The beauty of a relationship with Christ is we don't need to "see" - for we can have confidence in a God who loved us so much to send His Son to die and rise from the grave for us. Faith is not in what we can see - nor in what we can understand…

This past weekend, we had the opportunity to attend the Snowboarders and Skiers for Christ conference at Mt. Hood. Getting to experience the grandeur of the mountain and surrounding area was certainly a highlight! Massive snow covered trees, rays of sun filtering through

Life presents us with comforts and challenges, often leading us into complacency. I recall a time, not long ago, when I eagerly embraced new challenges and stepped out in faith. Now, I find myself tethered to my comfort zone, cocooned in familiar routines. It’s in these moments of stagnation that we must evaluate our growth trajectory.

There is a famous parable Jesus tells in Matthew 20:1-16 about the owner of a vineyard, who hires workers early in the morning, again at nine, again at noon, again at three, and again at five. When the work day comes to an end, the owner pays them all the same: one denarius. The workers who worked a full day complain about the unfairness of the situation, but the owner of the vineyard answers them…

I once heard someone use this thermometer vs. thermostat analogy in a discussion about attitude and behavior, and it really resonated with me.

In our daily lives, we face situations that feel beyond our control. Some people act like thermometers, merely reflecting their environment—joyful when things are good and discouraged when they aren't. Others function like thermostats, intentionally setting the emotional tone in their lives. The difference between a thermometer and a thermostat reveals an important truth:

It's only when we completely surrender and lose ourselves that we increasingly find the resurrection life, joy, hope and peace that Jesus offers. This is not a decision that is made once, but many times over and over as we are reminded of the Gospel – and it changes our hearts.

This week, reflect on how perfectionism or feelings of inadequacy may be holding you back. Ask God to reveal the depths of His perfect love and how it can drive out those fears.

Discipline is a vital component of our relationship with God. It is about fostering habits that draw us closer to Him, guiding our hearts and actions toward a life that reflects His love and teachings.

This Christmas, let's be thankful for how much we have and how little we need to truly celebrate Jesus' gift.

Joy in Christ can permeate the darkest of days and supersede the greatest of times. I pray that we would come to deeply know and experience this joy today and in the days to come.

And yet, in the midst of a year filled with much hate, division, tragedy and death – the hope, peace, joy and love of Christ are so apparent and real to me. The name Immanuel means "God with us." Psalm 23 says: "even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are WITH me." This is why God sent His son Jesus to earth – so that even in our darkest days, we would truly know and experience the hope, peace, joy and love of Immanuel, God with us.

No matter who runs our country or our workplace – or despite the various ways we might feel “tied down” in life – the freedom mentioned in Psalm 119:32 is a freedom of the heart. It can persist despite any circumstance – poverty, loss, unpopularity, loneliness, betrayal. In fact, it thrives in such circumstances. This is why we choose not to walk, but to run toward Christ daily on this wild adventure of life.

Like Martha, we often get caught up in what we’re trying to do for the Lord that we sometimes forget to just stop and spend time with Him. Jesus pointed Martha to care for her soul, which was the better portion to her many tasks of service. Matthew Henry comments that “Worldly business is a snare to us when it hinders us from serving God and getting good to our souls.”

Ask yourself: what am I striving for right now? How have I spent my time and money this year? If I died today and gave an account to God, would He say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” – or would He say, “I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.”

Yesterday was a great reminder to me that truly ceasing is part of our design. God did it after creation, and Jesus did it regularly during his ministry. I encourage you to make an effort to “sabat” this week. Rest in the finished work of Christ. I think you will find it refreshing to your mind, body and soul.

To God, age truly is just a number and human construct. His plan for you and your life prevails, despite your age. No matter what limits you see for yourself on this planet, God has the power to overcome them all.

If you’ve been putting off what you know you ought to be doing, make today the day you “plant the tree.” Obey God and plant in faith, according to His wisdom and counsel. The outcome ultimately belongs to Him.

Eternal life begins with knowing Christ and is uninterrupted even in physical death. Therefore, as Christians, we understand that to die is to live more fully, more triumphantly, and more blessedly.

But Jesus is the only way to God, the only way to heaven, and the only way to live eternally in the richness and blessing of God. Apart from Him, we would remain on the path that leads to destruction and spend eternity in hell for our sin against a holy, just, and righteous God.

The truth that I often need to be reminded of is that there are rules worth aligning myself with – God’s rule. It's only with His rule and reign in my life that I can grow and mature. This is true freedom: growing into what God has intended you to be for His glory and our good!