Do you have a picture of how life should be? As the first-born male born to a set of parents who both came from very dysfunctional homes, my thoughts about what makes a good family were somewhat distorted. As I matured into adulthood, I thought about what a “good life” should look like: a good marriage, a good family, a good home, a good job, and some nice toys. In contrast to my upbringing, I believed that this is what I had to do to make my life good… or perfect is more like it.

What is character anyway? Character is the moral, ethical, and spiritual under-girding that rests on truth and reinforces a life, and that also resists the temptation to compromise. It is doing the right thing on purpose. And it is doing the right thing regardless of the consequences.

With all our security systems, yearly physicals, savings accounts, and pension plans, the only real peace we can find comes from knowing that we will never face life alone. Security is important, but can really only be found in the presence of God. The psalmist, David, understood this.

When we face trials and tragedies, it’s helpful to see our lives as being subject to two forces — surface winds and ocean currents. The winds represent everything changeable, unpredictable, and distressing. But operating simultaneously with these gusts and gales is another force that’s even more powerful. It is the sure movement of God’s wise and sovereign purposes, the deep flow of His unchanging love.

Recently, I met a young man whose life typifies one of the greatest militaries and spiritual leaders of the Old Testament, Joshua the son of Nun: Guyvenson Montes.

For many people, another Christmas season is merely a re-run of the trivial and the sentimental. But for the devoted Christian, Christmas is much more than a once a year celebration.

During the early days of parenting, when I really struggled with priority setting and balance, I often referred to the following story that reminded me of the precedence God places on my life and family. The following story changed my life and dramatically impacted the time I devoted to being a father.

Often people who do not have a dynamic relationship with Jesus are more open to hear about His story and your witness. Please pray in advance for every gathering over the holiday season that hearts would be open and that you would have an opportunity to share how Christ has changed your life.

When others evacuated the top of the ridge, Doss stayed to save lives. Despite being ordered off the ridge, he barked back at his commanders, “No, I’m staying. There is just one more life I can save.” His prayer throughout the long evening as he was surrounded by the enemy was, “Lord, please help me get just one more.”

In Ezra 3 we read about the rebuilding of the altar so that the exiled Israelites could again freely worship their God. Once the altar and boundary walls were completed, the rebuilding of the Temple itself began. There was much rejoicing and thanksgiving as they saw their land restored.

Words like this came up in the discussion: apprentice, follower, servant, mentor, devoted believer, a special kind of learner, leader-in-training. While all these words are pieces of the definition in defining our relationship as authentic disciples of Christ, there needs to be further explanation of the context of our relationship to Jesus and one-another.

Fear is something that can extinguish the joy in life. It can make the healthiest person sick to their stomach. It can paralyze your ability to think clearly. Those who regularly experience fear know too well its byproducts — discouragement and doubt.

Does the Spirit of Christ shine through your life? I often reflect upon my daily thoughts and attitudes and how they mimic the love of Christ. Scripture tells us to be “like-minded” and to be one in spirit and purpose with Jesus.