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What Is There to Praise God about When Life Is Hard?

Hard times come to everyone, but for believers, the journey through life’s dark valleys looks very different. Your ability to triumph amid adversity is going to start with your determination to “walk by faith and not by sight.”

What Does the Bible Say about Ancestor Worship?

The Bible is clear that only God is worthy of worship and praise, and Christians have a calling and a responsibility to share the Gospel with the people of the world who are still deceived by the practice of ancestor worship.

10 Creative Ways to Prepare Your Heart for Christmas This Year

It's a challenge to remain focused on the glory that defines the Christmas story. It can so easily become about to-do lists, parties, food, and gifts. While Christmas traditions are a beautiful part of this season, we need to make sure that the drive to do all the things doesn't get in the way of the opportunity to be still and thank God for his Son, Jesus! Here are some creative ways to prepare your heart and home for the message Christmas brings us all this year!

How Our Limits Remind Us of God’s Limitlessness

Human beings live under many constraints, some visible and some invisible. God, on the other hand, does not exist under the same limitations. When people are reminded of what they cannot do, it is a good opportunity to consider how God is not constrained by the same things as human beings.

10 Ways Our Words Produce Life or Death

The tongue is said to be the strongest muscle in the human body, and surprisingly within this smallest of body parts is tremendous power. In fact, James says it is the hardest muscle to train and tame. No bit or rudder are capable of controlling it (James 3:3-6).Yet, we are strongly admonished to be careful of every word we utter, for our words can have one of two effects on people: life or death, according to Proverbs 18:21.This verse is not to be interpreted as to mean literal life and death. Our words cannot raise someone back to life—only Jesus has that power. And while words can be weaponized, they cannot kill someone in the literal sense. Words can only incite action, which can either save a life or cause a death. Therefore, Proverbs 18:21 should be interpreted as metaphor.Following are 10 ways our speech can do good or evil; can produce “life” or “death” to another.Here are five ways our speech can do good and produce “life.”Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/magann

Is Jesus Really the Only Way to Heaven?

Jesus is the only way a person will enter heaven. In these days of conformity and inclusivity, however, people rail against anything exclusive.Yes, Jesus is exclusively the only way to heaven, butallhumans areinvited to accept Him as Lord and Savior.

7 Micro-Habits That Build Your Faith

Faith is like a muscle in our bodies. We are given all we will ever need at the point of our salvation, but if we don’t often use or exercise that muscle, it will become weak and ineffective.Jesus said faith the size of a mustard seed could move mountains (Matthew 17:20). Yet, if we want that minuscule-sized faith to move mountain-sized objects or circumstances, we need to strengthen it by using it in the small things so it grows to conquer the big things.In a parable in Matthew 25, Jesus said if we are “faithful in a few things” we will be given more (verse 21 NIV). He also said, “For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have [or, does not use what one has], even what they have will be taken from them” (verse 29). I believe that applies to our faith as well as our gifts and talents. As you and I exercise faith in the little things, then we will be in tip-top faith shape for the bigger things.If your faith is sagging a bit from not using or exercising it, it might be time for a faith lift. Here are seven small habits to build your faith.Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/RomoloTavani

8 Things the Devil Doesn’t Want

Satan's desire is to thwart and hinder the growth and impact of the child of God to the point of uselessness. So, what does our great adversary not want in the life of a believer?

5 Biblical Ways to Break Free From a Spirit of Ungratefulness

We all grumble from time to time, whether it's about the traffic, the weather, or the lines at the grocery store. However, when we are constantly complaining, unhappy, or discontent, we probably need to break free from a spirit of ungratefulness.The truth is ungratefulness concentrates on the negative. It skips over the blessings of God and focuses on life's problems. Often, it repels those we love most because nobody wants to be around it.I can write about this today because my nature is to grumble and complain. I've struggled with this my whole life, yet God has been gracious in helping me recognize negative thought patterns and turn them into patterns of praise.If you feel bound by a spirit of ungratefulness, here are five biblical ways to break free.
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/Doucefleur

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