Service—what a buzz word. In the world we live in, it is hard not to volunteer or get voluntold to help serve in some capacity. Yet, what does service look like in the Church? Why does the Church emphasize serving? When I asked myself this …
Committed to a growing relationship with Christ
“So, let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely, we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith …
Which cross do you carry?
This Sunday we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection, and because of the resurrection we have hope, peace, joy, and life. However, without the death of Jesus there is no resurrection of Jesus. Without the cross there is no empty tomb! Jesus hung on a very real cross and …
Keeping the foolish at bay one Proverb-a-day
I am fascinated by the Book of Proverbs. It’s like a divinely-inspired collection of fortune-cookie-sized nuggets of wisdom. Many times throughout the year, I will read one chapter of Proverbs each day as it coordinates to the date–Proverbs 1 on April 1, Proverbs 2 on …
Three Ways to Find Rest that Lasts
Come to me, all you are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. – Matthew 11:28 Rest. What comes to mind when you read that word? For me, I think of a good night’s sleep, a lazy summer afternoon spent with my wife, or …
St. Patrick’s Breastplate
St. Patrick’s Breastplate, a prayer attributed to Ireland’s beloved patron saint, is a powerful hymn of hope for God’s help in adversity. “I arise today Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,Through belief in the Threeness,Through confession of the Onenessof the Creator of creation. I …
What if I can’t understand the Bible?
There are moments when you hear or read things that don’t make one ounce of sense. Your eyebrows raise, your face squints, and with a puzzled look you ponder, “Do what??” Here are a few puzzling statements made publicly by politicians from both sides of …
The Power of Knowing a Name
My name is Sidney Beth Meriweather. Jesus loves me intimately, He has ultimate authority over my life, and He’s given me brothers and sisters in Christ to keep me accountable to knowing Him more. Knowing someone’s name, really truly knowing them, is humbling. When people …
Three Reasons to Serve Kids
I’ll let you in on a secret-–kids are my favorite age group! Their wonder, imagination, curiosity, joy, laughter, and eagerness captivate me and draw me in to celebrate their goodness. Kids are such a blessing, despite what their actions might say from time to time. They teach us lessons …
Laying Down your Stones
Have you ever been around someone who smelled really bad? You know that just-worked-out-sweaty-teenage-boy-locker-room type smell? The only thing worse is being around the person who smells, but doesn’t know it. They have become immune to their own stench. Likewise, I think each one of …
F1RST Bible Reading Plan
You desire to draw closer to God this year, but you just feel stuck. You want changes in your life, but where do you start? What do you do? The truth is, real life change happens when we live by God’s Word. In order to …
12 Book Recommendations for 2019!
I know it’s cliche, but it’s true, “readers are leaders.” Reading sharpens the mind, challenges your thinking, and inspires you toward action. As Charlie Jones famously said, “You will be the same person in five years as you are today except for the people you …
Want to Prosper in 2019?
It’s hard to believe that 2019 is just a few days away. Wasn’t Halloween just a couple of weeks ago!? Time feels like it moves much faster at the end of the year. You blink and the next thing you know a new year is …