Americans plan to spend more money on travel this year than in the past five years combined. If you intend to splurge, too, Bible readings and prayer might be the last thing on your mind. You’ll be on vacation, after all.  Yet, just because you’re taking a break from daily life doesn’t mean you should take a break from being with the Lord. God desires to meet with and speak to you each and every day — even when you’re... Read more

Ultimately, the choice to follow Jesus is a personal one. Even if you’re doing everything right, many young people who come to your ministry may decide to walk away from a relationship with God.  However, there are several steps you can take to create a culture that nourishes strong faith in those attending. Over time, this culture will attract and strengthen young Christians who are serious about their faith. Here are three smart ways to improve your youth ministry program. ... Read more

Apart from your relationship with God, close friendships with other believers are the most valuable thing in your life. Intimate friends increase wellbeing, help you manage stress, and remind you of what is true when you’re too tired or discouraged to remember it.  A Bible study is a wonderful place to find people to develop quality friendships with. However, it can take a long time to develop closeness with your group. Here are seven ways you can become more involved... Read more

Most Bible study groups could benefit from a group outing. Whether it be volunteering with a nonprofit organization or participating in service opportunities at church, spending time together can help you form deeper relationships in Christ.  Encourage one another and learn a bit more about your spiritual brothers and sisters by taking a field trip. You’re sure to have fun and learn something new, regardless of which destination you choose or how old your group members are.  1. The Creation... Read more

Since God gave Moses the ten commandments, people have been studying Scripture in many different places. For instance, the Israelites read God’s words in tents, and the Ethiopian in Acts 8 read the book of Isaiah while traveling by chariot.  Studying Scripture everywhere is Biblical. In Deuteronomy 6:6-7, Moses spoke God’s words and said,  “these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when... Read more

Helping others through community service can change lives and improve the place where you live. However, the act of serving others will also change you – there is nothing more satisfying than pouring out the love God has for you on other people.  There are many different ways you can engage with your community, and the start of a new year is the perfect time to commit to finding a place to plug in. Here are five godly ways you... Read more

Are you looking for ways to brighten your sermons and stir some emotion in your audience? Public speaking is a formidable task, but you can use a few techniques to liven up your speech and present your message in a more appealing way.  Next time you’re preparing to speak in front of your congregation, apply the following tips to make a lasting impression. 1. Speak to One Person A big mistake many worship leaders make is speaking to the entire... Read more

In 1 Corinthians, Paul warns the church that “bad company corrupts good character,” but sometimes it’s hard to find good friends. Even Christians who are part of a church congregation can struggle to meet like-minded individuals in their area.  Luckily, there are plenty of ways to connect with other believers in your area. That way you can encourage one another in Christ and spread His love throughout the community. Here are just a few ideas to help you find and... Read more

Christmas is the perfect time to gather as a family and celebrate Christ’s birth, and many households have annual traditions centered around this story of hope. However, the best holiday celebration is often the long-awaited feast on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.  Whether you make just enough to serve your family or work alongside others to feed an entire crowd, most holiday spreads are both eye-popping and delicious. This year, up the ante and make the Christmas feast even more... Read more

In Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus said that the greatest commandment is to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” He added that the second greatest is to “love your neighbor as yourself,” and that the whole law could be summed up in these two commands.  As the new year approaches, you may be thinking about how you’d like your life to change. Here are four ways you can resolve... Read more