Romans 8:18–30 (NIV)I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be...  Read More

Have you ever broken something you really liked? Maybe you dropped a favorite cup, stepped on a toy, or tore something you had made. Once something breaks, you might try to glue it back together, but ...  Read More

What does it look like for a community to truly thrive? The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) has developed what they call a Livability Index, a scoring system built around seven key elem...  Read More

Have you ever tried to grow a plant? A plant needs several things to grow strong and healthy. It needs good soil, water, sunlight, and room for its roots to grow. If you put a flower in a dark closet ...  Read More

Psalm 1:1–6 (NIV)1 Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, 2 but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, a...  Read More

There is a hunger in every human heart that no achievement, relationship, or accomplishment can fully satisfy. Alex Haley, the creator of the celebrated miniseries Roots, described it this way: "In al...  Read More

Have you ever built something with blocks? You may have chosen where every block belonged. Some became walls, some became windows, and some became a tall tower. Each block had a place and a purpose.Go...  Read More

Colossians 1:15–23The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones ...  Read More

Imagine you are playing a team game, but you cannot see the whole field. You can see what is close to you, but you cannot see what is coming around the corner. Wouldn’t it be helpful to have a trusted...  Read More

James 1:12–18Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. When tempted, no...  Read More

There are moments in life when ordinary routines are not enough. The phone rings and the news is bad. A relationship fractures. A temptation rises up that feels impossible to resist. A crisis lands in...  Read More

Imagine that your family is playing a game, and you lose one hundred points. There is one big problem: you have no points left! You cannot pay what you owe. Then someone steps forward and gives up all...  Read More