Express It
by Melvin Vandiver on October 26th, 2025
Living in Community: The Power of Doing Life TogetherThere's something profoundly countercultural about the way followers of Christ are called to live. In a world that celebrates independence, self-sufficiency, and personal autonomy, the Bible presents a radically different vision: we are meant to live in community, bound together as one body, sharing life with one another in deep and meaningful w...  Read More
Share It
by Melvin Vandiver on October 19th, 2025
The Journey to Spiritual Maturity: Embracing Outward DisciplinesIn our walk with God, we're called to grow and mature in our faith. This growth isn't just about personal development; it's about becoming more like Christ and fulfilling our mission to make disciples. As we explore the outward spiritual disciplines, we discover how they shape us and impact those around us.The Discipline of SolitudeSo...  Read More
Invest It
by Melvin Vandiver on October 12th, 2025
Becoming a True Disciple: The Journey of Spiritual GrowthIn our fast-paced world, it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters. We often find ourselves caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life, forgetting to nurture our spiritual selves. But what if we took a step back and considered what it truly means to be a disciple of Christ? What if we committed ourselves to a journey of spiritual g...  Read More
Receive It
by Melvin Vandiver on October 5th, 2025
Receiving God's Gift: The Path to Spiritual Growth and MaturityIn our journey of faith, we often find ourselves yearning for something more - a deeper connection with God, a more fulfilling spiritual life, or a greater sense of purpose. The good news is that God has already given us the gift of life and offers us abundant life through Jesus Christ. However, to truly experience this life, we must b...  Read More
What About The Others
by Melvin Vandiver on September 29th, 2025
The Battle for Truth: Standing Firm in a World of DeceptionIn a world teeming with conflicting ideologies and countless voices vying for our attention, how do we discern truth from falsehood? This question is as relevant today as it was in the early days of Christianity. As we navigate the complexities of modern life, we're confronted with a spiritual battle that has raged for centuries – the batt...  Read More
Let's Get Physical
by Melvin Vandiver on September 21st, 2025
Don't Take the Bait: Living Beyond the Physical WorldIn a world filled with distractions, temptations, and fears, it's easy to get caught up in the physical realm and lose sight of our spiritual purpose. But as followers of Christ, we are called to live beyond the physical—to see with spiritual eyes and walk by faith, not by sight.The enemy often uses physical things to trick us and bait us into f...  Read More
The Dangers of Comfort
by Melvin Vandiver on September 15th, 2025
Living Awake in a World of Spiritual WarfareIn a world that often lulls us into complacency, we are called to a higher purpose - one that requires us to be alert, sober-minded, and watchful. This isn't a call to paranoia, but rather an invitation to live with intentionality and spiritual awareness.The apostle Peter's words ring true across the centuries: "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversa...  Read More
Jesus Didn't
by Melvin Vandiver on September 7th, 2025
The Angler's Deception: Navigating Life's Spiritual WatersIn the tranquil world of fishing, there's a delicate dance between angler and prey. The fisherman, armed with knowledge and cunning, presents an alluring bait—a morsel that promises satisfaction but conceals a sharp, life-altering hook. This age-old practice serves as a powerful metaphor for the spiritual battles we face daily, where tempta...  Read More
Praying in Circles
by Melvin Vandiver on August 31st, 2025
The Power of Continuous Prayer: Aligning Our Hearts with God's KingdomIn our fast-paced world, it's easy to relegate prayer to specific times or desperate situations. But what if we were called to a life of continuous prayer? What if our communication with God was meant to be an ongoing dialogue, shaping every aspect of our lives?The concept of "praying in circles" challenges us to view prayer not...  Read More
Character
by Melvin Vandiver on August 24th, 2025
Living with Godly Character in a Challenging WorldIn a world that often seems to prioritize power, prestige, and self-interest, how can we live with true godly character? This question becomes even more pressing when our values clash with societal norms or authority figures. The story of two Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, offers profound insights into this dilemma and teaches us valuable less...  Read More
Authentic Prayer
by Melvin Vandiver on August 17th, 2025
The Power of Authentic Prayer: Lessons from Hannah's StoryIn the pages of the Old Testament, we find a story that resonates deeply with anyone who has ever faced seemingly insurmountable challenges or longed desperately for something just out of reach. It's the story of Hannah, a woman whose journey of faith and perseverance offers profound lessons about the power of authentic prayer.Hannah's tale...  Read More
Watch Out
by Melvin Vandiver on August 10th, 2025
Heeding God's Warnings: A Path to Spiritual Growth and ProtectionIn our daily lives, we encounter numerous warning signs designed to protect us from harm. From traffic signals to hazard labels, these alerts serve as crucial reminders to exercise caution. But have you ever considered that God provides spiritual warning signs too? Just as physical warnings safeguard our bodies, divine cautions prote...  Read More
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