In these posts, I share insights and tips from the Bible and my own relationship with Jesus to help you practically apply God’s Word to relevant issues in the world and situations in your life. The goal is to help you develop a relationship with Jesus that’s deep, personal and tangible.

How Christians Should Handle Personal Convictions and Gray Areas

A while back some friends and I got together for a movie night. After MUCH deliberation over what movie to watch (we’ve all been there, haven’t we?), we got so close to choosing a movie everyone agreed on…until one friend objected because it included some content that was disturbing to his conscience.   I remember getting so internally frustrated with…

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God’s Commands Are A Gift Not A Burden

I think I know everything and I hate being told what to do. There’s a bit of that in all of us right? (Please say yes and make me feel a little better about myself, k?) :-)   Jokes aside, the truth is there’s something in all of us that doesn’t like being told what to do and that thinks…

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You Can’t Condemn People Into Spiritual Maturity

A few weeks ago Ariana Grande hosted One Love Manchester, a benefit concert for those affected by the terror attack at the Manchester show on her Dangerous Woman Tour.  The concert was a beautiful display of love, resilience and hope in the face of fear as artists and Manchester residents came together for the event. (Watch the concert here)   Justin…

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4 Secrets To A Strong Prayer Life

"You need a stronger prayer life."  Those were the words I  heard God impress on my heart in January 2007 when I asked Him if there was a particular area He wanted me to grow in that year.  Little did I know that through responding to that simple phrase God would lead me down a path that would make prayer…

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How To Be Honest With God When You’re Worried

“Our culture teaches us to never let them see you sweat and always put your best foot forward." Pastor Daniel Fusco of Crossroads Community Church made that statement in one of his recent two-minute message videos. It’s so true, isn’t it?  It's ingrained in us to always put on a good face and appear as if we have it all…

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3 Questions To Ask Before You Offer Criticism

A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.  Kind words are like honey-sweet to the soul and healthy for the body. (Proverbs 15:1 // Proverbs 16:24)   Words are powerful and the way we use them matters.   Too often we treat our world-especially our online world-as a place where we can carelessly throw out criticizing words…

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3 Simple Keys to Living a Godly Life

  "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled."  Those are the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:6 as He gave what is known as the Sermon On The Mount.  In this central teaching moment in the ministry of Jesus, He laid out the foundations for life according to His Kingdom. Righteousness in lifestyle is…

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God Can Do More Through You Than You Think He Can

  We’re half way into January. Have you given up on your New Year’s Resolution yet? Maybe you didn’t even make one because you know from past experience you’re not going to follow through with it anyway. Try. Fail. Forget. Give up. Try again next year.  Maybe.  It’s a vicious, annual cycle. Growth and change are hard for me too.…

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Jesus Is God With Us

“Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’” (Matthew 1:23) How many times have you heard that verse? Christmas cards. Christmas carols.  It's familiar Christmas language in our culture, especially in Christian environments.  How many times have you stopped to think about…

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Practical Thankfulness With Alicia Keys

Don't you love when art or culture teaches you a lesson about life with Jesus?  I do. Last week I shared with you that thankfulness isn't just for Thanksgiving but that you can live with thankfulness and peace every day by thanking God for what He has done in your life and talking to Him about what worries you.  That…

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