When life feels overwhelming and prayer seems impossible, remember this: God meets you exactly where you are. You don't need perfect words or someone else's prayer style. You just need to show up honestly.
Waiting is hard. We live in an Amazon Prime world where instant gratification is the norm. But Advent reminds us that waiting doesn't mean forgotten. And even in the waiting, I can still trust in God's promise of light.
The Christmas story isn't cozy or romantic. It's messy, uncomfortable, and real. Jesus, the Light of the world, wasn't born in a palace or temple. He came to a dirty stable, to exhausted parents, into the most improbable place imaginable. Jesus meets you right where you are, no need to clean up first. His light shines brightest in our darkest places.
The Christmas story reminds us: even in our darkest moments—unresolved pain, unanswered prayers, overwhelming struggles—the light has come. Jesus is the light that darkness cannot overcome. He's the one you're looking for. Darkness is not the end. Light is here.
As we approach Thanksgiving, remember: God's grace saved you, His gifts equip you, and His faithfulness sustains you forever. We're not just thankful one day—we're called to timeless thanksgiving for our past salvation, present state, and future glory in Christ
Jesus talked about money so much because He knew its grip on our hearts. Most of us will run out of time before we run out of money—so while we have time, be rich toward God. Give more, do more. In those ways, we find true life!
The real question isn't whether we're rich. It's what we do with our margin. What if you determined the percentage you lived on and stuck to it, no matter what? The rest becomes margin for generosity. Pre-decide your generosity. Set it aside upfront. Open your hands and trust the One who richly provides everything.
Money isn't the problem—making it our hope is. We are richer than we think but plagued by discontentment. The question isn't how much we have, but where we place our trust. Don't trust in riches, but in Him who richly provides!
What if Christianity wasn't defined by what we're against, but by radical generosity? Jesus became poor so we could be rich—not in wealth, but in life. How can I live with open hands, using my margin to make others' lives better?
In a world that often feels fraught with danger and uncertainty, fear has become an unwelcome companion for many of us. As we navigate fear, hold onto this truth: Because of God's great love for us, we don't have to live in fear. We can face each day with courage, knowing that we are seen, known, and deeply valued by our Heavenly Father.
Just like a small child finding strength in the hand and presence of a trusted adult, we can find the same strength in God's presence, trusting He will take care of us.
In a world full of fears, Jesus offers us something extraordinary: His peace. This isn't about escaping troubles, but finding strength in God's presence through the Holy Spirit - our Advocate, Comforter, and Helper.
The historical Christian faith is not based merely on teachings or claims, but on a historical event - the resurrection - which changes everything about how we view life, death, and our relationship with God. Why Jesus? Why NOT Jesus?!?
Jesus made some unique claims about himself and his identity. And He is unique in his love. In Christ, we learn what true love is. We learn that real love is self-sacrificial, and knows no bounds.
In a world teeming with diverse beliefs and philosophies, one figure stands out with claims so bold and exclusive that they demand our attention. Jesus Christ, a name that has echoed through centuries, made statements about himself that were not just remarkable, but revolutionary.
In a world of countless spiritual leaders and philosophies, Jesus stands apart. He's not just a historical figure or moral teacher - He's the unique, one and only Messiah of God.
Our lives communicate the story of Jesus more powerfully than our words alone. As we experience real change through our relationship with Christ, our actions become a living testimony. True encounters with Jesus will lead to real, tangible change in our lives.
Mill Creek has the wonderful privilege of welcoming Gideon Barcus to our church staff. Gideon is a Ministry Resident that will be focusing on student ministries at the Creek. Get to know him a little better through this great conversation with Chris and Kim.
We often don’t realize God's power to use us to draw others, including friends and family, to Jesus. We may feel that our lives hinder us from sharing the gospel, but it’s not impossible. We can trust the Holy Spirit to use our influence; sometimes, it’s as simple as "come and see."
Our lives and relationships are often full of noise and distraction. Listening well can be a lost art. It's through genuine listening that we can connect with others on a deeper level and share the good news of Jesus. This isn't just about spreading information; it's humbly listening and pointing to Jesus.