Following Jesus

So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him. Luke 5:11, NKJV

Who are you following?  In a culture saturated with social media influencers and their countless posts, the options are endless.  In today's lingo, when we choose to like/follow/subscribe to a public figure or channel, we're simply giving a green light to keep receiving more content from those outlets.  But in the New Testament, following Jesus means so much more than expressin

Resurrection Realities

I passed on to you what I received, which is of the greatest importance: that Christ died for our sins, as written in the Scriptures; that he was buried and that he was raised to life three days later, as written in the Scriptures… 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, GNT

This week, I get the privilege of touring with Mile High Academy’s music ensembles in South Dakota.  I’m actually finishing up this post between visits to Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial.  Although the weath

Christ and Him Crucified

For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. 1 Corinthians 2:2, NKJV

A friend of mine recently shared a book with me that challenges readers to focus their lives around one word for an entire year.  Instead of making self-improvement resolutions or goals that we tend to fall short of, the author suggests reflecting on our heart needs and then letting God lead us to a single word He wants to use to bring meaning and purpose to our l

Feeling Forsaken

And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?" that is, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" Matthew 27:46, NKJV

There are certain things about life with a preschooler that I really wish we would never outgrow.  As I walked with my youngest across a parking lot today, my hand reach down without looking, and a moment later her hand reached up.  It's normally something we do without thinking -- a habit when we're pres

Experiencing the Bible

"And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; For I am called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts." Jeremiah 15:16, NKJV

In recent weeks, you may have heard us spotlight the achievements of our Littleton Lights Pathfinder Bible Experience (PBE) team -- six of our very own Pathfinders who have committed multiple chapters of Romans and 1 Corinthians to memory in preparation for each round of testing.   We've shared updates during service, on our Facebook page, an

Citizen's of Heaven

Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”

1 Corinthians 1:31

My older brother loved watching the Olympics. Every time they came around he all of a sudden became super vocal about his love for our country. I know my brother loves his country but the Olympics gave me an opportunity to really express that love. He would cheer for the USA no matter what sport we were in. I remember one day walking into the living room and my brother was cheering s

God's Enduring Word

Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

Psalm 34:8

Have you ever tried to memorize Scripture? As a kid, I had memory verses at school and at church. They were never easy for me. I vividly remember going over the same passage again and again—always making a mistake. Now that I’m older, I regret not putting in more effort. Being able to recall Scripture is incredibly powerful and can be such a helpful tool in times of need. Sure, today

Everything You Need

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19

My fiancé and I recently got a dog. She is the cutest thing you could ever imagine. Weighing in at about 12 pounds, this Shih Tzu named Yumi has completely won our hearts. Yumi came to us through my fiancé’s grandparents, who were no longer able to care for her. So, at 9 months old, Yumi joined our little family. I don’t know how much experience you have with training

Growing Pains

But we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.  Acts 6:4, NKJV

Conflict is not my cup of tea, especially when it's within closer circles.  It's one thing to hear about international tensions overseas, but when tempers flare among those I love, I can't bear it for long.  I'm not like the pastor friend of mine who only half-jokingly said, "Conflict?  Oh, I love conflict."  Whether you have a personality more like his or more like mine, I'm

Better Together

Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul... Acts 4:32, NKJV

It was a special weekend.  The sights and sounds of over 350 worshipers from four area churches in one place this past Sabbath were inspiring on many levels.  When the pastors from these four churches first dreamed of this event, it came from an honest awareness of a less-than-ideal history of sister church relationships and a heartfelt conviction that it was time to write a new story

Finding Your Timothy

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 2 Timothy 1:6, NIV

Who are the people God has used to fan your spiritual life into flame?  Mrs. Howard was my 8th grade teacher who spoke about Jesus as Someone she talked to every morning, and it made me want the same.  Dora was one of the matriarchs of my childhood church who felt confident that my young voice could lead hymns for the Adult Sabbath School pr

Encourage One Another

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11, NIV

Maybe you've had one of those seasons of discouragement when unexpected things came your way or certain interactions trended in a direction you really wish would've panned out differently.  When I found myself in one of those situations recently, my mind replayed what-if scenarios that really couldn't change the past, and my emotions slid toward heaviness of he

House to House

So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart. Acts 2:46, NKJV

A few weeks ago, while cheering for one of our kiddos at their sports game, my youngest ran up to me with bright eyes and a big idea:  Can my friend come over to our house for a play date?  She and her friend had been playing together that whole afternoon where we were, but her question came from a sense that

Agreeing in Prayer

Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.  Matthew 18:19, NKJV

"Just a couple more minutes with the iPad," I signaled to our youngest who was enjoying a digital coloring activity while home sick from school.  Without looking up, she nodded in agreement...or so I thought.  When screen time was done, my little one was not.  I thought we were on the same page about wrapping up, but

God Has a Dream

I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.  John 17:23, NKJV

"I have a dream."  More than 60 years ago, those famous four words cast a moving vision for equality and unity in a sorely divided country.  Martin Luther King, Jr.'s dream for brotherhood regardless of skin color or social status was really an expression of a broader dream that our God -- the King of