“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” (Phil. 4:4-5) The third Sunday of Advent we are invited to reflect on the joy we have access to because of our faith in Jesus. One of the defining characteristics of...

But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to...

Advent season began this past Sunday, November 28, and for the next four weeks, I (Matt), want to give you passages of scripture, a few thoughts to ponder and a song of worship that will match with the theme of each week. I pray these advent meditations will help guide...

Thanksgiving sets the table for transformation. And I don’t mean that if you eat too much, you’ll have trouble buttoning up your pants.  Thankfulness sets the table for transformation by shifting the attitude of our hearts to gratitude and away from grab-i-tude. You know, grabbing your rights and your self-centered...

I have been thinking a great deal about praise lately. Michael and Cindy Benefield’s wedding theme was “Praise!” I structured their ceremony around Psalm 145. I think praise can improve our prayer lives.  Scripture reveals how God uses praise to fight spiritual battles. We know that praise declares God’s goodness...