All by Taylor Newton
Paul’s words in Philippians 4:9 remind us that faith is much the same. It’s not just about
knowing Scripture or listening to sermons; it’s about putting what we’ve learned into
action. Just as a basketball player must apply their training in real-game situations, we
are called to live out our faith in daily life—showing kindness, practicing patience, and
standing firm in truth.
No one enjoys the sight of a brown, overripe banana. In addition to appearing wasteful,
the texture changes, and the smell and flavor become overwhelming. However, with
some more ingredients and a little creativity, that seemingly useless banana can
become something that brings joy and nourishment—banana bread.
Genesis 24:67 is one of the first times in scripture we read about love between a man and a woman. As Christians, we know from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians—written about 2,000 years later—husbands and wives are to care for one another and love sacrificially (Ephesians 5:21-33). It is beautiful that we can see such an early example of a godly wife in Rebekah.
Each snowflake that falls from the sky is a tiny, intricate marvel —no two exactly alike in their crystalline patterns. In the same way, God has created each of us as unique individuals, imparted with our own special combination of spiritual gifts.
A popular tradition at Christmas time is for families to attend a Christmas Eve candlelight service together. If you have not attended one of these, envision sitting in a dimly lit room full of people. Each individual has their own candle, and once the first is aflame—usually led by the pastor—people begin spreading the flame from one candle wick to the next until all candles are lit. Whether there are just a handful or hundreds in the room, it does not take long before the once-dark area is beautifully aglow.
Wow! What an amazing meeting between two women whom the Lord was using!
Earlier in Luke, we can read about angels appearing to both women’s families to
announce their pregnancies. Both were susceptible to the temptations of stress, fear,
or worry, especially considering Elizabeth’s age (geriatric pregnancy), yet she is filled
with joy and humbled favor for what God had done and was doing through the birth of
our Lord.
Christmas is the time of year I look forward to the most. Friends and family coming
together, great food, and—the reason for the season--coming together for worship in
celebrating the birth of Christ. Inspired to write about this wonderful time, yet
simultaneously struggling with creativity, I turned to the most novel solution—scrolling
social media.
“I love waiting!” said no one, ever. Can you think of a time when you prayed for something that meant a lot to you—I’m talking fervent prayer—and waiting for an answer seemed to drag on? Did you get impatient? Did you lose faith and take matters into your own hands?
Rest: (v.) to stop using something so that it can be made strong again. 1
When I felt the Lord pressing on me to share on rest, I was initially stumped for words. I prayed, opened my laptop, read Psalm 62, prayed again.
Groggy and moving slowly, I open the back door to let our dogs out. It’s a bright, spring morning—green grass, warm sun accompanied by a light breeze, flowers sprouting (I feel compelled to mention the weeds I’ve looked at every morning this week and failed to pull). This is a favorite time for so many people! Even from Solomon, we hear praise that winter is past (Song of Solomon 2:11).
Do you consider yourself an expert at something? Perhaps “expert” doesn’t fit well. How about skilled, professional, or you know without a shadow of doubt that you have authority in a particular area? Reflect on the trials you have experienced to become better; concentrate on the amount of time—months, years, decades—it took you to fully grasp and understand.
Can anyone else relate to having a barrel of monkeys for a family? When I was a child, my grandma’s house would be considered our “barrel.” That was where everyone showed up after work, for family meals and holidays.
