We're living in an in between time. We're living in a moment that will re-define the future in a way that marks it as clearly different from our past. Whether our in between time experience is one of satisfying challenge or torturous trial depends on what we choose to carry forward with us and what we're willing to leave behind.

What are we called to do with what we have? How we treat the poor is a litmus test for us. It gives God an indication of where our heart stands.

The life that God has in store for us isn't just one endless succession of high points and victories. Most of life is spent in the in-between times. But guess what? That's okay. The in-between places are where we'll most often find God.

We focus so much attention at church on what to do with the first ten percent of ourselves and our resources. What about the other ninety percent? Can we afford to devote our whole selves to the message of Christ? Jesus says we can't afford not to.

You can't have a healthy relationship with God if you have an unhealthy relationship with money.

In our relationships with God, God always has the first word. It cannot be otherwise. Everything we do is in response to God. That includes our giving.

Christmas is here. The presents have been unwrapped. Christ has been born. We are witnesses to a miracle that is even now changing the world. How will you tell the story?

An invitation to loiter, linger and marvel at Bethlehem's manger from our pastor, Matt Sapp

At Christmas, the wise men remind us that the best response to God's love is to match God's extravagance with our own.

What do we do with doubt at Christmas? Look to Bethlehem. The proof of how God feels about us doesn't lie in our present circumstances; it lies in the manger.