Content from 2024 (Page 3)
Anchor in the Storm
The Unlikely Messenger: A Slice of Life with Debra Brown I stood at the window, watching the trees swaying in the wind, and worried about the latest weather alert blasting from my iPhone. As I watched, storm clouds gathered until darkness encompassed the afternoon sky. Lightning flashed and thunder rumbled. Soon, sheets of rain drenched the ground with standing water flooding low-lying areas of the yard. When the thunder boomed, shaking the house, I could hear my mom’s shouts of…
Staying The Course
Faith is one of those things that challenges so many in their relationship with God. On more than one occasion my faith has been tested. My faith has been a challenge at times, and I am sure that is true for so many. But in all honesty what is faith really? The dictionary defines faith as complete trust or confidence in someone or something. Complete trust, isn’t that asking a lot? Well, isn’t that what we as Christians are called…
Becoming God’s Living Vessel: Eight Ways to Serve Others
Becoming God’s living vessel signifies our willingness to allow His divine Spirit to indwell within us, guiding our thoughts, words, and actions in alignment with His will. It involves surrendering our desires and ambitions and, instead, seeking to fulfill God’s purpose for our lives. Here are eight biblical ways we can do this: Forgive Others: Becoming God’s living vessel entails embracing the Spirit of forgiveness. Ephesians 4:31-32 (NLT) instructs us to “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, slander, and…
Finding Peace of Mind
Though we all seek to have peace of mind, finding it can often be difficult, especially in times of uncertainty. Fortunately, the Bible provides comfort and security, reminding us that the foundation of having peace comes from a trusting relationship with our Creator. It is a sense of security and the calm assurance that He is always with us. Drawing on the wisdom of scripture is an excellent source of comfort, providing us with a sense of calmness and understanding…
Kindness Is Kind of a Big Deal
The other morning, I was in the drive-through line to get my coffee. And a lady drove up from the opposite direction, and so I let her in line ahead of me. It wasn’t a big deal or anything. But when I got to the drive-through window to pay for my coffee, she had already paid for it in appreciation for letting her in front of me — pretty cool stuff. And so, I then paid for the person behind…
This is My Story, This is My Song
There is nothing in the world so much like prayer as music is.” ~ William P. Merrill Music surrounds us. Shopping, driving, dining, working- almost every establishment has some kind of music present in the background. Do you notice it and hum along? Maybe it simply fades into the background of the hustle and bustle of your daily life. I have a few questions for you to reflect on as you read: What kind of music do you enjoy listening…
A Friend In Time
The Unlikely Messenger: A Slice of Life with Debra Brown Blowing rain peppered the windows. I pulled my sweater tighter around me to combat the chill, breathing in the scent of my spicy chai latte, and read the text for the third time before responding. “I don’t think we should be friends anymore.” The words from a close friend blindsided me. I could only respond, “What? Why?” “I’m not mad at you,” she answered. “I’m not going to block you…
My Journey Begins on this Spiritual Platform
I’ve thought about what to write for this first article, and I feel the best way to introduce myself to you and this platform is by sharing my story. As a Christian, my most important story is my testimony. I grew up in church. My uncle was a Baptist pastor, and my family and I were members of and were heavily involved in the church where he preached. My mother ran the “Mother’s Morning Out” program and nursery, so the…
Christianity: Relationship, Not Religion
Christianity has been a source to guide the behavior of man since the very beginning. And in the very beginning God wanted to know those who He loved and for them to love Him back. Throughout the Bible we read of people trusting God and asking His direction with a desire to follow the path God directs them too. We see this with Abraham, Moses, Jacob, Joseph, Esther, and many others. What made their walk with God so special was…