Holidays

One of my favorite stories about maintaining a thankful heart comes from the respected Bible commentator Matthew Henry. At a certain point in his walk with God, he made a commitment to always abide by the often-quoted biblical command: “In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you”

As Americans prepare for Thanksgiving, it’s important to look at not only what we have to give thanks for but what the origins of giving thanks are. Of course Americans know that the first Thanksgiving was a joyous celebration of the bounty, which the Pilgrims had experienced in the New World. The early settlers were

Here in the United States, we celebrate Thanksgiving in November; a time for family and friends to gather with an attitude of gratitude. Can I encourage you to have an attitude of gratitude as a daily routine? Do we look for God in all our moments, in every situation? I’d like to think there are

Over the past millennium or so, in many westernized countries, October 31st was observed among Christians with a special church service or “vigil” in the evening, just before the Christian feast of All Hallows’ Day or “All Saints” day on November 1st, followed on the 2nd with “All Souls Day.” These were occasions in the

Many Christians celebrate Halloween; some churches and pastors even do. I recently saw a church advertising they were having a “zombie run.” Seriously? God’s house? This pastor does not celebrate Halloween and neither does her church. In a spirit of full disclosure, when I was a brand-new believer, I allowed my son to go trick-or-treating.

Rosh Hashanah (New Year’s), biblically known as Yom Teruah (Day of Trumpets, but technically the Day of the Sounding), is the first of the Fall Holy Days. As a young child, I attended and observed this day by gathering in our synagogue with a thousand other Jewish people and spending the entire day in solemn

Here in the United States, we have celebrations during the month of May. Are you ready to celebrate Memorial Day? When we visit cemeteries this time of year, there are flags that different people and organizations have put up in honor of those who have given their lives to win us the freedom we enjoy

For over four years, my wife Sarah has been involved in a ministry aimed at encouraging and equipping mothers. She absolutely loves it, and I support her because potluck leftovers are life. Week after week I have watched her facilitate an environment where mothers have an opportunity to hear relevant biblical teachings, laugh, shake off

Here in the United States, we have celebrations during the month of May. The first one is celebrating mothers. When we look back on Jesus’ life, we can see His love for His mother on the cross. Can you imagine Jesus in His agony caring and loving His earthly mother so much that He gave

It’s the day after the most important day on the Christian calendar—Resurrection Sunday—and as a ministry leader, you’re feeling a little let down. But don’t worry, you’re in good company. Can you imagine what took place in Jerusalem the day after Jesus rose from the dead? What about the disciples? Did they simply go back

We live in one of the darkest hours in human history. The COVID-19 pandemic demands we distinguish between that which is essential and that which is not. With that being said, I am reminded that more than 2,000 years ago, a woman named Mary ran, while it was still dark, toward an empty tomb. She

Holidays are often marked with family tradition. At Thanksgiving, we remember the blessings we have experienced, and express our thankfulness for whatever situation we find ourselves in. At Christmas, we remember the birth of Christ by gathering with family and giving gifts like the wise men gave to Mary and Joseph. At Easter, we celebrate

Editor’s Note: This is part two of a two-part article. Read part one here. She then went inside and shut the door and informed the American soldiers that they had guests but that they would not be harmed. She explained that there were German soldiers who likewise needed help and that they would come inside

Editor’s Note: This is part one of a two-part article. Watch for part two, coming soon on charismamag.com. One of the most inspiring stories of peace through Christ among ardent enemies unfolded in a potentially volatile setting. Here is the World War II story of a German mother, her 12- year-old son, three American soldiers

Here is a brief tale from Christmas past, “An Uncommon Christmas.” In and around the grand house all were awake and enjoying the morning. The lords were in the main hall attempting to juggle five golden rings, while the ladies in the parlor were eating plump pears that had recently dropped off the tree. The