You may not be familiar with the acronym - ADL. Workers in care homes or rehab units, or those who do assessments on how well a person is able to function each day, know the term well. Missing from most lists is God. See how you score on the ADL list.

Friends may not feel comfortable sharing their stories or escapades when you walk into the room. They may feel restricted in expressing themselves when you are around. You may feel like you have entered an unwelcome space. But if your Christian testimony is what it should be, they will be glad to turn to you in a crisis.

Some Christians can view current trials and troubles from a different perspective. What do they perceive at a deeper level that gives them the buoyancy they have? How can they peer through the dark clouds to see the invisible? What is their secret?

The motif of shepherds and sheep is prevalent throughout the Bible. What constitutes good shepherding and Biblical shepherding in the context of a local church? When sheep go missing, is there a good shepherd who doesn't give up on them?

Living for Christ means your lifestyle will be different from most that you interact with on a daily basis. You will experience being an "outsider" at times. What encouragement can you get from the Scriptures?

There are many beautifully decorated Christmas trees. Many ornaments are heirlooms of great value. But there is one tree that defines history, and upon it hung One of infinite value.

The virgin birth of Christ and the Christmas story stands alone among all belief systems for its beautiful uniqueness. Consider the details of His identity, His birth and the reason He was born to die.

Christmas is a time to reflect on the deeper meaning. Most know it is about the birth of Christ, but it's a time to personally reflect on the relevance of Christ to our lives today.

Burdens gone forever. Easy-peasy. Just a stroll in the park. Has that been your experience since the day you were saved? Not mine — and probably not yours either — nor is it the pattern of Scripture.

Orientation simply means the way you lean—the direction you face, and the tendency of your heart. Which way does the current inside you flow—toward the world, or toward the Cross and everything it represents and requires?