Learn why you should rejoice in the power of the Cross and why Jesus’ shed blood is the salvation for all humanity, if they so choose. The Resurrection is real. It was foretold, hidden in prophetic words, hundreds of years earlier. Before starting, pray for understanding, then study the Bible references included and meditate on the words. The Cross has the power to ensure your place in eternity and your relationship with God.

The earlier kids see your hands at work toward giving to others, the greater chance you have to equip them for a lifetime of compassion, service and generosity.

Deep inside, we all desire to be fulfilled, to have purpose and meaning in our lives. For thousands of years, people have found answers in the Bible. Consider the timeless truths in its pages.

Many people are puzzled when they first hear someone say they are giving up something for Lent. It raises questions. Why? Should I? Lent can be like fresh compost to your faith, regardless of your faith roots or lack of spiritual legacy. Lent can help you grow in faith as you learn what you have gained and who you truly are. Dig into this old tradition for new ideas for growth.

There are many stories about how people in difficult situations have relied on memorized verses for peace, power and instruction. God promises that His word “will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it” Isaiah 55:11 NIV.

Each year our family—babies to grown ups—gather around the tree while my husband reads the Christmas story. Add this reading to your Christmas morning and give the best gift of all.

In the midst of decking the halls and checking lists twice, where does your heart land with regard to Jesus, the Savior of the world, born that night long ago? Does it flood with adoration or bow under the weight of to-do lists?

With a bit of preparation and forethought, your Christmas celebration can be both simple and meaningful. Small details, like the ones here, go a long way in creating a home full of peace and joy.

This holiday season give to others. Here are some ideas.

The radical changes and new status we gain at the moment of salvation are not often understood. The simple act of believing in Christ changes more than we comprehend or can truly appreciate. It literally changes our eternity. Read these truths to transform your mind (see Romans 12:1, 2).

Release the desire to control your own life and you will finally be able to breathe with ease.

You don’t have to make a grand sweeping change to start impacting your life for the better. Focus on micro goals with clear and easy steps and let the results snowball. As you strive for progress rather than perfection, ask God for wisdom and guidance.

When the world’s troubles and sins overwhelm you, look to God for the peace that surpasses all understanding.

Typically, we think of hymns as belonging to a formal worship service—they’re church songs. But the truth is that hymns are for everyday life. The words and tunes provide a way to strengthen our relationship with God. Singing hymns is a way to draw close to the Lord as the words direct our thoughts and minds to Him. As you learn hymns, you’ll discover that some are a perfect fit for specific situations in life. They’re a prescription that can lighten burdens, bring peace to stress, stir joy in pain and lift our souls to heaven as we sing praises to God. Check out these hymns to help build your faith.

After years of suffering constant bleeding the woman reached out and touched Jesus’ robe believing she would be healed, and she was. Jesus responded, “Daughter, your faith has made you well ...” (Mark 5:34). God is the same today as He was then and His grace is sufficient for your needs. You can have strong faith—if you choose.

Jesus’ promise for a rested soul comes through a close connection to Him and His ways. In Matthew 11:28–30 He says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (ESV).

Hope is a favorable and confident expectation and the happy anticipation of good. We have an everlasting hope because of God's character and His promises. So, when the storms of life blow, we can expectantly trust Jesus to act and take courage in the fact that He has authority and power over all Creation.

There are many stories about how people in difficult situations have relied on Scripture for peace, power and instruction. God promises that His Word “…will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it” Isaiah 55:11 NIV.

The book of Ecclesiastes concludes there is a purpose for our lives, and we find meaning when we know God and His truth.

In this world of self-gratification and narcissism, how do we submit to God and prioritize His desires over ours?

God is our place of refuge in good times and in bad.

Each of us is created in the image of God. We are each unique. He chose our DNA, how we are knitted together and the way we look. He was intentional when he created us and gives us a purpose. He asks that we love others, as He loves.

“Three things will last forever—faith, hope and love—and the greatest of these is love.” — 1 Corinthians 13:13 NLT

Walking down a narrow gravel road that weaves through a camp of wall-to-wall tents and shelters overflowing with children, LaDawna McKinnis is on her way to see friends. It’s a March Friday in 2016 and a Kurdish family in this Northern Iraq refugee camp has invited LaDawna over share some chai tea. As she enters their temporary home through the canvas door, a young boy greets her. Sitting on the dirt floor, he is unable to walk or talk, so he smiles and lifts his arms when he sees his American friend. He understands that even though his family hides him away like a curse, she will give him a hug. LaDawna scoops the small disabled boy into her arms and forgets for a moment that she is in Domiz Camp, half a world away from home and only 30 miles from territory controlled by the terrorist army of ISIS.

Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.” John 3:5 NIV

A thousand years before Jesus was born, prophets of ancient Israel were predicting with exact words that a Son would be given to the world. Hundreds of prophecies detail His birth, ministry, suffering, death, resurrection and victorious ascension into Heaven.