Acts 16:1-5One of the greatest experiences in my life was a mission trip to Ukraine. Admittedly, I responded with a forceful “no way” when asked to consider going. The excuses, which were all valid to me, were plentiful in my mind; My four children ages 6-11 can’t be without me for 18 days, I don’t know how to speak Russian or Ukrainian, our finances or lack thereof won’t permit me to go, I don’t ...  Read More

2 Timothy 1:7-12One of my favorite Christian artists is the singer Steve Camp. He was popular in the late 80s and early 90s. I was a fairly new Christian at that time, so I was just “discovering” Christian music. A standout song of his is called “Consider the Cost.” The chorus goes, Consider the cost of building a towerIt's a narrow way that you must comeFor to do the will of the FatherIs to follo...  Read More

Philippians 3:20, Hebrews 13:14 I stood in the Kolkata airport in India, and I experienced something for the first time in my life – I WAS THE FOREIGNER! How many times have we walked around in malls, restaurants, sporting venues, and many other places only to see people who don’t speak the same language as we do? Probably a lot. In that moment, did you ever think that it must be awkward at times ...  Read More

Acts 13:9-11. 46-48Paul and Barnabas worked together as missionaries, traveling to different cities to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. Upon reaching the first city of Cyprus, they experienced pushback from a false prophet and later from the Jews. In both instances, they boldly stood up for the truth and did not cower in fear. We see right away the opportunity they have to share the gospel with ...  Read More

Acts 13:4-5, 14:1 Are you the type of person who plans every little detail, or the type who plans almost nothing? Maybe you're somewhere in between? Planning can be very important, as many of us know. You often want a strategy going forward for whatever you’re doing. Let’s say you’re building a LEGO set. What is your strategy? Do you plan to follow the instruction booklet every step of the way? Or...  Read More

Acts 13:1-3, Ephesians 2:10God has given all of us a calling! In this passage of Acts, we get to see a really awesome interaction between the believers and the Holy Spirit, who tells them very directly what they have been called to do. While praying and fasting, the Holy Spirit asks that Saul and Barnabas be set apart to do what He has called them to do. We are also called by God to do things! Now...  Read More