God's Successful Marriage

 There are some days on the calendar that should not be rushed through, and Memorial Day is one of them. For many people, it has become the unofficial beginning of summer. It is a long weekend, a day off work, a time for cookouts, travel, family, and rest. There is nothing wrong with enjoying those things. In fact, the ability to gather freely, rest peacefully, and enjoy time with the people we love is part of the blessing we have been given. But there is something deeply wrong if we enjoy the freedom and forget what that freedom cost. Memorial Day is not simply about patriotism. It is not just about flags, uniforms, ceremonies, or familiar words spoken once a year. It is a day set aside to remember those who gave their lives in service to this nation. This is not the day when we merely thank everyone who has served. That gratitude has its place, and it matters. But Memorial Day stands in a different place. This is the day we remember those who wore the uniform and did not come...

  “ And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony…” — Revelation 12:1 There is something we do — often without realizing it. We hear one testimony, and it grips the room: "I was delivered from a lifetime of drugs, alcohol, abuse, and a life that was clearly broken."  We respond with energy: “Look what the Lord has done.” “God is powerful.” “Only God could bring someone out of that.” And we should respond that way because that is the mighty power of God on display. But then we hear another testimony: “I grew up in church… I gave my life to Christ when I was young… and I’ve walked with Him since.” And our response is often....quieter: “Praise the Lord.” ......and we move on. We may not say it out loud, but over time, we begin to treat one testimony like a miracle… and the other like an expectation. And that is where we have to be careful because somewhere along the way, we unintentionally send a message: That one salvation story is POWERFUL...

A Heart of Thanksgiving: Seeing God’s Blessings in Every Season Thanksgiving isn’t just a holiday on the calendar—it's a posture of the heart. As believers, we’re called to live with gratitude woven into the fabric of our everyday lives. Paul reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18, “Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” That small phrase — “in everything” — is deeper than we sometimes want it to be. It challenges us to look for God’s goodness not only in the blessings we love, but also in the seasons that stretch us. Thankful for God and His Promises Before anything else, Thanksgiving calls us to return our attention to God Himself. He is steady when life is not. He is faithful when we are weak. His promises don’t shift with the seasons or the struggles we face. God promises to never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). He promises that His mercies are new every morning (Lamentati...