Christ Is Our True New Beginning

For many students, the start of a new semester means the beginning of a new chapter – starting or returning to one’s academic career in college or leaving home for the first time. When we talk about a “new chapter,” what we are really saying is “a new beginning.” Some might say it’s a “fresh start,” or a “clean slate.” Similarly, these phrases apply to New Year’s when we set goals and make resolutions. We consider times like these “new chapters” because we are marking a significant and transformative period in our lives. It signifies leaving behind past hardships, hoping for a better future, and embracing the changes that come with it. But what happens when the new chapter doesn’t go well? What happens when you don’t meet your goals and expectations? Suddenly the fresh start of this chapter feels stained and ruined, and you wish you could start again.

I am writing this because I have experienced it. I have heard stories of people who had hoped that college would be a place of new beginnings, but then something happened — maybe it was due to their own actions, or maybe it was out of their control. For students who are feeling hopeless or let down in this new chapter, I hope to encourage you in this season.

By Joziah Castillo

Full story at The Gordon Review

Let’s Pray - Talking to God with the Words of the Bible

The prayers of the Bible are an amazing gift from God and have much to teach us. They help us understand how Jesus, Job, Moses, David, Samuel, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Mary, Peter, Paul, and many others talked with God.

These prayers can also help us talk to God. Just as Jesus used several of the David’s prayers in His final moments on the cross (see matt. 27:46 cf. psalm 22:1 and luke 23:46 cf. psalm 31:5), we too can find in the prayers of Scripture, words that can help carry our thoughts and emotions to God.

When we use the prayers from God’s Word humbly and expectantly to encourage us in our own prayers, we open our hearts and lives to deeper faith, renewed strength, fresh blessings, and God’s power.

By James Banks

Full story at odbm org

God’s blessings

“God bless.”

One day I realized I was using those words frequently without really thinking about them. It was the way I signed off on most emails. It was something I prayed would happen for people who were struggling. It was something I said every time someone sneezed, which is a weird way to acknowledge someone else’s involuntary bodily action. I noticed I was using “God bless” without a lot of thought.

What about you? Does “God bless” have meaning, or has it become a pleasant platitude that means little?

By Pastor Matt Ewart

Full story at Time of Grace

Bible verses about caring for foreigners

This article was adapted from one originally published by United Bible Societies.

God makes it absolutely clear in the Bible that we are to care for the ‘foreigners’ or ‘strangers’ in our midst. Jesus himself experienced life in a foreign land in his early years, and always preached about the importance of showing love to the most vulnerable in our societies. Read and share these verses about the importance of welcoming and caring for the most vulnerable people.

1. Do not mistreat foreigners who are living in your land. Treat them as you would an Israelite, and love them as you love yourselves. Remember that you were once foreigners in the land of Egypt. I am the Lord your God. - Leviticus 19:33-34 (GNT)

2. He makes sure that orphans and widows are treated fairly; he loves the foreigners who live with our people and gives them food and clothes. So then, show love for those foreigners, because you were once foreigners in Egypt. - Deuteronomy 10:18-19 (GNT)

Full story at Bible Society

​Is world peace really possible?

In the world today, 41 countries live in a state of conflict resulting in a death toll of 157,000 in 2022 alone. Conflict manifests in various forms, often driven by complex interplays of power, ideology, and resource scarcity.

Is there a glimmer of hope amidst the ongoing conflicts we see around the world? And what role can each of us play in building a world free of conflict?

Unveiling the current landscape of conflict 

Conflict is an ever-persistent shadow that continues to grip our world, leaving a trail of devastation and despair in its wake.

By Pratik Kuwar

Full story at One Young World

Looking unto Jesus

1 ...out of God's Bible, knowing this, that if my words fail, his won't. So I want to read a scripture out of the book of Isaiah. And I've got some scriptures written out here and a few comments I'd like to make mention of, as quick as possible, and then go right in to have the prayer for the sick again tonight. I want to take this opportunity (while we're turning to Isaiah 45), I want to take this opportunity to thank all the ministers that's cooperated in this meeting:

2 Brother Shores, very dear friend of mine, he represents the Assemblies of God here in the city; Brother Outlaw, another precious friend of mine from the Jesus' Name Church; Brother Fuller from the independents, another precious friend of mine. Not only these three men (they represent the three major groups), but other ministers that I've ministered for in previous other campaigns. They all cooperated and come together, and the people's come out. I certainly trust, my brethren, that many of your people that were sick and needy got help during this time. And I'm sure that I tried---all I knowed how to do. And I'm sure the Holy Spirit will confirm what's been said and done.

Full story at Church Ages

Who Is on the Lord’s Side?

This week in worship Pastor Doug shares the story from Joshua 5:13-15, when he saw a man standing before him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you one of us, or one of our adversaries?” He replied, “Neither; but as commander of the army of the LORD I have now come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped.

Pastor Doug will be sharing about how God shows no partiality. He treats everyone fairly.

Full story at Brewster Baptist Church