Christmas is a wonderful time of year for many and a tragic, depressing or sad time of year for many. This time of year for others is…frustrating. Advent is a time of preparation for the birth of the Christ child into the world, and into our hearts once again. How we live demonstrates our devotionContinue reading “Our Lives Look Different”
Category Archives: worship
Do We Take Christ Seriously Enough?
This may seem like a strange question as we begin Advent, but I believe it is an important question we should ask ourselves. This is a questions I ponder most days. How we think about Christ changes our to do list and what we do day to day. What we believe about Christ changes ourContinue reading “Do We Take Christ Seriously Enough?”
Stories
James 5:17-18 “Elijah was a person just like us. When he earnestly prayed that it wouldn’t rain, no rain fell for three and a half years. He prayed again, God sent rain, and the earth produced its fruit.” There are incredible stories of God answering prayers throughout the Bible. Sometimes I think we do notContinue reading “Stories”
Suffering & Singing
James 5:13 “If any of you are suffering, they should pray. If any of you are happy, they should sing.” This week we are entering into the final week of our series on James. We’ll be focusing this week on prayer and it’s power. “Are any of you suffering?” This is the first thing weContinue reading “Suffering & Singing”
Higher Thinking
Colossians 3:1-4 Therefore, if you were raised with Christ, look for the things that are above where Christ is sitting at God’s right side. Think about the things above and not things on earth. You died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, is revealed, then you also willContinue reading “Higher Thinking”
Higher Grounds
Colossians 2:16-19 So don’t let anyone judge you about eating or drinking or about a festival, a new moon observance, or sabbaths. These religious practices are only a shadow of what was coming—the body that cast the shadow is Christ. Don’t let anyone who wants to practice harsh self-denial and worship angels rob you of the prize.Continue reading “Higher Grounds”
Take Away Everything…What’s Left?
We plan and plan and plan. We attempt to bring the best that we can to whatever event or party we throw. We’ll get anxious is something doesn’t go right, if something doesn’t go according to plan. What do we do? I have tried to figure out how to make things happen in the midstContinue reading “Take Away Everything…What’s Left?”
Even in the Storm
Most important, live together in a manner worthy of Christ’s gospel. Do this, whether I come and see you or I’m absent and hear about you. Do this so that you stand firm, united in one spirit and mind as you struggle together to remain faithful to the gospel. That way, you won’t be afraidContinue reading “Even in the Storm”
Guarding
Ephesians 6:10-17 Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and his powerful strength. Put on God’s armor so that you can make a stand against the tricks of the devil. We aren’t fighting against human enemies but against rulers, authorities, forces of cosmic darkness, and spiritual powers of evil in the heavens. Therefore, pick up the fullContinue reading “Guarding”
Old vs. New Part 1
Ephesians 4:17-19 So I’m telling you this, and I insist on it in the Lord: you shouldn’t live your life like the Gentiles anymore. They base their lives on pointless thinking, and they are in the dark in their reasoning. They are disconnected from God’s life because of their ignorance and their closed hearts. They areContinue reading “Old vs. New Part 1”
R Y A N S T R A T T O N 