Can you imagine Jesus asking you for a drink from the well? It is likely that the Samaritan woman at the well was confused Jesus asked “Will you give me a drink?” After all, she was a Samaritan woman and He is a Jew. It is a known fact that the Jews and Samaritans … Read more
Dear Friends, Many of us have cherished Christmas memories and stories. But while reminiscing feels good in the moment, our family’s present circumstances can threaten to overshadow the true reason for the season. Because perhaps more than any other holiday, Christmas is loaded with emotions and expectations. Christian families with gay and transgender loved ones … Read more
Thanksgiving is a national holiday that speaks of grateful hearts for the year’s blessings, and especially for the harvest. This is a holiday that has not only cultural traditions, but also religious roots. Many homes have culture-based decorations such as corn stalks and pumpkins to symbolize the holiday. But many also precede the meal, with … Read more
By Denise Shick You turn things upside down, as if the potter were thought to be like the clay! Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, “You did not make me”? Can the pot say to the potter, “You know nothing”? Isaiah 29:16 (NIV) Can you imagine how shocked a potter … Read more
By Denise Shick For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. James 3:16 God desires us to see ourselves as he sees us a male or female He wove together. He made each of us with special gifts, skills, and interests to be used for His glory. When we … Read more
by: Denise Shick “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring are a reward from him.” – Psalm 127:3 School districts across the United States are enacting policies that undermine the authority of parents to determine what is best for their children. In a Michigan middle school, teachers were advised not to notify parents of their child’s transgender … Read more
By Denise Shick “I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strengththrough His Spirit.” Ephesians 3:16 (NLT) “You know this has been weighing heavily on my heart for quite some time.” The urgent tone ofthe email pierced my heart. The 22-year veteran middle school teacher—I’ll call himTom—wanted prayer support. “I … Read more
Jesus said, “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” John 10:10 (NLT) According to a recent Gallup poll, the percentage of US adults who self-identify as “something other than heterosexual has increased to a new high of 7.1%—double the percentage from 2012, when … Read more
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” — Matthew 7:12 NIV THE GOLDEN RULE “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” is a life principle taken from Jesus’ teachings. Most people modernize the statement by saying, … Read more
“You created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. … My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. … Your eyes saw my unformed body.” — Psalm 139:13, 139:15-16 NIV Transgender athlete Lia Thomas gained global attention in December 2021 by shattering collegiate women’s swimming team records. … Read more