and correction, we not only harm ourselves, but we lead other..Continue reading→
Never Alone Again
In all their distress, he too was distressed; . . . he lifted them up and carried them. Isaiah 63:9, NIV The solution to loneliness is not to give in or give up~or do what everyone else does~or go where everyone else goes~or look like and speak like and think like and act like the world around you so you won’t stand out so sharply from the crowd. The solution is not to withdraw into an uninvolved, inactive life. The solution is found when you discover meaning in the midst of loneliness as God Hi..Continue reading→
Psalm 25:14-15
“The LORD confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them. My eyes are ever on the LORD, for only he will release my feet from the snare.”Continue reading→
Daily Wisdom
Isaiah 11:9 (11-09-16)
They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea. — Isaiah 11:9 (KJV) Thoughts on Today's Verse... What a glorious time of blessing! We will know God personally. But not just us, the vast chorus of the faithful will sing a song of joy because they know God. Let's anticipate that day and join our hearts together in pursuit of God. Let's not settle for merely a factual knowledge abo..Continue reading→
The Well
"Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst." John 4:13-14, NIVJesus knew the Samaritan woman who met Him at the well had searched for satisfaction and come up short. He knew her heart was empty, without love or self-worth or meaning or fulfillment or happiness. And so He gently pointed out to her, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again.” What was “this water”? The woman took it to mean the water in Jacob’s well..Continue reading→
Isaiah 1:18
““Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.”Continue reading→
Deuteronomy 11:8 (11-08-16)
Therefore shall ye keep all the commandments which I command you this day, that ye may be strong, and go in and possess the land, whither ye go to possess it...— Deuteronomy 11:8 (KJV) Thoughts on Today's Verse... God's desire that we obey his will is not arbitrary, impulsive, or demanding. He simply wants us to reflect his character, find his blessings, and receive his strength. Let's not look at obedience merely as something we must do, but as a blessing we get to discov..Continue reading→
Prayers
Daily Prayer for October 6
Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them. John 17:25–26, NIV Lord our God, our Father, give us your Spirit, we pray, for you have ruled over us at all times and loved us with a love that guides and leads us, that helps us go forward in body and soul. Reveal your hand. Grant that we u..Continue reading→
Christ Working in Me
Passage: Hebrews 13:10-21 Prayer: Dear Father,Help me to obey my leaders and submit to them, as those who keep watch for my soul.Fill my mouth and my heart with earnest prayer for all your servants who serve you in your kingdom!Now may you, the great God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip me with everything good that I may do your will, working in me what is pleasing in your sight, through Jesus Christ..Continue reading→
Daily Prayer for October 5
He says: "It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth." Isaiah 49:6, NIV Mighty God, we thank you for sending your light into all the world to reveal that you are the Father of all, to show us that you are leading them to yourself, the good and the bad, those who are near to you and those who are far away. We thank you..Continue reading→
Altar of Worship
Passage: Hebrews 13:10-21 Prayer: Dear Father,Thank you for providing an altar of worship for me and all those who have faith in Jesus. Thank you that our Lord Jesus was willing to suffer outside the gate in order to call to himself a people sanctified through his blood. Thank you that I am one of these!Let me therefore go to him outside the camp, bearing abuse for him. Father, here I have no lasting city, no permanent country, but I seek the city which is to come, that you are preparing.Through Chr..Continue reading→
Questions & Answers
20 Christian Quotes About Live, Laugh and Love
Lately I have seen the “Live, Laugh and Love” type quotes everywhere. Have you seen them, something like: “Live well, Laugh often and Love much”? This is actually part of a great poem entitled Success that was penned by the late Bessie Anderson Stanley. This makes for some great inspirational wall art. Here are some more quotes along the same line, perhaps you are looking for Christian quotes about live, laugh and love. ” In the New Testament, love is more of a verb than a noun. It has more to..Continue reading→
Who Was A.W. Tozer?
Who was A.W. Tozer and why is it important that we should know? Who is A.W. Tozer? A.W. Tozer was a man who was obsessed with the glory and the holiness of God and making it known to others. If that’s all you remember about him, I’m sure he’d be thrilled by that because he was completely immersed into the God of glory and just how tremendously awesome He is. For the record, Aiden Wilson Tozer was born on April 21st, 1897 and passed into the presence of the Holy One on May 12th, 1963. In between..Continue reading→
What Is The 8th (Eighth) Commandment In The Bible?
What is the 8th Commandment mentioned in the Bible? Is it still relevant for today? The Ten Commandments The false idea that Jesus did away with the Law is debunked by His saying, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them” (Matt 5:17) and in fact, “until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished” (Matt 5:18) which is exactly what Jesus did on the cross, but the..Continue reading→
KJV Bible Verses About Drunkenness and Drinking
One category of life challenge that we often see in the counseling office is when someone has allowed alcohol to become a self-defeating addiction in their life. Drunkenness is the term that the Bible uses to describe someone whom has consumed too much alcoholic beverage (wine or strong drink) and therefore exhibits loss of control of his/her senses or actions. Many times not only is the drinker suffering from the effects of drunkenness, but the consequence of their poor choice affects many of t..Continue reading→
Church & Ministries
Judgment Is Real And So Is Hell, Says Pope Francis
Pope Francis has urged the importance of believing in judgment and hell.Continue reading→
Church Of England Issues Fierce Rebuke To Conservative Body GAFCON
The Church of England top lay official has issued an extraordinary admonishment to the conservative Anglican body GAFCON UK after it published a list of clergy and church leaders in same-sex relationships.Continue reading→
Welby Defies Officials To Visit Persecuted Christians In Pakistan
x To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The Archbishop of Canterbury rejected foreign office advice not to visit persecuted Christians in Pakistan over the weekend. Justin Welby met with terror victims in Lahore and Islamabad to pray after 72 were killed in a suicide attack aimed at Christians on Easter Sunday. It is the first time any Archbishop of Canterbury has visited Pakistan more than once. Archbishop Justin at Ch..Continue reading→
The Top 10 Characteristics of the Average Unchurched Family
Many years ago when our church began revitalization, we prayed and asked God who He was calling us to reach. The answer we felt God impressing upon us then was to focus on unchurched families. So we created strategies and programs designed to reach out to these families. God showed up and we began making inroads to reach these families, but then something unexpected happened. They changed. In fact, while we were busy perfecting the plans and programs we had used to reach the average unchurc..Continue reading→
Hot Topics
Pastor, Am I a Christian?
You imply that really good people (e.g., Gandhi) should also be saved, not just Christians. The problem is that Christians do not believe anyone can be saved by being good. If you don’t come to God through faith in what Christ has done, you would be approaching on the basis of your own goodness….Christians believe that it is those who admit their weakness and need for a savior who get salvation. If access to God is through the grace of Jesus, then anyone can receive eternal life instantly. This ..Continue reading→
Long Time Covenant College Professor, Louis “Lou” Voskuil, Called Home to Glory
Voskuil served in education for a total of 41 years, taught history, and led the faculty of Covenant College. He received the first-ever and rarely-bestowed John W. Sanderson Award for Christian Scholarship during his time at Covenant. Voskuil earned his BA degree from Calvin College and an MDiv from Westminster Theological Seminary. He completed a master’s degree at Loyola University in Chicago, where he also earned his PhD in European history. Dr. Lou Voskuil, beloved retired professor of his..Continue reading→
Westminster Presbytery Overtures the PCA 45th GA Not to Receive the Ad Interim Committee Report on the Role of Women
“Declare that the 44th General Assembly Erred in the Formation of an Ad Interim Committee on Women, that (RAO 11-5) the General Assembly not Receive the Report of the Ad Interim Committee on the Role of Women as not Being Properly before the Court, and Dismiss the Ad Interim Committee with Apology.” Westminster Presbytery approved an overture at its November 12, 2016 Stated Meeting, asking the 45th PCA General Assembly to “Declare that the 44th General Assembly erred in the formation of an Ad I..Continue reading→
When Christians Dwell In Unity
As we have said, our union to Christ and to one another is His gift, not our achievement. But the manifestation of our union is both a calling and an achievement. As Calvin taught us, what is true of us in Christ must be “ratified amongst us by reciprocal harmony and brotherly love.” All believers have experienced this truth: “How good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity” (Ps. 133:1). Sadly, we have also experienced its corollary: “How bad and miserable it is when brothers are divid..Continue reading→
Music
Canton Junction Releases ‘A Canton Christmas’
A Canton Christmas, the highly anticipated full-length holiday debut from Dove Award-winning quartet Canton Junction, bows October 21. Produced by Garry Jones (Ivan Parker, Brian Free & Assurance), the Difference Media/Capitol Christian Distribution release features 10 arrangements of classic carols and timeless favorites. Drawing from Canton Junction's range of influences--including Southern Gospel, country and Texas swi..Continue reading→
Matthew Parker Releases New Album ‘Adventure’
Electronic Pop artist, Matthew Parker releases his second studio project, Adventure. His first single, "Adventure" recently debuted on the Billboard Christian Hot AC CHR chart at No. 27 and is currently No. 4 on the Hot CHR chart and No. 12 on the Australian Christian Chart. The project was produced by Parker and features various guest vocalists ranging from Spencer Kane to Rapture Ruckus. "I'm incredibly excited about my new..Continue reading→
Ginny Owens Releases ‘Love Be The Loudest’ Nov. 18
Award-winning singer-songwriter Ginny Owens releases her ninth studio album, Love Be The Loudest, Nov. 18 on her indie label, Chick Power Music, with The Fuel Music distribution. Prior to the release, two brand new Apple Music and Spotify SuperSingle tracks from the album, the reimagined version of Owens' No. 1 hit song "If You Want Me To" and "The Loudest Voice," will be available beginning today (Oct. 21). The full pre-order of the album is to begin Nov. 4. After more than a million albu..Continue reading→
NRT EXCLUSIVE Love & The Outcome’s Jodi Premiers Cooking Video
NRT has an exclusive video premiere of Love & The Outcome's Jodi's first cooking video. "In The Kitchen With Jodi" shows Jodi teaching how to make Gluten Free Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Cookies with just a few simple ingredients. Using her 'prized possession' red KitchenAid Mixer from her grandma, she mixes dark chocolate, almond flour, honey, coconut oil, vanilla, sea salt and baking powder to create these delicious looking cookies. Continue reading→
Chrildren of God Acoustic Sessions by Phil Wickham
Track Listing 01. Better Than Life (Acoustic) 02. The Secret Place (Acoustic) 03. Divine / Sailing / Time / Hymn (Acoustic) 04. Your Love Awakens Me (Acoustic) 05. My All In All (Acoustic) 06. Starmaker (High Above the Earth) [Acoustic] 07. At the Foot of the Cross (Acoustic) 08. Spirit of God (Acoustic) 09. As It Is in Heaven (Acoustic) 10. Here With Me (Acoustic) 11. Children of God (Acoustic) 12. Doxology / Amen (Acoustic) 13. Wide Awake (Acoustic) 14. Body Mind & Soul (Acoustic) 15. Stand in Awe (Acoustic) Continue reading→
Newsong Heralds The Holidays With Christmas Recording and Tour
The Best Christmas Ever!, the third full-length holiday release from GRAMMY®-nominated NewSong, is set to bow October 21 from HHM Records/Word Distribution. Featuring 10 favorites from the group's best-selling projects The Christmas Shoes (2001) and The Christmas Hope (2006), The Best Christmas Ever! also showcases five newly recorded songs the title-cut and lead single (co-witten by NewSong's Eddie Carswell and Matthew West), a duet with Love & The Outcome's Jodi King; "This Chri..Continue reading→
HeeSun Lee Releases Third Project ‘Beauty For Ashes’
HeeSun Lee dropped Beauty For Ashes on October 14, her first release since 2014. You can purchase the new album here. This time around was personal for HeeSun Lee, with the meaning behind the tracks reopening the doors to females to stand strong within the hiphop genre. She stated, "Everyone has changes that they go through in life that can either make them or break them. I'm showing the world, through my lyrics, that the changes that went on in my life have made me into a stronger, more i..Continue reading→
Dee-1 and Sallie Mae Partnership Spawns Tour and Giveaway
The Knowledge for College Tour began on October 10th in Cincinnati Ohio, sponsored by Sallie Mae. With each school tour stop, Dee-1 is blessing one student in attendance with a $5,000 scholarship check towards their collegiate studies. This tour has also opened other doors and opportunities. Per the Washington Post publication, Dee-1 has collaborated with the consulting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) to help train and educate students to manage student loan repayment effectively. He has tra..Continue reading→
let there be light. by Hillsong Worship
let there be light is Hillsong's Worship 25th live album. The theme of the album is centred on Genesis 1:3, featuring some of its internationally recognised worship pastors including Reuben Morgan, Joel Houston, Ben Fielding, Dave Ware and Annie Garratt. Track Listing 01. Behold (Then Sings My Soul) 02. Love So Great 03. Look To The Son 04. Crowns 05. What A Beautiful Name 06. Your Word 07. Let There Be Light 08. In Control 09. Grace To Grace 10. Elohim 11. I Will Boast In Christ 12. As It Is (In Heaven) Continue reading→