The bible teaches us that when Jesus was crucified there was an earthquake and the veil in the temple was torn in two, signifying granted access to the Holy presence of God. Yet, many continue to anxiously wander on the wrong side of the veil instead of entering the rest that is only found in God's presence. So, what's keeping us on the wrong side of the veil?

Jesus said, "Blessed are the poor in spirit." A.W. Tozer suggest that the "poor in spirit" are the ones who "have repudiated every external thing and have rooted from their hearts all sense of possessing." Today we join Abraham on His journey of this uprooting process that God preformed within his heart, and we consider what blessings God has in store for those of us who are willing to embrace the same process!

Moses walked with God in a way that was unique to Him. No one else during His time had such a level of intimacy with God. But rather than be satisfied, Moses was determined to Pursue even more of God's presence. What if the greatest obstacle to a closer relationship with God is your satisfaction? God rewarded Moses for his ongoing pursuit, and it remains His desire that we do the same.

Jesus said that his Church is the "Light of the World!" That is a powerful statement. That means that if the light of Christ has been revealed to us, God wants it to also be revealed through us!

One of the things we love about Christmas is the community we share with loved one's as we gather around a lighted tree. However, it's the hurt from certain relationships that can cause us to continue wandering in darkness.

AROUND THIS TIME OF YEAR, WE LIKE TO FOCUS ON NOSTALGEA, BUT SOMETIMES IT’S THE DARKEST EVENTS THAT HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO WHO WE ARE TODAY. IT’S EASIER TO RECOGNIZE THE GOOD THAT CAME OUT OF THOSE TIMES ONCE YOU’VE SEEN HOW THEY PLAY OUT, BUT ITS INCREDIBLY DIFFICULT TO MAKE SENSE OF IT WHEN YOU ARE IN THE MIDDLE OF IT. WHAT DARK CIRCUMSTANCES ARE YOU FACING TODAY THAT GOD WANTS TO USE FOR GOOD? PERHAPS THE FIRES YOU HAVE ENCOUNTERED ARE ACTUALLY GUIDING LIGHTS!

2,000 years ago, the Light of the World stepped into the darkness. He continues to Shine his light today, but many are resistant to the light because the pain they have experienced in the dark. This Christmas, believe that He can shine His light even in the darkest parts of your life.

We've all done some stupid things because we accepted a dare, but when God issues the dare, its guaranteed to turn out for the best. The only time we see God issue a dare, it's in the context of giving. He dares us to give because he wants to reveal His character and pour out His blessing. What does God want to do in response to your "daring generosity?" Come on! I Dare You to Give!

Nothing wakes us up and causes us to move with purpose and urgency like a realization that time is short! In 1 Peter 4:7 it says, "The end of the world is coming soon!" So how should we live, knowing that time is short? Serve like it's the end of the world!