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Honestly, I have really pondered, "Be kind" and, "The church has been quiet way too long," a lot lately. Can we do both at the same time? YES!! Just because we stand up for what we believe and “shout out” what Christ has done for us, this doesn’t mean that we must attack or protest or cause a controversy while doing it. God calls us to be the light of the world (Matthew 5:14-16) BUT He also calls us to be kind and compassionate (Ephesians 4:32).
Keep ReadingSo I encourage you to pray for your children’s health and safety, but pray that you (and your children) will trust the Lord with their health and safety. Pray that they will learn to seek Christ as their refuge in the storms of life (because storms will come…we are promised that). Pray that they seek His strength when the enemy’s arrows are flying. The Lord is faithful. He will strengthen you. He will guard you from the evil one.
Keep ReadingIt is so comforting to know that no matter what you are experiencing, God knows your name and sees you. He wants you to know that His eye is on you and will keep you through the decision you need to make or whatever you are facing.
Keep ReadingOur only weapon to fight back against the attacks of the enemy is the Word of God. Have you taken up your sword today?
Keep ReadingKeep practicing what we have learned, what we know to be true, because of the confidence we have in God's word, knowing from whom it came. Let us keep reminding ourselves and each other of the faithfulness of God, and of the reliability of His word and His promises.
Keep ReadingIt does not give us a reason to live on “cheap grace” – and do whatever we want but it gives us reason to celebrate that even though we do stumble in the day to day – we don’t stumble away from God – and this my friends should give all of us a hope and desire to worship and to rest in HIS glory, majesty, power and authority because the price has been paid. We can live in HIS freedom.
Keep ReadingAre there idols in our own lives that we need to rid ourselves of? May we then remember this: "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." Colossians 3:1-2
Keep ReadingJust like bank tellers know counterfeit money by constantly handling real money, Christians can spot misunderstandings and misapplications of God’s word by continually “handling” God’s word. Of course we must correctly handle God’s word when we practice, but just reading God’s word over and over will keep our hearts trained towards truth.
Keep ReadingBeware the “Summer Slide!” No, this doesn’t refer to a scorching hot ride at the park. The Summer Slide is the loss of academic skills and knowledge that students experience during their annual break from the school routine. Christians can also experience the Summer Slide on a spiritual level.
Keep ReadingWe must "strengthen what remains," which is to say that there is, in fact, something remaining aside from death: our hope in Jesus Christ. Through this hope we can do the works set out for us to glorify our Father in Heaven.
Keep ReadingBy now, most graduations have taken place and these students are now preparing for the next chapter in their lives. I remember being in that position of taking on the daunting task of "planning the rest of my life."
Keep ReadingFor the strong and the weak. For the blessed and the broken-hearted. For the warriors and the wounded. For the rejoicing and the weeping.
Keep ReadingComfort. It's a multi-million-dollar business in America. We're bombarded with ads for mattresses promising better sleep, clothes to wrap you in a hug, and instant entertainment everywhere we look. Comfort has become an idol in our society. But God’s not in the comfort business. At least not temporal comfort as we think of it.
Keep ReadingJul 19
2023
Keep practicing what we have learned, what we know to be true, because of the confidence we have in God's word, knowing from whom it came. Let us keep reminding ourselves and each other of the faithfulness of God, and of the reliability of His word and His promises.
May 31
2023
We must "strengthen what remains," which is to say that there is, in fact, something remaining aside from death: our hope in Jesus Christ. Through this hope we can do the works set out for us to glorify our Father in Heaven.
Apr 26
2023
"Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly." -Proverbs 14:29 (ESV) I'm not sure if that verse hurts as much for anyone else as it did for me this week...
Mar 22
2023
All of our prayers were answered. We had a clear sign that it was time to go. That sign came quite early in the morning, so there were hardly any other cars on the road and we had green lights all the way (one was maybe a little orange). We made it on time!
Feb 8
2023
What are some of the benefits of being part of a church? I think any of us at Maranatha could spend a long time answering this question with a multitude of responses. One thing in particular that I wanted to focus on and encourage us all in, is solidarity.
Jan 4
2023
In our home, we teach our children to P.R.A.Y. Praise. Repent. Ask. Yield. All of these require a level of humility in placing God above ourselves, admitting our faults, coming to Him with our wants and needs, and yielding to His will over ours. Possibly the most demanding of our pride, however, is repentance. It is hard to admit our shortcomings, but so vitally important. When we fail to repent, even of small things, it can rob us of all peace.
