Most buildings in America aren’t built to last forever—a fire, hurricane, tornado, or other natural disaster could easily destroy them. So on a recent trip to Washington, D.C., I was struck by the permanence of the buildings. All the essential government buildings, the national monuments, the White House, and even most of the museums are […]

Editor’s note: This article series is about experiencing abundant life in Christ. If you want to experience spiritual growth by the power of the Holy Spirit, check out our study, Abundant: A Bible Study on the Fruit of the Spirit. Read the other articles in the series here:  “Abide in the True Vine” by Sarah […]

Visit many good books, but live in the Bible. —Charles H. Spurgeon If I’m honest, reading has become particularly difficult for me lately. I’m not old by any stretch of the imagination, but my body is aging and my mind is along with it. Of course, the responsibilities of managing a household of five and […]

The Bible is anything but boring. The first time I read through it chronologically, I found myself in awe of God’s work of redemption. It strengthened my faith, sparked my passion, and stirred in me a desire to share the hope of the gospel.  I’ll never forget the moment I finished reading the Old Testament […]

A Note from Gretchen I’ve walked through the valley of burnout and thought my purpose would never reignite.  I’ve trudged through the darkness of depression and thought my joy would never return.  I’ve wrestled with unrelenting anxiety and thought I would never be able to walk in obedience to God’s calling again. But recently, God […]

If you pay attention to enough stories, you’ll soon recognize that most of them are based on the oldest and best story of all. They tell us that the world is broken, people aren’t doing well, and they desperately need something or someone to fix their circumstances or save them. In the end, the hero […]

A NOTE FROM MAGGIE Many of the gifts of this world are easy to enjoy on first taste. We don’t have to work at delighting in a baby’s giggle or a warm, gooey brownie. Other gifts require work and knowledge to delight in. Not all of us want to make the effort to enjoy the […]

The joy of the Lord is my strength. Not my second cup of coffee. Not my own abilities, time at the gym, or a full night of rest. It is his joy that surpasses any trial, any feeling, and any emotion. His joy is a fortress of rest, a shelter from the sun, and a […]

A NOTE FROM GRETCHEN The LORD is my Shepherd, I lack no good thing. In the morning, in the evening, in the middle of the night, and in the middle of the day, he is with me, even when I don’t feel his presence. He makes me lie down in green pastures, even when I […]

A Note from Lauren Picture the perfect first morning of a beach vacation: a restful yawn before the dawn, a Bible open for meditation, eyes scanning the horizon for the rising of the sun. But the baby starts crying at 5:00 am, and the big kids join the chorus shortly after. The husband sets them […]