True Beauty

Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel—rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.—1 Peter 3:3-4

First thing every morning, my mother would get dressed, do her hair and apply makeup. (more…)

It’s Okay Not to be Okay

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.—Ephesians 6:2

Most of us put a bit of time into getting ready for church—primping, dressing, making sure our brood looks like the poster family for Christianity. We put our church faces on and we smile. As people pass us and politely ask how we are, we respond, “I’m fine, thanks,” whether (more…)

Your No-Good, Very Bad Day

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit (more…)

Owning Your Faith

And Joash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord all the days of Jehoiada the priest . . . Now after the death of Jehoiada the princes of Judah came and paid homage to the king. Then the king listened to them. And they abandoned the house of the Lord, the God of their fathers, and served the (more…)

A Living Hope

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for (more…)