Bible Reading: Esther 1-3
Today’s Passage: Esther 2:17
“the king loved Esther more than all the women, and she won grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins, so that he set the royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.” (ESV)
Continue reading “God’s Providence And The Rise Of Esther.”
In the busyness of life, abiding in Christ is difficult. Yet, its important to our faith and a deeper relationship with Jesus. Let’s explore what it means to abide in Christ and how this connection shapes our lives.
A New Identity in Christ
Continue reading “Abiding in Christ: A Journey of Transformation”
In the beauty of life in the mountains, the call to foster family, community, and care for one another is both a challenge and a necessity. As followers of Christ, we are called to the family of God and without this focus we will drift apart simply due to time restraints and distance from each other. If we can embrace the teachings of the principals set forth in Scripture and actively try to foster a sense of community and family, we can become a true beacon of hope and love.
Continue reading “Strengthening The Family Of God.”
Last week we considered, “Making Time for Jesus.” In our modern hustle and bustle, it’s easy to lose sight of what’s important to us and our faith. Yet, the question remains, how do I use what little time I have for Jesus? While the answer can vary for us, depending on our time and talents, I believe the words of John 15:1-8 provide great insights into this question.
Continue reading “Using Your Time for Jesus”By Brian Mitchell
We need to see our overcrowded lives, as not merely a problem which needs to be overcome, but a problem that has created other problems which are far more serious. This is a problem which hinders the cause of Christ because it keeps us distracted from the fact that our real purpose in life is not being fulfilled. Do we have any doubt where the problem of being overcommitted comes from? It comes from the devil, and when we fill our lives with so many inconsequential activities, we are literally playing into his hands to neutralize our effectiveness in this world.
Continue reading “How Have Overcommitted Lifestyles Hindered the Church? (Part 2)”By Brian Mitchell
One of the most dangerous tendencies of the average American today is the tendency to over commit themselves. Unfortunately, this is a problem that has affected the Lord’s people as well. Often we commit to too many activities and concerns that are unrelated to the work of the Lord and thus hinder us in our abilities to serve the Lord effectively and fruitfully. Many times we find ourselves in the same predicament as Martha—Lk.10:41-42.
Continue reading “Overcommitted Lifestyles (Part 1)”The Bible is filled with hope and encouragement. Jesus Christ was born into this world, lived a sinless and perfect life, died on the cross, and rose again on the third day to pay our debt of sin and give us hope for a better day. Yet life for the faithful Christian can be a difficult and discouraging journey. It can leave us feeling discouraged, defeated, and alone in our daily struggles.
Continue reading “10 Verses of Renewal and Hope.”I cannot count the number of times I have heard these two phrases used in Christianity. It’s confusing. In some situations, we’re told to have faith, keep holding on but in others we’re told to let go and put in the hands of the Lord. Which one is it? How can I know which one I’m supposed to do?
Continue reading “Letting Go and Giving Up.”Easter is one of the most important and celebrated events in the Christian calendar. This holiday is focused on the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, which is the foundation of the Christian faith. It is a powerful symbol of hope, new beginnings, and victory over death.
Continue reading “Easter and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ”There is a common belief in Christianity today that says you can feel joy without feeling emotions like happiness. Often it is presented as if Christianity is not meant to emotional and that being a faithful Christian often results in a life that something less than the abundant life Jesus promised.
Continue reading “Is Joy Possible Without Happiness?”In our journey through faith and life, the concept of Christlikeness stands as a beacon, guiding us toward the epitome of spiritual maturity. This pursuit, though noble and essential, unveils the vast gulf between our imperfections and the pristine character of Jesus. It beckons a question that resonates deeply within the heart of every believer: How can we truly embody the likeness of Christ in a world brimming with trials and tribulations?
Continue reading “Emulating Christ: The Path to Genuine Transformation”Throughout Scripture, we are challenged to grow in our faith and in our understanding of God’s word. Sounds easy enough except when you’ve read and studied it for years and it becomes almost mundane or boring. Not that God’s word is boring but after a while its easy for us to lose sight of just how amazing and exciting it truly is. God has spoken from heaven and given it to us for our good. Yet, we often lose sight of that and drift into complacency.
Continue reading “The challenge to continue learning God’s word.”As most of you know, the state of Alabama recently ruled that embryos were children and thus, granted full protection under the law about the wrongful death of a minor. On one hand, I applaud the stand the state took that protects these embryos as unborn children and worthy of being protected. Just for clarification you should know that embryos are fertilized eggs that have already begun to develop. It is not simple sperm or an egg but a life that has already begun to develop into a life.
Continue reading “IVF and the Christian: what are we to think?”In John 2:1-11, we find the story of Jesus at a wedding in Cana, turning water into wine. This miracle isn’t just a display of power; it’s a symbol of transformation. Jesus takes something ordinary, water, and turns it into something extraordinary, wine, and not just any wine, but the finest. This act speaks volumes about the nature of Christ’s ministry: taking our ordinary lives and infusing them with extraordinary purpose and joy.
Continue reading “From Water To Wine: Embracing The Fullness of Faith.”In the shadow of towering achievements and groundbreaking innovations, it’s easy to be dazzled by human capabilities. We live in an era marked by rapid advancements in technology, medicine, and science. Yet, amidst this whirlwind of progress, there lies an essential truth often overlooked: the limitations of human ability and the enduring need for divine guidance.
Continue reading “Beyond human limitations: Embracing Divine wisdom in our achievements.”
Central Haywood Church of Christ 