Encouragement

"For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently." [Romans 8:24-25] Isn't it hard when we are waiting for something big or life changing to happen in our lives? Doesn't the time drag on, because we want it to happen now! It could be we are waiting to have enough money saved for a deposit on our first house. Waiting for a long overdue promotion at

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." [ Jeremiah 29:11] Well, here we are starting a new year, and many of us have already made New Years Resolutions! The most common ones are to lose weight, eat healthier, drink more water and exercise more! Yes, these are my New Years Resolutions yet again this year! But these goals are vague and have no purpose because they are not SMART go

"Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy." - 1 Peter 1:8 Perhaps, because of all the preparation and commercialism around Christmas, we have become tired, or even cynical about it. It's hard to feel joyful when we have a million and one things to do, and very little time to get it all done! If you ask most people to define joy, they will use words like happines

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." [John 14:27] As we move through the advent season one of the most profound gifts we are invited to reflect on is peace. Yet, if we are honest, Christmas often feels like anything but peaceful. As the song sung by Andy Williams says, "Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year." It's a busy season of shopping, writing Christm

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." [ Romans 15:13] At this time of year, in every store, coffee shop and restaurant, we are confronted with Christmas songs telling us to "Have yourself a merry little Christmas" or "Tis the season to be jolly." TV advertisements depict families gathered around a groaning table full of food, or a twinkling tree stuffed with presents. Chur

"For everything in the world - the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life - comes not from the Father but from the world." - 1 John 2:16 Don't we live in a culture where we can get everything we want, anytime we want it by a click of a button? We live in a day and age where everything is accessible and all of this convenience means we don't often choose to go without something. It's hard not to get swept up in the quest for more. We are marketed to con

As we continue to read, meditate and pray through this Psalm, we will see everlasting evidence of hope, peace and truth.

God is our gracious and bountiful benefactor for both our bodies and soul, for all time and eternity.

"Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me." [Psalm 23:4]

a beautiful picture of how God wants to guide us and bless us throughout our lives.

What is God calling you to do today?

...there is one object of fear which produces a positive reaction...

When God is our hiding place, we find peace that cannot be disturbed by the circumstances around us.

Good things take time

How can we move forward into maturity?

The deepest and most true understanding of who we actually are, does not come from looking at ourselves, it comes from looking to our Creator.

Luke 2:36-38 "There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her...

Commit your waiting to the LORD.

Hannah's prayer reminds us, that even when darkness is all around, our faith connects us to a God who is listening and with us...

"Be still and know that I am God". [Psalm 46:10]