Special Features 2008 Archives

Having a Merry Christmas?

So is it really merry and bright?

Tony Thompson helps us put Christmas in perspective: God loves us!

Room at the Manger

Have you seen His star?

Patrick Odum reflects on a Matthews who is a scientist who determined the star when Jesus was born and reminds us that it is not the star, but the one to whom it pointed, that is important.

Baby. God.

A different, staccato take on the whole event!

Danny Sims gives us a staccato version of the birth of Jesus and the following narratives about His first trip to the Temple.

It's Almost Time ...

Are you ready for the big day to arrive?

Tom Norvell describes what it is like to be ready for Christmas on Christmas eve and wonders what it was like for God on the eve of His Son's birth into the world.

Be Not Afraid

How can we not be afraid in times like this?

Russ Lawson reminds us that even during these troubling times that God is at work to take care of us.

A Step

Remember, it is a beginning!

Tom Norvell reminds us that a step in the right direction is a good beginning.

How Less Becomes More

How in the world does having less mean having more?

Rubel Shelly reminds us that even in a season when folks have less than they are used to having, if they look they will actually find that they have more.

Brother, Can You Spare a Light

Don't curse the darkness, but light a candle!

Bill Sherrill reminds us that it is much easier to be critical than to do something, but the good that is done is really done by people willing to try.

Out of the Box Christmas

How do you make Christmas more what it's really for?

Phil Ware shares several ways to get out of the church box and gift boxes and make Christmas count.

The Lord Is Gracious

How loving and rich and gracious is our God?

Tom Norvell uses Psalm 145 to remind us how loving, compassionate, and gracious the LORD is to us, rich toward us in compassion, love, and grace in every day of life.

Communifaking

Are you telling it straight with God, or bending the truth a little?

Bill Denton introduces us to a new word, communifaking, and also challenges us to communicate truthfully.

The Lord Is Faithful

Can you depend upon anyone any more?

Tom Norvell reflects on Psalm 145:13-16 and reminds us that in the middle of broken marriages, broken political promises, and broken hopes, God is faithful to his promises.

A Matter of Perspective

What is your point of view?

Bill Sherrill reflects on family reunions, perspective, being together, and church.

Here I Am, Please Send Someone Else

How do we face down our own inadequacies for the challenges we face?

Mike Barres reminds us that inadequacy is an opportunity for God's power to be displayed and God to be glorified.

The Lord Is Great!

Have you told other generations this glorious truth?

Tom Norvell reflects on the greatness of God inspired by Psalm 145.

The Least I Can Do?

How do we move beyond election partisanship to moral change?

Rob Woodfin challenges us to do more than vote and then wash our hands of the matters that afflict our time and culture.

A Prayer for My Words

What's going to come out of our mouths next?

Tom Norvell reminds us to guard our words by praying for speech coming out of Psalm 143

If the Lord Kept Records

Aren't you glad God forgives?

Tom Norvell reminds us that forgiveness means the Lord erases our records of sins.

Our Eyes Look to the Lord

Where can you go in times like this?

Tom Norvell shares insights into Psalm 123, especially reminding us to look to God before we get angry, try to get even, go on the attack, or give up in despair, for mercy comes from God!

Things Jesus Might Say!

When the Dow swings nearly 1,000 points in a day, what would Jesus say?

Danny Sims shares some insight for us on our two week wild run on Wall Street and the up and downs of the market.

A Little Spunk Needed?

Isn't this what we need instead of hand-wringing?

Rob Frazier sees a girl overcoming a handicap and it reminds him how we need to address our financially troubling times.

My Help Comes from the Lord

Our help comes when we act on God's promises!

Tom Norvell challenges us to move beyond mere intellectual belief of Psalm 121 to putting it into practice everyday.

Don't Lose Focus

What distracts you most easily?

Mike Barres reminds us to not be distracted with the things going on around us but fix our eyes on Jesus.

So Who Are You Afraid Of?

How do you deal with the fear>

Tom Norvell describes fear and fear of the Lord using Psalm 112.

More Than Everything

How do you solve the unsolvable and not remain anxious?

Rob Woodfin ponders the imponderable and seeks answers to our greatest question, how do I not let anxiety control me, and reminds us of God's grace.