-
Standing Strong During the Holidays: Overcoming Temptation Through Christ
The holidays are often called the most wonderful time of the year, but for many of us, they can also be the most challenging. Between the constant flow of alcohol at parties, the abundance of indulgent food, and the weight of emotions like loneliness, grief, or even depression, this season can feel like walking through…
-
December 3 ADVENT
Day 3: Awakening Goodness and Hope Title: Memories of Goodness, Doors of Hope Opening Quote:“It is the beautiful task of Advent to awaken in all of us memories of goodness and thus to open doors of hope.” – Pope Benedict XVI Hello, dear friend!Doesn’t this quote make your heart smile? Advent is like opening a…
-
December 2 ADVENT
Day 2: Recognizing God in the Present Title: Seeing God in the Here and Now Opening Quote:“The Lord is coming, always coming. When you have ears to hear and eyes to see, you will recognize him at any moment of your life. Life is Advent; life is recognizing the coming of the Lord.” – Henri…
-
December 1 ADVENT
Title: Expectation and Hope: The Heart of Advent Opening Quote:“The word advent means ‘expectation.’ What advent can do for us is create a sense of hope.” – Louie Giglio Hello, friends!Welcome to Advent, a time of anticipation, reflection, and—most of all—hope. Think of the word “Advent.” It means “expectation,” and what better way to describe…
-
What’s It Like on the Other Side of Me
Have you ever noticed how minor irritations can snowball into significant conflicts? The doorbell rings unexpectedly, interrupting your focus. Instead of greeting the visitor with warmth, irritation bubbles up as if your personal space has been invaded. Or perhaps it’s your tone of voice—sarcastic, sharp, and easily misunderstood—that sparks unintended tension.It’s a subtle shift, but…
-
Jael: Ordinary Skills, Extraordinary Victory
Have you ever scrolled through social media, watching someone else’s highlight reel, and thought, I wish I could be that talented, that bold, that impactful for God? It’s easy to feel like we’re not enough, like the skills we have are too ordinary for God to use in any meaningful way. But the story of…
-
Greed vs. Generosity: Trusting in God’s Goodness Over the Need for More
As the holiday season approaches, it’s easy to get caught up in the desire for more. More gifts, more deals, more everything. And while there’s nothing wrong with enjoying life’s blessings, the pursuit of more can sometimes slip into something harmful: greed. Greed isn’t just about money—it’s about an insatiable craving for what we don’t…
-
Give Thanks Today and Every Day-Blessed Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving Day. It’s the one day of the year when we intentionally pause to focus on gratitude. But if we’re honest, how often do we get distracted by what isn’t perfect? The turkey might be a little dry, the table might not be Pinterest-worthy, or the conversations around it might veer into uncomfortable territory. It’s…
-
The Misunderstood Jesus and the Challenge of Reconciliation
It’s easy to see why conversations about faith and politics grow heated around the holidays. Headlines from major outlets (such as USA Today) suggest avoiding gatherings, as though staying apart could heal the deep divisions in our culture. Some even point fingers, labeling those with differing political views as intolerant, hypocritical, or worse. Yet, behind…
-
Let God Refine You: Lessons from Ruth’s Story
Have you ever felt like you’re just gleaning in the field—working hard, feeling unseen, and wondering if your efforts are even making a difference? Or maybe you feel like you’re in the middle of a chaffing floor season—a time of shaking, uncertainty, and waiting for clarity. Ruth’s story reminds us that even in the fields…
-
Playing God: When Fiction Mirrors Reality
In the mid-2010s, Revenge, a gripping drama about betrayal, secrets, and power, captured audiences with its intense storytelling and chilling revelations. Among the standout moments of the show was Conrad Grayson’s sinister admission: “There is no Initiative, my dear, there never was, not really. Just a consortium of savvy businesspersons who perfected the art of…
-
Jesus is Not an Aesthetic: The Call to Stand Firm in Faith
There’s a growing trend in social media where Jesus is treated more like an aesthetic than the living Savior of the world. Cutesy verses written in pastel fonts, paired with “positive vibes” captions, can make it feel like faith is just another trend. But Jesus is not a brand to market or a mood to…
THE OUBAITORI EDIT 