On Christmas, we hope that our loved ones will use the gifts we give them. We don't expect to see the items hidden in the basement, tucked away in a shed, or tossed in the trash. We expect to see our gifts on a mantle, or used and worn with appreciation. When God gifted us the Holy Spirit inside of us, he also provided spiritual gifts, and guess what? We're called to use them! In this text, Paul urges us to "fan into flames" God's gifts to us. Like Paul in prison, we must keep our eyes on the Kingdom and shake off the hindrances of our day.
How can suffering be helpful? Aren’t we supposed to avoid suffering at all costs and run from it when it does come? Aren’t we...
After his incredible defeat of the monstrous Goliath, David is thrust into nation-wide fame and success, but as Proverbs 27:21 says, “the crucible is...