Clothing for the Holidays (by Cathe Laurie)
With this holiday devotional, remember who God calls us to be—peaceful, loving, and compassionate.
With this holiday devotional, remember who God calls us to be—peaceful, loving, and compassionate.
With this holiday devotional, remember who God calls us to be—peaceful, loving, and compassionate.
Dear friend, God may very well send someone your way who needs a person who understands. No one can help a woman who is struggling with a wayward teenager like the mother who has welcomed a prodigal home.No one can encourage a woman struggling with depression like the woman who has come out of that same darkness and into the light.No one can help a woman struggling with the pain of a shameful past like the woman who has exchanged her tattered sackcloth for a princess’s robe.That’s why your story matters.
When I consider everything this short phrase could mean for me personally, a stirring desire grows in my soul: to live as if God Himself (the Creator of the universe, the King of kings) is my purpose for living.
Internationally renowned vocalist and stage performer David Gaschen has made a name for himself far and wide over the last 25 years, most notably for his portrayal of the title character in long-running Broadway show, The Phantom of the Opera.After performing the title character more than 1,000 times in Europe,...
At first glance, it’s easy to say, “Been there, done that,” when considering whether to watch the new original Great American Pure Flix streaming series, Destination Heaven. And why not? It’s a show about people struggling with various difficulties in life, and then God shows up, meets them face to...
An Excerpt from Overflowing: A mystery is something that needs either solving or explaining, and I like all my books to follow a sweet pathway strewn with roses, music, and laughter. There is, however, one mystery that makes my heart quake for joy and my eyes shine wide with wonder…
To see the Navy’s elite Blue Angels elite Flight Demonstration Squadron in action can be one of the most thrilling and exhilarating experiences a person will ever observe. Featuring precision flying and breathtaking maneuvers, the Blue Angels consistently provide a spectacular showcase for aerial wizardry. For more than 75 years,...
What would happen if we saw our parents as people who suffered their own hurts and their own unmet needs? Our parents probably have already beaten themselves up and wished they’d been a whole lot closer to perfect.
Have you ever asked God to take care of a situation, but then found yourself holding on to it so tightly you got in His way? I sure have. I’ve prayed for various situations and then tried to fix them myself. Not a good idea. I saw a great example of that when my son was in elementary school. Read more...
By Elizabeth Prata Chris Martin used to write at his blog Millennial/Evangelical, which is now defunct. FYI, Hardcover or paperback books never go defunct, but online essays come and go like milkwe…
The struggles I begged God to remove have changed me - they’ve brought me closer to Him
Revelation 21:2 says, “I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” The consummation of the church as the counterpart of Chr…
“Ho! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend money for …
Things Women Confess Only To Their Closest Friends
Things Married Men Confide Only To Their Mistresses
Years ago, Dr. George A. Gordon, the famous Boston preacher, was taking one of his trips abroad. Upon boarding the ship and going down to his stateroom, he discovered that his roommate was a hunchback, a very ugly man, dwarfish and evil in appearance. After fretting about this for a...
"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." -- 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV)Amy Carmichael, missionary to India, faced horrible circumstances on her journey to India. Bunked in a ship’s cabin infested with cockroaches and rats, she had a choice: complain or...
This is a characteristic of leadership. Often, the leaders are the first to get hit or to foresee danger. Leaders have a responsibility to
Image generated via A.I. Accepting God’s gift of salvation is easy. “Even a caveman can do it.” (A line from a famous commercial some years ago.) What’s not so simple is giving God control of your …
There are a lot of ordinary things in the world. I guess that’s what makes ordinary ordinary. The word means commonplace or normal. Like a flower growing in a field. Or a cloud floating up in the s…
This poem captures the delicate and evolving nuances of a mother-child relationship, emphasizing connection, change, and the unspoken emotional weight of shared moments.The ending suggests a quiet …
Before Jesus Christ, the prophet Zechariah spoke of his coming. And provided the marks of a mighty nation.
Unlimited: Exiles Outside of the Gates of Eden Nov 20, 2024 1655 Your God will come to save you… Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away (Isaiah 35:10, NIV).There’s a deep, lifelong longing in us to belong, to be loved, and to be accepted just as we are. More so at some stages of our lives than others, we sense that we have been alienated from something, someplace, or someone that our heart longs for.Perhaps we feel as if we are sitting just outside the gates of Eden with no way of re-entering. Jesus, who is God’s presence amongst us, offered himself as the solution to all suffering and all unfulfilled longings.“Your God will come to save you… Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away (Isaiah 35:10).”And again, “There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain – for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:4).Who else do you know who can, or has made such promises as this?
Throughout Scripture, we see example of God providing at just the right time. He provided a ram for Abraham to sacrifice. He provided a meal for Elijah who was on the run and scared. He provided ma…
Things Married Men Do When They’re Feeling Insecure
The United Nations is a unique mission field “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal…
Oh my! Thanksgiving is next week … and then Christmas is just around the corner! As you know … I love Christmas! I take delight in celebrating this magnificent history-making event every day of the calendar year.
By Elizabeth Prata Seeing recently that David Platt, though exposed for malfeasance and deception in the documentary The Real David Platt, is still a sought-out speaker on the Conference Circuit, i…
Things Married Women Wish They’d Known Before Marriage
God turns suffering into good. Trust God, espeially during your difficult times of suffering. He will use it for good. To bring you closer to Him, and more like Jesus.
It is not uncommon for Christians to judge their spiritual status almost entirely by the presence or absence of feelings. If feelings are in decline, the tendency is to lose motivation, gain guilt, and slack off in their pursuit of God. Responding to this pronounced and prevailing tendency in our...
The art of writing an academic paper is no lost art. There are so many ways you can approach your work that it’s honestly difficult to even say that one method is right and another is wrong. That’s genuinely not the case. You need to figure out what works for...
“Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever." – Psalm 136:1 Please Pray:Father, thank you for your goodness and for never changing; no matter how much my life and emotions change, you are my rock-solid anchor in the storms of life. Help me...
“Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever." – Psalm 136:1 I've had circumstances where gratitude was the last thing on my mind. I know you can relate to this; we all have experienced situations and circumstances where life hurts, and our emotions...
The current culture has a dangerous tendency to redefine Bible words. What do our works have to do with the Christian life? Good Things that Come From Hard Questions.
If you have been given the gift of salvation, you have blessings innumerable to count.
Have you ever read the book of 1 Samuel? This is the book in the Bible that introduces us to the boy who would kill Goliath and eventually become Israel’s greatest king – David. It is a story of faith, failure, triumph and tragedy. King Saul is on a collision course with disaster and David must cling to God’s promises if he is to experience them coming to pass.
I had the great opportunity to sit down with Dr. Jordan Peterson for a podcast. We talked about the meaning of life, the afterlife, and more.
The Good News is All About Jesus. The Gospel is not about your performance, your feelings, your church attendance, your giving of money, or your healthy living.
Did your Cheater ask you how you would like the divorce papers served? If they did, don’t be surprised that they ignore your answer and do the opposite. Of course, the question isn’t designed to take your wishes into account. Cheaters are simply trying to inflict greatest amount of pain (or they simply have grown … Continue reading "Did your Cheater ask you how you would like to be served?"
Joshua Inman is the twin brother of Steven Inman, who we interviewed earlier this year. In this first of two broadcasts, Joshua shares his story, including getting involved with dressing as a girl at a young age, a father who abandoned him, and the bullying Read More
Elevate your faith-inspired writing with Crossmap Publications - your digital destination for sharing Christ-centered content.What is a Crossmap Publication?Imagine a vibrant online Christian magazine, curated by passionate believers like you. That's Crossmap Publications! It's a dedicated space on our platform where solo writers or collaborative teams can create and contribute...
Both redemption by the Lord’s death and regeneration by His resurrection are important steps in the preparation of New Jerusalem as Christ’s bride. This is why the bride is mentioned in…
In honor of a great Gospel Drama icon who just slept in the Lord, I would like to write 7 things I learned from Baba Gbenro of Abattoir film. Baba Gbenro, whose real names are Dr. Korede Are Moses, directed our first gospel film, The Prostitute movie. It is not just about the fact that […]
I know what drives your life. It’s hope. Why do we choose the careers we chose? We hope to make lots of money. Or we hope to get paid for doing something we enjoy. Why do we buy the things we…
Habits Of Wives Who Feel Secure In Their Marriage
Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High. Psalm 50:14 (ESV) The Psalmist encouraged his readers to perform or fulfill
Fears Men Have But Don’t Tell Their Wives
By Elizabeth Prata I wasn’t saved by love. The Gospel was not attractive to me. It was not made attractive to me by smiling Christians. I was saved by wrath. This is NOT my Jesus Glorious Jes…
I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. - John 15:5Please Pray:Dear Jesus, In a world where we can get caught up in every relationship except our relationship with...
I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. - John 15:5Even though you usually hear the first part of John 15:5 quoted the most, I’m really drawn to the...
Those who know me understand that I prayerfully seek guidance on what the Lord wants for you as you read these words. I don’t know whether you’ve just come ...
“I will feed those who oppress you with their own flesh, And they shall be drunk with their own blood as with sweet wine. All flesh shall know That I, the Lord, am your Savior, And your Redeemer, t…
Following God’s Word & Finding Christ’s Joy.
As the air turns crisp and the season of gratitude approaches, I am reminded of the countless gatherings I’ve had around my table, each one filled with laughter, shared stories, and the simple grac…
Do not allow the enemy to rob us of His words through those He has called, gifted, and anointed to speak them. Trust that HE will demonstrate His blessing on the words spoken and rightly distinguish between the imaginations of men and the true revelations of the spirit.
Most folks jump to the conclusion during “a season” that God is angry about something they did or failed to do. It is not unusual for Christians to expend a lot of energy trying to figure out where…
Have you ever noticed that when looking at pictures of the great men and women of God that they’re never laughing? In fact, it’s rare that they are even smiling. What do you make of this? Did they not know joy? Their biographies indicate they knew deep joy, abiding joy,...
Why do I not call on His name? Why do I run to my neighbour, when God is so near and will hear my faintest call?
“The people of Nineveh will stand up against this generation on judgment day and condemn it, for they repented of their sins at the preaching of Jonah. Now someone greater than Jonah is here–but you refuse to repent.” -Matthew 12:41, NLT Jesus spoke these words to some religious folk in his day. Does repentance seem … Continue reading "Nineveh and God’s Forgiveness"
When you go on social media, there is so much marriage bashing and tales of bad marriages. I am not saying anything is wrong with that; people have a right to talk about their experiences without being invalidated. However, there are also a lot of marriages where the couples cherish each other and their marriage. …
Kay Cude is a Texas poet. Used with permission. Right click to open larger on new tab, or read text below Prelude What is that overcasting darkness of the approaching Tribulation, but the prelude t…
"We boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” - Romans 5:2-4When my husband Jeffrey was a young adult, his mother married a wonderful man named Steve...
"We boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” - Romans 5:2-4Please Pray:Lord, as I begin this day, open my eyes to see Your presence in every...
The best way to get rid of the darkness is to let in the light.
If you have been a Christian for any amount of time, you have no doubt heard it said that Jesus could come back at any time and no one knows the day or the hour when He will return. This is true in some respects, but not in others. What...
By Elizabeth Prata I was recently made aware of a youth conference happening this coming January called the CrossCon. Speakers at this conference aimed at 18-25 year olds include David Platt and Ke…
We often find low self-esteem in men unforgivable, especially in relationship contexts, and I get it. But it is not always as ominous as we make it seem; I am speaking in terms of the man in question. He might not be a bad man in the sense of it, but he has just been …
Every good leader is a follower, except when the leader is God. God does not have to follow anyone, because He is the supreme leader who cannot fail. He is perfect, holy, good and all-knowing. Even…
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” -- James 1:17 (NIV) Please Pray:Father God, thank You for being the giver of good and perfect gifts. Thank You for being full of light. Because...
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” -- James 1:17 (NIV) Peter Pan is a household name. His character originated in 1902 in the writings of J. M. Barrie, and has since been...
Holla everyone, we would be celebrating two years as a community on the 25th of this month.It’s thrilling to know how much God has carried us in the past year. It’s a rare privilege to …
Image via A.I. “Where do you want to eat lunch?” asked Charlie. “I don’t care,” said his wife. They wound up at a taco place all the way across town from where they live. While in the middle of the…
Does God ever get your attention in ways that you simply can't miss? Do you ever read something or ponder an idea, only to have it show up in your reading, conversations, or social media feed? This...
Much of what we have understood about ministry and our commission is about to radically change. And it’s not about being raptured out, but rather being upgraded to an entirely new wineskin. And to enter into this new era, we need to leave behind outdated mindsets, doctrines, and beliefs that will no longer be relevant in the days ahead.
Emotional Detachment Whether your wife is expressive or not, one common sign of a scorned wife is emotional detachment. The expression might differ depending on personality, but the principle is the same. When a wife feels scorned, she no longer feels the connection she once had and starts to build emotional walls to protect herself. Yes, she is there physically, but emotionally, she’s checked out. You’ll notice she’s no longer interested in sharing her thoughts, feelings, or dreams with you. Whereas her husband used to be her best friend, she sees him as her opps now and will not share anything with him again. She will keep things to herself because she’s shielding herself from further hurt. Emotional detachment is often a survival mechanism, a way to cope when trust or love feels damaged. It’s the way hurt people protect their hearts. So, you are likely to find your wife making snide remarks or bringing up past issues in a way that’s laced with bitterness. Resentment usually builds over time due to unresolved grievances or unmet expectations. Therefore, it’s not usually easy to let go of resentment since it wasn’t built in a day. It is a compound of bitterness that will likely show up in daily interactions, no matter how much she tries to hide it. For those who try to, you find that she becomes more passive-aggressive: that situation whereby you are not directly confronting something, but you are still showing resentment through other ways, including sarcastic and insulting statements. Others with more expressive personalities will show noticeable signs of frustration and anger. Avoidance Of Physical Intimacy For many women, sex is more than just a physical activity; they need to be emotionally connected to their lover as well. So, when they feel hurt or wronged, they will lose the desire for the bedroom activity because their emotions are involved. Since I don’t know the stats, I wouldn’t say this happens for every woman, so it might not apply to your wife. But for many, especially in a marriage, a scorned wife’s desire for physical intimacy often dwindles. It even starts with physical affection; you will find that she doesn’t reach out to hug, kiss, or hold your hands anymore. Even if you can overlook how you feel to have sex, you will be hard-pressed to find a scorned woman who can stomach physical affection. That even sometimes requires more emotional exertion than sex. So, if your woman refuses to touch you and reacts with disgust when you do, she is likely not into it, and among many reasons, it could be because she is scorned. 6.
Signs Your Relationship Is Not Going Anywhere
Signs Your Husband Is Harboring Resentment Against You
The New Jerusalem as the wife of the redeeming Christ has the church as her miniature. This is revealed by Paul’s word in Ephesians 5:22-32, where he speaks of the church as the counterpart of Chri…
It’s been a while since I last documented my natural hair journey on the blog and this year I have made deliberate efforts to try as much protective styles as fiscally and physically possible…
Throughout the Psalms, I've observed three major themes: thanksgiving, praise, and joy, or a combination thereof. When you come to the Lord, which of them do yo
By Elizabeth Prata James Tissot (Nantes, France, 1836–1902, Chenecey–Buillon, France). Woe unto You, Scribes and Pharisees, 1886–1894. At Brooklyn Museum A sermon nugget for me is a moment during a…
Following God’s Word & Finding Christ’s Joy.
Teaching teens about Jesus is the most important and life-changing act you can do for them, especially for those with depression and despair.
When thinking about racial equality in sports, one immediately conjures up thoughts of young Jackie Robinson stepping between the lines to become the first African-American athlete in Major League Baseball in 1947.But what about the other major sports? While we hear so much about Robinson suiting up for the Brooklyn...
Unlimited: Power in the Words of Jesus Nov 15, 2024 2103 Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs, which God did among you through Him, as you yourselves know (Acts 2:22, NIV).The Gospel of John records seven miracles that Jesus performed. These illustrate the transforming power of Jesus in our lives.In these miracles, we find the transformation from sadness to gladness, from disease to health, from paralysis to abundant energy, from hunger to fullness, from anxiety to tranquillity, from darkness to light, from death to life.In these miracles, we are given a picture of the transformation that takes place in the life of every person who comes to Jesus. That word is still available to accomplish the miracle of salvation in the life of even the weakest of believers who call out to Christ in faith.– Des Ford (adapted)Eli’s Reflection: Are you calling out to Christ in faith today?
Signs Your Husband Feels Unworthy Of You
“I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.” -Matthew 19:9, NIV I do not see a time limit set on these words. The exemption is there for anyone who has a spouse that engaged in sexually unfaithful behavior. That is what I see in … Continue reading "Divorce free from shame"
I’m periodically asked about my blog posts. “Where do you come up with your ideas?” I think the answer is simple: I’m curious To say “I like to learn” sounds boring, and most people can’t resonate …
During the Covid lockdown, we all stayed home and watched television. What came along at just the right time was the series “The Chosen.” I watched the first season and was drawn into the space of seeing human flesh put on people found in Scripture. The actor who portrays Jesus, Jonathan Roumie, dem
By Elizabeth Prata EPrata photo God chooses us. We do not choose Him. He is not “a gentleman”. He is God and He does as He pleases. He chooses us as a graceful trophy for His glory whet…
College life can be exhilarating, but it also comes with its fair share of stress. From exams and assignments to managing extracurricular activities and social lives, the pressure can quickly build up. It’s no surprise that academic stress is one of the most common struggles students face. However, it’s important...
“But Joseph replied, “Don’t be afraid of me. Am I God, that I can punish you? You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. No, don’t be afraid. I will continue...
Following God’s Word & Finding Christ’s Joy.
There is one account in Scripture that says so much about sin, Satan, and deliverance we dare not ignore it; it merits our careful consideration. Let me set the scene for you as we consider exactly what did and did not happen.The hour had come! There was an air of...
The LORD also said to Moses, “Look, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, grandson of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. I have filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, intelligence, and skill in all kinds of crafts. (Exodus 31:1-3 NLT)
The mark of godly leaders. When Israel resettled in Judah. King Darius appointed two leaders over them. Here is God's word to them.
In a season of hurry, why not take a step back and give yourself the gift of a quiet heart.
Feeling drained? Explore these prayers when tired and 17 Bible verses for strength for the weary soul.
“It is good for me that I have been afflicted, That I may learn Your statutes.” --Psalms 119:71Please Pray:Lord, we thank you for your guidance and protection over our lives. We thank you like David, that although we experience seasons of affliction, that we can say that all things work...
“It is good for me that I have been afflicted, That I may learn Your statutes.” --Psalms 119:71David spoke in Psalm 119 about experiencing affliction. This is the longest chapter in the Bible. It contains 22 stanzas and is written as an acrostic poem, containing 176 verses. In eight stanzas,...
Nobody will ever answer all of your questions. Today's episode provides practical advice about asking and answering questions. 7 Things to Remember When You Have Questions.