Beautifully Broken

The upcoming year brings resolutions along with hope that things will be better in the months ahead.  I think this can be beautiful.  What if we all make a resolution to live out our faith… and we actually keep it? A common reason people are turned off to Christianity is not always because the facts or science behind it: it's US. Sadly, this is all too true.  People give up on the idea of a perfect, loving God because, well, we don't do a very good job representing Him.  We think it's okay to tell that little white lie, to have that one extra drink, to be unfaithful to our spouse just once, and a countless number of other things.  The worst part about it?  We try and act like we are glorifying God the whole time.  Not only will this dramatically hurt the people we are close to, but what about the people watching? I feel like we are all under the impression that no one notices us.  For example, I Facebook/insta stalk people all the ti...

As Christmas approaches, we are often reminded to keep the true meaning of the season as we celebrate Christmas.  I want to challenge us to take that a step further: let's reconsider the meaning behind each action we take, and each request we long for in prayer. Prayer is one of the most important parts of our walk with Christ.  It's what differs our Lord from any false idol; we actually can have a connection with Him, and He hears and responds to every request!  With this being said, I'm afraid we sometimes miss the point in our prayers, as well as in our motivation in life. In 2 Kings, Hezekiah is asking God for deliverance from Assyria.  I think the way he asks is interesting: Now, Lord our God, deliver us from his hand, so that all kingdoms of the earth may know that you alone, Lord, are God. (2 Kings 19:8) Did you notice anything unexpected in that prayer?  Most of the time we pray because we want something.  Why do we want that new job?  ...