Isaiah prophesied that a son would be born of a virgin, and his name would be Emmanuel, meaning God with us. There is a difference between sensing God is present and knowing God is present. We need assurance that God is with us seven days a week. We need assurance that we have been born again through the blood of the cross and the power of Christ's…

With experience, we become skilled at hiding stored-up bitterness, resentment, and unforgiveness. Our secrets are hidden, but God searches the heart.By Carissa Gray

Christians are becoming increasingly entangled with religious, political, and academic systems that shackle the mind. We live in a world of constructs that draw people away from Christ. Driven to save the world, many Christians try to solve spiritual problems with manmade solutions.By Carissa Gray

We have done nothing to earn salvation or the Spirit. It was God’s will to sacrifice his only Son so that we could be redeemed. It was God's will to send the Holy Spirit to comfort us. And through his New Testament—the blood of the New Covenant—he washes away our sins. Many ignore his calls, but the Lord blesses believers with eternal life—by his S…

The problem with the Pharisees is that they dropped the stones but carried their stony hearts away with them. The Lord searches our hearts to see what we treasure. Through him, the light of truth exposes sin. No one is sinless, so how we receive the Word matters. Do we repent or walk away? Jesus warned his disciples to take heed how they hear.…

Many believers grow impatient and irritable with God, especially during trials. God promised never to leave or forsake us, but we often impatiently interfere with his plans, causing unnecessary suffering and delays. Actually, we think we are waiting for God, but he is waiting for us to trust him. Every promise God made is sure.…

Like Adam and Eve, we try to play hide-and-seek with God. Recall the couple was tempted to sin in the garden. Indeed, we all have been cast out of the garden, for all have sinned. We can try to hide, but God will find us. Every person will face him, now or later. The good news is that God sent his only Son not to condemn the world but to save it.…

Once Jesus reveals the kingdom’s mysteries, we can understand his title as the Prince of Peace. God reigns over all creation as the supreme ruler, but we have violated his commandments. Thus, to save us from certain death, he sent his Son. Everything in history pivots around that moment in time. Jesus’s birth, death, and resurrection prove that the…

The impossible is possible for believers. Jesus marveled at the centurion's great faith. Faithfulness pleases God, and, in return, he makes us whole.By Carissa Gray

Gorging on what the world offers never satisfies. If we hunger and thirst after righteousness, he will fill us to overflowing.By Carissa Gray

God is the potter, and we are the clay. He fashioned this world on his terms and created man in his image. Whether we like it or not, he has established the moral code and the path to redemption. Nevertheless, people continue to rebel against God’s order and question his motives.By Carissa Gray

Satan is the ringmaster of this three-ring circus called contemporary worship, and his false prophets provide the entertainment. Masquerading as ministers of truth, they deceive many. Without discernment, even seasoned disciples could be drawn by the alluring spectacle. Believers must recognize the enemy and expose him!…

The spiritual battle between good and evil is real. Indeed, the world beyond the senses is deeper, vaster, and more powerful than the physical world. Jesus Christ conquered death and the grave, thwarting Satan’s agenda. While the earthly battle ensues for human souls, the Lord has equipped his disciples with a superpower beyond anything movie produ…

Jesus is particular about how disciples overcome temptation. Because our battles are not carnal, temptation tries our faith and develops our patience. Despite how long we suffer—despite how difficult a trial may be—Jesus has already overcome the world. We walk by faith and not by sight because our victory is eternal.…

The disciples needed supernatural peace after Christ’s departure. Thankfully, he still blesses disciples with that same peace. Jesus bestows this gift through his shed blood, facilitating reconciliation between God and man.By Carissa Gray

Jesus is victorious over sin, death, and the power of the enemy. Would he allow human beings to corrupt his Word? Impossible! His Word will never pass away. His Word is forever settled in heaven.By Carissa Gray

Over the years, however, a house built on a bad foundation will show signs. Is our faith built upon a firm foundation?By Carissa Gray

We do not put much value in the words “I promise” anymore, do we? We use those words loosely: I promise you this. I promise you that. We have broken so many promises that we lose faith in one another. Be of good cheer; God keeps his promises.By Carissa Gray

Ready or not, the new year is upon us! Check your bags. What are we lugging into 2024? Have we packed old habits and low expectations? What is our destination, and what will we do differently?By Carissa Gray

Christians must be prepared for hard trials that come sharply and unexpectedly. We must be ready to endure through sickness, loss, and death. We must strive to please God with our faith, even in these times.By Carissa Gray