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.

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.

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.

“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.

Faith in God is about a relationship, not a religion. This makes knowing God central to a personal faith. “Who are you, God?” is the vital question the Bible answers in a surprising way. Throughout the Scriptures, god defines himself as God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Bible scholars call this mind-bending truth the Trinity.

God wants a relationship with us and promises to reward those who seek to draw closer to Him (Hebrews 11:6). Here are some things each of us can do to foster a greater relationship with our creator.

Shortly before the resurrected Jesus ascended to heaven, He gave a command—often called the Great Commission—to His followers: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” Matthew 28:19 ESV. It was a message to all Christians, whether in the first century or the 21st century. Here’s how three believers have applied this call to reach a world that doesn’t always agree with or welcome the message.

"The flowers appear on earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle dove is heard in our land." — Song of Solomon 2:12 ASV

Healer, visionary and patriot Dr. Daniel Johnston seeks God’s purpose for his life through service to others, whether he’s in the White House or Iraq, on land or in the sky.

Spring brings April showers, May flowers and planting time. Scripture is full of God’s thoughts about seeds. Examine His handiwork in these sparks of life—and glean insights into the mind of the Creator.

True love is a song, when two people fall in love, chords, in the hearts of a man and woman, create a beautiful melody. Blessed by the Lord, the song is a heavenly refrain with the power to transform two bodies into one.

We long for meaning in our lives, forgetting that we will never find it by embracing this world. We are sojourners here, our purpose to live as God’s people.

Excerpt from La La Lovely: The Art of Finding Beauty in the Everyday by Trina McNeilly

God’s word is a letter from our closest and truest friend, a testament to who we really are.

Tithing to your church is a disciplined form of giving. Try this ancient exercise in faith and watch what the Lord does in your financial life.

A New Year's Beginning

We draw our strength and power to serve from Him. God’s grace through us is all we need to love our neighbors.