This famous verse is important because it tells us about the unconditional love that God has for his creation, it teaches us about the sacrifice God made for us, and it helps us understand the eternal implications of being a follower of Jesus.

When the troubles and storms of life roll in causing people to feel overwhelmed, fear of unchartered territory and worry sets in. It begins to feel as though all hope is lost. Yet it is in those dark moments when Christians have a unique opportunity to represent the love and light of Jesus. We are called to let our light shine in the world. We are instructed to be a light in a world that is imperfect, filled with pain and tragedy, and one in which the spiritual battle between good and evil rages on. Light is important because it guides, comforts, and overpowers darkness.

“[Jesus said,] ‘You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven’” (Matthew 5:14-16).

Let’s take a look at seven ways we are able to shine a light in difficult times:

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Matthew 21:9-11 recounts Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, as the crowds shout "'Hosanna to the Son of David!’ ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ‘Hosanna in the highest heaven!'" But only a few chapters later, they were calling for his death on the cross. How do we reconcile these two events, and what exactly does "Hosanna" mean?

They top our trees, adorn our yards, and may even stand proudly in your local department store. But the Bible has a lot to say about angels, and not just in the Christmas story. Who are these angelic beings, what do they do, and why are they so closely connected to the story of Christ's birth? 

The biblical account of Jesus’ birth was miraculous and intense, indeed, but when we take a closer look at the Gospels, we find that it was the faithfulness of Mary and Joseph that played a key role in these spectacular events coming to pass. Their faithfulness was a channel through which God accomplished something bigger than the both of them.

This season is truly sacred as we set aside time to remember and prepare our hearts for the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Whether your home is adorned with decorations and you’ve got Christmas carols playing all day long, or you’re still struggling to get into the spirit of the holiday, God’s Word can help us focus on Jesus and remind us what this season is all about.

Here are 20 verses that will help you open your heart to Christmas.

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In the book of Malachi, we find the passage that mentions a refiner’s fire. “But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap” (Malachi 3:2). But what does this mean for us, and how God will work in our lives?

It seems these days that we skip right over the season of thankfulness, into a time of chaotic buying and shopping. How is a Christian to respond to this season seemingly focused on greed? By preparing our hearts and minds to reflect Christ, it is possible to still enjoy some Black Friday shopping while keeping a heart of thankfulness. 

The reality is that some days, months, and even years are tough. This year has been challenging, disappointing, and exhausting beyond what anyone could have imagined. In additional to the normal highs and lows of life, we’ve endured the impact of living during a pandemic. We’ve all experienced setbacks, losses, and sudden changes.

 What this year has given us, though, is the opportunity to recognize and trust that God remains faithful and will be with us every step of the way. Since God is unchanging and always good, surely, there are ways that we as believers can give thanks this season. Our gratitude this time of year ushers in hope, renews our faith, and can make a needed positive impact in the lives of others. Here are ten ways we as Christians can give thanks this season.

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Philemon is one of the shortest books found in the Bible. Though it is made up of only 25 verses, it contains many principles that remain applicable for believers today. In this brief letter, the apostle Paul was making an urgent appeal to Philemon to welcome back Onesimus, who was likely a runaway slave, with love, forgiveness, and as a newly converted brother in Christ.

The canonization of the book of Philemon attests to the early church’s recognition of its God-breathed wisdom, truth, guidance, and relevance. Paul wrote a personal request to Philemon, however, this letter touches on a variety of areas such as slavery, Christian love, and forgiveness. Although it is such a brief book, it truly has no less impact and influence than any other Scripture. Below are ten lessons from Philemon we can apply to our lives.

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2 Corinthians 3:17 reminds us “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” What seems impossible to us is always possible with God. If freedom seems unattainable, then surely, with God it is not only possible, but accessible!

Autumn is a favorite time of year for many. It is marked by the vibrant colors of turning leaves, the abundance of apples, pumpkins, and flowers, and it prepares us for the long winter season to come. We find in God’s word stunning imagery and metaphors about this time of year, which give us much to reflect on and learn from. Here are some of these verses that allude to autumn that have inspired eight prayers for us to say this season.

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Just as there are seasons that pass in nature, there are also seasons in our own lives. We experience seasons of joy and sadness, victory and defeat. When Scripture declares that for everything there is a season, this means that the various circumstances we go through in life are not by incident, but orchestrated or allowed by God with great purpose and intentionality.

Prayer and Bible reading are not separate activities. The Bible is full of real, powerful prayers from faith warriors, and we can borrow their words in our own prayers. Let's take a look at what this means, how it can positively impact your own prayer time, and what it looks like to get started praying the scriptures.