What consumes your thoughts and heart? A world polarized around conflict? Social media posts? Civil rights? Pandemic news? Or perhaps it is more personal: a loss, a diagnosis, a prodigal, unemployment, or a relationship you can’t make work. Just like us, 1st century Christians lived in a world taut with fear, hate, and uncertainty. Many had to fight for their …
Where’s the Hope?
Today we get to hear from author and speaker, Karen Foster, as she shares some timely perspective on what living hope looks like amidst the pain with which our world is dealing this week. “I’m not a very religious person,” said a young man who was interviewed on the street after the horrific shooting in Orlando, Florida. “But whatever religion you are, …
Hold Onto Hope
If ever we needed to hold onto hope, it’s now. Every day the news broadcasts some fresh horror that creeps closer to home. I don’t read every story, but I tune in enough to glimpse the chaos whirling past. It reminds me of a merry-go-round. Do you remember them? Most schoolyards had one and it was the hit of …
Finding Hope For The New Year
What are you hoping for this next year? A new job? Stronger relationships? The security of a home? What about the support of family and friends? We are all hoping for something, especially something we can count on… but at some point earthly hope will disappoint us. Jobs fall through. Homes are lost. People fail us…What then?
Never Give Up, Never Surrender
Ever feel like no matter what you do, it doesn’t seem to make a difference? You may be surprised that Elijah, a Biblical prophet lauded for his power and impact, knew that feeling well. Let’s dip into this powerful prophet’s saga to find out more. The setting: Mt. Carmel in Israel. Elijah is locked in a face-off with king Ahab …
How Much Hope Does Your Jesus Offer?
Doesn’t it seem that every time you turn on the TV some catastrophe or another writhes across the screen? “Bangladesh: Cheap clothes lead to danger and tragedy”¹ “Southwest Florida children sold as sex slaves”² “Loss of 19 firefighters in Arizona blaze ‘unbearable,’ governor says”³ Tragedy gives way to heartbreak. Pain washes across the TV screen and spills into our hearts, …