What Does Prayer Mean to You?
During our recent United Methodist Women in Faith Prayer Breakfast, the attendees were asked to write down, in one to two sentences, “What does prayer mean to you?” It was explained that the answers would be combined and shared as a blog post on this website. This question opened up a beautiful space for reflection. As each person shared their unique and personal response, it became clear that prayer is a diverse and inclusive practice, holding a special place in…
Tides of Faith
The Unlikely Messenger: A Slice of Life with Debra Brown I stepped outside our beachside inn and breathed in the salty air—the scent of summer, joyful memories, and every perfect family vacation. It carried echoes of laughter, long beach walks, and early-morning shell hunts. “Come on, Momma! The sun will be up before we get there,” my seven-year-old daughter Meredith called, swinging her bucket and tossing her towel over her arm. Her flip-flops slapped against the concrete as we passed…
God’s Protection
Have you ever wondered about God’s protection? In this day and time many are wondering if God still protects His children. We are bombarded in the news with the violence that seems to permeate our society and our world currently. As Christians, we need to always remember that God is on His throne. This means He always watches over His children, even when it doesn’t feel that way. His Word promises that “He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee”…
Next Steps for Christians: Embracing the Hope and Renewal of Easter
The resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate symbol of hope and renewal and is deeply significant to millions worldwide. Easter is about the monumental victory over sin and death. Upon His resurrection, Jesus proclaimed hope to humanity. This is the foundational belief Christians cling to: That through Jesus’ death and resurrection, we are offered eternal life and a restored relationship with God. Easter signifies renewal, a fresh start, and an opportunity to reflect on our faith journey. It encourages us to…
Holy Saturday: They Didn’t Know Then What We Know Now
Holy Saturday is a day of waiting, filled with silence and reflection. Sandwiched between Good Friday’s sorrow and Easter Sunday’s joy, it embodies many emotions among the disciples, religious leaders, crowds, and Roman officials. It is a day of anticipation for us as we know what is coming on Easter Sunday. But imagine living through that day without knowing. The disciples, the religious leaders, the crowds, and the Roman officials all experienced that Saturday in very different ways. They didn’t…
Reflecting on Good Friday: Love, Sacrifice, and Redemption
Do you know why Good Friday is called “good”? It is a day that calls Christians everywhere to pause. It brings us face-to-face with Jesus’ suffering and sacrifice and the choices made by those around Him, such as the disciples’ inability to stay awake and the crowd’s demand for Barabbas’ release. But through these events, we are invited to see Jesus’ love and learn how it shapes our lives today. Despite the sorrow of the crucifixion, Good Friday is seen…
Understanding Maundy Thursday: A Lesson of Service and Love
Have you ever considered the enduring significance of Maundy Thursday in the Christian calendar? This day is not just a historical footnote in Jesus’ life; it carries intense meaning, rooted in acts of humility and love that resonate as powerfully today as they did over two thousand years ago. The Upper Room On Maundy Thursday, we remember Jesus’ final meal with His disciples, which took place in the Upper Room. This intimate gathering was filled with lessons on service, sacrifice,…
Holy Wednesday: Judas Betrayal of Jesus
Did you know that betrayal often stems from complex motives? Judas Iscariot’s betrayal of Jesus, often seen as a straightforward act, is a complex web of human nature that resonates even today. The Historical Context of Judas’ Betrayal Judas Iscariot was no outsider. He wasn’t a distant observer of Jesus’ ministry—he was an insider, trusted among the twelve. The Gospel of John tells us that Judas kept the disciples’ money bag (John 12:6), suggesting that he held a position of…
Holy Tuesday: The Authority of Jesus Challenged
Did you know that the events of Holy Tuesday often reveal challenges to our faith today? On Holy Tuesday, we witness a pivotal turning point, illustrating the ongoing tension between human institutions and God’s authority. Jesus faced direct challenges from the religious leaders. They questioned His authority and tried to trap Him with accusations and tricky questions. Jesus’ Authority Questioned – Mark 11:27-33 The religious leaders were upset because Jesus had cleared the Temple the day before. They saw themselves…
Holy Monday Reflections: Lessons on Faith and Authenticity
Did you know that Jesus’ actions during Holy Week continue to resonate powerfully in the lives of Christians today? On Holy Monday, we witness the powerful demonstration of Jesus’ mission, love, and the call for righteous living. The events of this day, including the story of Jesus cursing the fig tree and cleansing the temple, offer intense lessons on faithfulness and authenticity that we can apply to our daily lives as Christians. The Context of Holy Monday Traditionally, this day…
Revisiting Palm Sunday Through the Lens of Faith and Growth
Did you know many Christians disconnect between the teachings of Jesus and their day-to-day lives? Understanding Palm Sunday Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week. It commemorates Jesus Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem, celebrated with joyful cheers and palm branches laid before Him. This day is not just about the past; its meanings resonate deeply with today’s followers of Christ. Understanding these connections provides clarity and applicability for how believers can embody their faith in today’s world. Biblical Overview…
Confidence Reborn
The Unlikely Messenger: A Slice of Life with Debra Brown “April showers bring May flowers and fill the world with beauty and joy,” I thought as the heavens opened up with a downpour when I pulled in behind the office. While I sat in my car, waiting for the rain to subside, I couldn’t help but think about the one thing that had once brought me so much joy but now filled me with dread: writing. I’d lost my confidence…