Eight stories found in Genesis are mentioned by name in Hebrews 11—the great “by faith” chapter. Each one starts with the same phrase “by faith…” followed by a life-altering moment of surrender, obedience, or courageous trust. If it’s been a while since you read their stories, I encourage you to read the full story in Genesis. Their stories are imperfect. They struggled. They doubted. They wrestled with fear, and waiting, and trusting God when it didn’t make sense.

Inside every acorn is the full potential for a majestic oak tree. It also contains everything needed for the initial stages of growth. By God’s design, just like the tiny acorn, God has placed in you everything needed to grow into all He created you to be.

The message of the Gospel is spoken by the angels to the shepherds right after their announcement that the Savior had been born, Christ the Lord (Luke 2:10–12). It wasn’t just exciting news; it announced the shattering of what had been as they broadcast the best news ever spoken...

Worship beings deep in the heart. It requires humility. It costs something. This Christmas, may we kneel in worship like those who first beheld the Savior. As we contemplate our gift to the King of kings, let us bring our treasures-time, love, generosity, and surrender-at His feet.

Travel, preparations, appointments, and responsibilities had become “too tight.” There wasn’t enough breathing room in my days. I was trying to return to a peaceful rhythm but not acknowledging the real issue. My soul was aching from being constricted, just like my feet were.

The counter and room are too dark apparently for me to notice some of those crumbs, even during the day. Or perhaps I’m in too much of a hurry to really pay attention to those tiny white specks that can disappear in the lighter granite details swirled in the black. But they’re there like sins in my life that I don't see - or choose not to see...

God breathed life into the four little chapters of Malachi as I slowed down and spent 10 days soaking in the message He had for me. I’d like to share it with you. It was worth all the days of digging to receive the treasure God had tucked in His Word for me. The shift in my heart brought a bubbling joy, like fresh water rising from a natural spring.

He who created all things and establishes all authority. My eyes welled with tears as my heart deeply connected with God in that moment, and I tried to grasp the wonder of His Kingship. God—the ultimate Sovereign. He is enthroned in majesty and glory, born a humble human who ultimately wore a crown of thorns. He is also our Shepherd-King. These truths change our outlook...

Growing spiritually can look similar to physical growth. The pace of growth is unique to each individual. Stages are often repeated in one or in multiple areas of our heart on our journey to spiritual maturity.