What do you hope for? Do you hope things get better? Do you hope things change? Do you hope someone calls? Do you hope your prayers are answered? Hope is grounded in God and His promises. So, what is hope really? True biblical hope is not mere wishful thinking—it is a confident expectation. It means knowing with certainty that God will fulfill His Word. “God is not a man, that He should lie … Has He said, and will He…
Navigating life’s crossroads can often be intimidating. The uncertainties and risks of choosing the right path can lead to “analysis paralysis,” where deciding seems impossible. However, maintaining a biblical perspective can provide unique insights and confidence as we navigate critical times. The Bible is a treasure trove of wisdom and guidance regarding decision-making. James 3:17-18 depicts this biblical principle well. “But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace-loving, gentle at all times, always gentle,…
The Unlikely Messenger: A Slice of Life with Debra Brown In 1997, my husband Allen, our young daughter Meredith, and I traded our usual summer beach vacation for a Memorial Day getaway to a ski resort in the Utah mountains. It had been a challenging year, and we needed a change of scenery. I’d envisioned hiking, shopping, and cool mountain air, not snow. But frigid air welcomed us, and snow blanketed the ground. We hadn’t packed for it, so we…
Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others” – Colossians 3:13. Let’s be honest. We all have our own quirks and complicated, sometimes broken, humanity. With 8.1 billion people on this planet, each carrying their own wounds and stories, crossing paths every day, it’s no wonder that things often get messy. That’s always been true. People hurt each other. That’s not being cynical; it’s just reality.…
Perhaps you’ve heard the phrase, “agape love.” This describes the God-like, unconditional love that keeps no record of wrongs and gives without expecting anything in return. It is the love God has for us and what we are called to show others. Humanly speaking, agape love does not make sense: loving enemies, forgiving the unforgivable, and showing kindness to the unlovable. It is not natural. It is supernatural and it’s needed in this divided world. The Apostle Paul captures it…
Sometimes we find ourselves in a quiet and challenging place—the hidden corners of our hearts. This season is a time to reflect on sacrifice and prepare for the cross. Lent also invites us to bring our hidden wounds into God’s light, trusting that He can heal what we have carried for so long. We all carry broken pieces—old grief, harsh words, or mistakes we can’t forget. Often, we try to hide this pain and keep busy, hoping it will fade.…
