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
John 10:11 (10-11-16)
I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. — John 10:11 (KJV) Thoughts on Today's Verse... Isn't it absolutely unbelievable that the Supreme God of the universe would love us so generously! Yet he has shown his love for us in the past through Jesus. He will dramatically show his love for us again when Jesus returns — not to give his life for us, but to share his life with us! Come, sweet Shepherd, come!Continue reading→
Paying the Ultimate Price
"No servant is greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also." John 15:20, NIVThey didn’t just persecute Jesus; they crucified Him! How is it that you and I think we will be treated any better? You may be thinking this doesn’t happen today. Yet it has been estimated by the World Christian Encyclopedia that more than 45 million men and women were put to death for their faith in Jesus Christ during the twentieth century! In recent years the estimate has averaged be..Continue reading→
Psalm 62:1
“[Psalm 62] For the director of music. For Jeduthun. A psalm of David. Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him.”Continue reading→
Jeremiah 10:10 (10-10-16)
But the LORD is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king...— Jeremiah 10:10 (KJV) Thoughts on Today's Verse... There is only one true God. All others are false, mere pretenders to the throne of the Righteous One. Yet like the Athenians in Acts 17, our world continues to place idol after idol in the place that should be reserved for God alone. But, we can be different! We can live as radiant examples of the God of justice, righteousness, mercy, and grace. We can re..Continue reading→
There’s No Excuse!
God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:9, NKJV “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred” (John 5:7, NIV). The man beside the pool of Bethesda was focused on what he lacked. He lacked a friend to help him. He lacked the strength to do it on his own. But while he was preoccupied with what he didn’t have, he totally missed what he did have-he had Jesus! Standing right there! What’s your excuse for con..Continue reading→
Daily Wisdom
God’s Power to Change
His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue. 2 Peter 1:3, NKJV Do you know someone who is desperate for change? Someone who is: bound by anger? isolated by pride? depressed by worry? consumed by jealousy? panicked by fear? God’s Word has not lost its power since the beginning of time! The same power that transformed Planet Earth from that which was void, dark, without form, and in a fluid con..Continue reading→
2 Corinthians 3:6
“He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.”Continue reading→
Hebrews 11:3 (11-03-16)
Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.— Hebrews 11:3 (KJV) Thoughts on Today's Verse... Where did it all come from? Where did matter, energy, and time come from? How did our universe come to possess order and structure, when all we know about our existence moves to decay, disorder, and death? By faith, we know it came from the articulated design of our Heavenly Father!Continue reading→
Dying to Self
"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." Matthew 16:24, NIV The power in your life and mine that results in blessing is in direct proportion to the extent that you are willing to die to . . . your own will, your own goals, your own dreams, your own rights. It’s what Jesus meant when He challenged His disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” However, before you get too hung up on th..Continue reading→
Prayers
The Birthright
Passage: Hebrews 12:16-17 Prayer: Dear Father,Keep me from being immoral or irreligious and, like Esau, selling the birthright you have for me. I want to inherit your blessing, even if it comes to me through tears.Hold me close to you. Fill my mind with thoughts of you. Fill my heart with love for you. May I use my strength to perform acts of care and love which you initiate.I love you, Lord.In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen. Devotional provided by Heartlight® © 1996-2016. All rights reserved.Continue reading→
Daily Prayer for September 28
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story – those he redeemed from the hand of the foe, those he gathered from the lands, from east and west, from north and south. Psalm 107:1–3, NIV Lord our God and our Father, we thank you for all the blessings you have brought into our lives and for everything we still hope to receive from your goodness. We thank you that through your Spirit you will work more and more in us and in all peo..Continue reading→
Call for Peace and Holiness
Passage: Hebrews 12:12-15 Prayer: Dear Father,When my hands droop and my knees are weak, put me in a place where I will get exercise. Open my eyes so that I can find level paths on which to lead the lame so they will not trip and get hurt but will walk and find healing.May I always strive for peace with every other person in the world and to seek holiness for myself, knowing that without it I will never see you.Enable me to help others find grace and to keep those in your family from becoming bitter..Continue reading→
Daily Prayer for September 27
I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; before the "gods" I will sing your praise. I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your unfailing love and your faithfulness, for you have so exalted your solemn decree that it surpasses your fame. Psalm 138:1–2, NIV Dear Father in heaven, we thank you for your mercy and for your great goodness and power, revealed to us through the ages and in the present time. We live by your revelation, Lord God Almighty, for you perform..Continue reading→
Church & Ministries
Wild West Nun On The Path To Becoming A Saint
x To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Pixabay A nun who led an extraordinary life in the Wild West is being considered for sainthood by the Roman Catholic Church. Sister Blandina Segale befriended famous outlaw Billy The Kid after he had been shot. When doctors refused to treat him because of his notorious reputation, Sr Blandina stepped in and nursed him back to health for several months. He didn't reform his w..Continue reading→
What Will Really Help Your Church To Grow?
x To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video HTB Church | Facebook "Literal interpretation of Bible 'helps increase church attendance'" The Guardian reports this morning on the results of a research project which has taken five years and looked into the growth and decline of Protestant churches in North America. On one level, it isn't very surprising. Churches which take seriously Jesus' commandment to m..Continue reading→
Research Says: Conservative Theology Helps Churches Grow Faster
x To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Conservative churches grow faster than more liberal leaning ones, a five-year study has shown. The paper found that churches that relied on a more literal reading of the Bible and a certain belief in hell were more likely to grow than others. The controversial study counters calls for the Church of England to change traditional aspects of its teaching, such as over gay marriage, to..Continue reading→
Jerry Falwell Jr Launches Stinging Critique Of Pope Francis…Then Deletes It
x To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Jerry Falwell Jr, president of the evangelical Liberty University and bastion of the religious right, has rowed back from a spat with Pope Francis. As one of Donald Trump's major protagonists in the US church, the two are likely to disagree on many issues. But on Monday evening Falwell tweeted a stinging critique of the leader of the world's 1.2 billion Catholics before ..Continue reading→
Hot Topics
A Christmas Memory
So when I noticed an album-shaped present under the tree, I assumed it would be George Beverly Shea singing Christmas songs or a Christian folk group that my parents thought I might tolerate. I would have received those albums in the spirit they were given—as polite and patient nudges to head back into the fold. But the album-shaped present was, of course, the double anthology album with Duane in all his rebellious hippiness on the cover. When I opened it, the entire story impressed itself on me..Continue reading→
Christmas: Sentimentality or Reality
As I pondered the central aspect of the Christian faith, Jesus, I began to become more convinced that Jesus was the Christ promised all throughout the Old Testament. He truly was the Son of God who came to save sinners like me. This Christmas, as with every Christmas, there is much to focus upon. All of them are good, too; family, generosity in gift giving, peace, love, and hope to name a few. I would not argue for the opposite of these, but if Jesus is not who he claimed to be, Christmas is si..Continue reading→
How George Whitefield Reshaped a Famous Christmas Carol
If Whitefield had avoided altering the poetry of Charles Wesley, perhaps more English speakers today would recognize the word “welkin,” or perhaps equally as likely, our churches would have passed over this Christmas carol long ago and let it fade into obscurity. We’ll never know, but God be praised for Wesley, Whitefield, and tunesmith Felix Mendelssohn, who have crafted a hymn of incarnation worthy to be declared from decades past through decades to come. Although the name George Whitefield i..Continue reading→
The History Behind ‘Silent Night’
“Today, Silent Night is perhaps the most famous Christmas carol in history. It has been translated into most languages, and the Bing Crosby version is the third-bestselling single in history. A rebuilt Silent Night Chapel in Oberndorf is now a cultural landmark (a replica can be found in Frankenmuth, Michigan).” This year, my home has been warmed by the sound of my 8-year-old practicing the piano. Her first recital is tomorrow, and the song she will perform is Silent Night. As it turns out, th..Continue reading→
Life & Society
Republican Gov. John Kasich Vetoes Bill Banning Abortion When Heartbeat Detected, Signs 20-Week Ban
Photo Credit: Gage SkidmoreCOLUMBUS, Ohio — Republican governor and former presidential candidate John Kasich vetoed a bill on Tuesday that would have banned abortion when a heartbeat is detected, while signing into law legislation that bans abortion after 20 weeks gestation. “Certain provisions … are clearly contrary to the Supreme Court of the United States’ current rulings on abortion,” he said in an explanatory statement released by his office. As previously reported, the Unborn Heartbeat ..Continue reading→
XXX Church Lists 4 Things Married Men Should Never Do
What makes a great marriage? The answer might vary from couple to couple, but generally, people need love, respect and trust to make their relationships thrive.Continue reading→
Joel Osteen Recalls Father’s Poverty-Stricken Childhood, Says His Family Always Received Donated Baskets During Christmas
Pastor Joel Osteen of Lakewood Church, the largest Protestant church in the United States, has reached a level of success that many other pastors in America can only dream of.Continue reading→
Report: Macy’s No Longer Donating to Planned Parenthood Through Matching Gift Program
Photo Credit: WikipediaA watchdog group that monitors the social stances of major corporations, as well as those who donate to the abortion and contraceptive giant Planned Parenthood, has announced that the retail store Macy’s has discontinued donations to the organization through its matching program. “Macy’s confirmed with 2ndVote … that the company no longer gives and no longer matches donations to Planned Parenthood,” 2ndVote said in a post on Wednesday. Representatives with the retailer h..Continue reading→
Music
Christmastime by Jody McBrayer
Track Listing 01. Imagine This Christmas 02. Candlelight Carol 03. O Come All Ye Faithful 04. Count Your Blessings Instead Of Sheep/Silent Night (feat. Sarah Clayton-McBrayer) 05. What Child Is This? 06. Ave Maria/O Holy Night 07. Bring A Torch Janette Isabella 08. Last Christmas 09. Christmastime is Here 10. Have Yourself A Merry Little CContinue reading→
What God Wants to Hear by Jonathan Cain
Jonathan Cain, longtime keyboardist and rhythm guitarist in Journey, co-writer of the No. 1 digital catalog song in history, "Don't Stop Believin'," as well as writer of "Faithfully" and co-writer of "Who's Crying Now," "Open Arms" and many more international hit songs, will release his solo album, What God Wants to Hear, Oct. 21 on Identity Records with The Fuel Music distribution. Cain, who continues to tour the world with Journey, one of the most popular American rock bands of all time, crafted his new solo album from his personal faith-journey that started in Chicago when, at a young age,[...]Continue reading→
No Shadows by Eric Kneifel
No Shadows is Eric's debut worship album, and has been a dream of his since he began songwriting. This album began with over 50 songs that were narrowed down to a final 12 to be recorded on the album. The theme of the album reflects Eric's desire to see the church become filled the light of Christ to the point where it fills every void, leaving no room for fear, sin, or shame. As stated in the title track, "there's a light that will leave no shadows." The song selection includes congregational worship songs, as well as songs of personal reflection[...]Continue reading→
Lecrae Releases New Single Can’t Stop Me Now (Destination)
The wait for new music from Lecrae is over, with a new single heralding a new era for the legendary Christian rapper. Lecrae has been hinting on social media for the past few months that new music was brewing as snapshots of him in and out of the studio appeared. The appetizer has finally arrived as he released a new single on Friday titled "Can't Stop Me Now (Destination)," produced by Reach Records' own Alex Medina. You can stream the new track on either Apple Music or Spotify. The ..Continue reading→
Jered Sanders’ Third Release Set For December
Hype has begun to build for Jered Sanders' third release, Nobody Famous. An all-star roster of features will be included such as Eshon Burgundy, KiShon Furlow, Dee Black and Dre Murray among others. Production from Illien Rosewell, Talen Ted and others will fill the background. Eshon Burgandy shared a tweet previewing what's to come, saying "we've got a lot to talk about, y'all. In February of this year, Jered Sanders claimed hip-hop's version of the Rookie of the Yea..Continue reading→
Unto Us: A Christmas Collection by Matthew West
Track Listing 01. Unto Us 02. The First Noel 03. Silent Night 04. A Christmas to Believe In 05. Join the Angels 06. Come On, Christmas 07. Jingle Bells 08. The Heart of Christmas 09. O Holy Night 10. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas Continue reading→
These Christmas Lights by Matt Redman
Debuting the first Christmas album of his career, 2X GRAMMY® winner Matt Redman will unveil These Christmas Lights on October 21. Filled with powerful and diverse collaborations, featured artists on the album include longtime friends Natasha Bedingfield, Chris Tomlin and Tasha Cobbs. These Christmas Lights finds Redman sharing his interpretation on quintessential holiday songs, along with creating new, originals including "His Name Shall Be," "Help from Heaven," the title track and more. "I don't want to just tell a story, I want to make sure that we put ourselves in the story too. To help with the songwriting on this record,[...]Continue reading→
The Best Christmas Ever by NewSong
Track Listing 01. The Best Christmas Ever (Ft. Jody King) 02. Sweet Little Jesus Boy 03. This Christmas 04. My Heart's With You (Ft. Bethany Cruz) 05. The King Is Born 06. The Christmas Shoes (Live Anniversary Edition) 07. White As Snow 08. The Song Of Christmas 09. The Little Drummer Boy 10. Go Tell It On The Mountain 11. The Christmas Hope 12. O Holy Night 13. What A Wonderful World 14. Sing Noel 15. Christmas Time Is Here/ Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas Continue reading→
A Canton Christmas by Canton Junction
Celebrate the Christmas season with A Canton Christmas, the first Christmas project from Dove award-winning southern gospel quartet Canton Junction. On their newest release, steel guitars and fiddles set the scene as Canton Junction's timeless harmonies paint the wintry pictures celebrating the season of our Savior's birth. From the soothing sounds of "Silent Night" to the creative arrangements of "Hark the Herald," Canton Junction delivers eternal Christmas favorites wrapped in a country-tinged style that is sure to be a gift to enjoy year round.[...]Continue reading→
American
Feel the Bern? Here’s the Next Step
Daniel Strauss: The revolution is back in business. Supporters of Bernie Sanders’ failed presidential bid are seizing on Democratic disarray at the national level to launch a wave of challenges to Democratic Party leaders in the states. The goal is to replace party officials in states where Sanders defeated Hillary Clinton during the acrimonious Democratic primary with more progressive leadership. But the challenges also represent a reckoning for state party leaders who, in many cases, tacitly s..
Trump rebukes alleged racism among supporters
Copyright (c) 2016 Baptist Press. Reprinted from Baptist Press (www.baptistpress.com), news service of the Southern Baptist Convention. The original story can be found at http://www.bpnews.net/47889/trump-rebukes-alleged-racism-among-supporters Trump rebukes alleged racism among supporters Screen capture from CBS NewsScreen capture from CBS NewsWASHINGTON (BP) -- In his first major interview since Election Day, President-elect Donald Trump said he is "saddened" by reported incidents of r..
Bill Hunke, former Alaska exec & historian, dies
Copyright (c) 2016 Baptist Press. Reprinted from Baptist Press (www.baptistpress.com), news service of the Southern Baptist Convention. The original story can be found at http://www.bpnews.net/47888/bill-hunke-former-alaska-exec-and-historian-dies Bill Hunke, former Alaska exec & historian, dies E.W. "Bill" Hunke Jr. E.W. "Bill" Hunke Jr. SUN LAKES, Ariz. (BP) -- E.W. "Bill" Hunke Jr., executive director of the Alaska Baptist Convention from 1966-71 and prolific chronicler of Southern Ba..
Cloyd Sullins, Alaska exec from 1995-2000, dies
Copyright (c) 2016 Baptist Press. Reprinted from Baptist Press (www.baptistpress.com), news service of the Southern Baptist Convention. The original story can be found at http://www.bpnews.net/47887/cloyd-sullins-alaska-exec-from-19952000-dies Cloyd Sullins, Alaska exec from 1995-2000, dies Cloyd Sullins Cloyd Sullins MOORE, Okla. (BP) -- Cloyd Sullins, who led the Alaska Baptist Convention from its 50th anniversary year in 1995 until his retirement in 2000, died Nov. 7 in Moore, Okla. ..