Anderson Hills

God is ever-present. If you are walking through deep waters, remember this: you are not wading alone. The God who parted the Red Sea, quenched the flames for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and raised Jesus from the dead is the same God who walks beside you now. The storm may roar, but His voice still whispers, “Do not fear, for I am with you.” God's presence in suffering is not conditional—it's covenantal. We are called by name and are never alone.

God is ever-present. If you are walking through deep waters, remember this: you are not wading alone. The God who parted the Red Sea, quenched the flames for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and raised Jesus from the dead is the same God who walks beside you now. The storm may roar, but His voice still whispers, “Do not fear, for I am with you.” God's presence in suffering is not conditional—it's covenantal. We are called by name and are never alone.

When you feel drained, worn thin by life's demands, or simply tired of carrying burdens, take heart. God has not forgotten you. His promise is sure: He will renew your strength as you lean on Him. The waiting may be hard, but it is not wasted. In the waiting, He lifts you. In the trusting, He steadies you. And in His presence, you will discover that weariness does not have the final word—His strength does. Put your hope in the God who never grows tired.

The wilderness may feel like abandonment, but in Isaiah, it becomes the very place where God draws near. The wilderness is not the end of the story—it is the stage where God shows His glory. The barren places of life are where His presence becomes unmistakably real. God's promise is not that we will avoid hardship but that we will never walk through it alone.

The wilderness may feel like abandonment, but in Isaiah, it becomes the very place where God draws near. The wilderness is not the end of the story—it is the stage where God shows His glory. The barren places of life are where His presence becomes unmistakably real. God's promise is not that we will avoid hardship but that we will never walk through it alone.

Painful events like betrayal, divorce, illness, or loss often trigger feelings that God has abandoned us. In such situations, we ask ourselves the question, “God, where are you?” We're not alone in this. Even Jesus—God in the flesh—asked that very question on the cross. When we don't understand what God is doing and doubt His goodness, we must still trust who He is.

Painful events like betrayal, divorce, illness, or loss often trigger feelings that God has abandoned us. In such situations, we ask ourselves the question, “God, where are you?” We're not alone in this. Even Jesus—God in the flesh—asked that very question on the cross. When we don't understand what God is doing and doubt His goodness, we must still trust who He is.

The reason that so many people doubt Christianity is because of what Jesus claimed. Most people don't have a problem with how Jesus lived or how He loved. He was compassionate, gracious, forgiving, humble—He even turned water into wine at a party! But many draw the line at what Jesus claimed because what He claimed was bold, audacious, and, to many, offensive.

The reason that so many people doubt Christianity is because of what Jesus claimed. Most people don't have a problem with how Jesus lived or how He loved. He was compassionate, gracious, forgiving, humble—He even turned water into wine at a party! But many draw the line at what Jesus claimed because what He claimed was bold, audacious, and, to many, offensive.

We often doubt ourselves and our abilities. Many of us have felt insecure, inadequate, or maybe even unqualified to be used by God. But the truth is, God is not looking for the most impressive. He's not looking for the most substantial résumé. He's looking for the willing, the broken, and the faithful. He specializes in empowering people who feel unworthy to achieve unbelievable things.

We often doubt ourselves and our abilities. Many of us have felt insecure, inadequate, or maybe even unqualified to be used by God. But the truth is, God is not looking for the most impressive. He's not looking for the most substantial résumé. He's looking for the willing, the broken, and the faithful. He specializes in empowering people who feel unworthy to achieve unbelievable things.

One of the most common criticisms of the church is the presence of hypocrisy among Christians. If we're honest, we've all been hypocrites at some point. We say we believe in grace but withhold it from others. We teach purity but indulge in compromise. We say, “Jesus is enough,” but chase worldly validation. We need to stop pointing fingers at others and ask: Where am I wearing a mask?

One of the most common criticisms of the church is the presence of hypocrisy among Christians. If we're honest, we've all been hypocrites at some point. We say we believe in grace but withhold it from others. We teach purity but indulge in compromise. We say, “Jesus is enough,” but chase worldly validation. We need to stop pointing fingers at others and ask: Where am I wearing a mask?

There are many reasons why people begin to doubt or even deconstruct their faith. Unanswered questions. Pain and suffering. Hypocrisy and wounds. These can clutter our view of Jesus and even cause some to walk away. But doubt is not the opposite of faith; it is a stop on the journey of faith. If you're doubting, you're not disqualified. Jesus isn't walking away from you. He's walking toward you.

There are many reasons why people begin to doubt or even deconstruct their faith. Unanswered questions. Pain and suffering. Hypocrisy and wounds. These can clutter our view of Jesus and even cause some to walk away. But doubt is not the opposite of faith; it is a stop on the journey of faith. If you're doubting, you're not disqualified. Jesus isn't walking away from you. He's walking toward you.

Every believer—whether brand new to faith or has followed Jesus for decades—has experienced doubt at some point. Let's be honest: sometimes it's hard to believe. Life throws things at us— suffering, injustice, unanswered prayers—and it shakes us. And then we wonder: Where is God? Is He listening? Is He even real? If you're wrestling with doubt, hear this: your doubt doesn't disqualify your faith. We need to bring our doubts to Jesus, who welcomes them with open arms.

Every believer—whether brand new to faith or has followed Jesus for decades—has experienced doubt at some point. Let's be honest: sometimes it's hard to believe. Life throws things at us— suffering, injustice, unanswered prayers—and it shakes us. And then we wonder: Where is God? Is He listening? Is He even real? If you're wrestling with doubt, hear this: your doubt doesn't disqualify your faith. We need to bring our doubts to Jesus, who welcomes them with open arms.

Family conflict often flows outward from inner brokenness. To restore peace in the family, we must follow God's path of righteousness, repentance, and forgiveness—beginning with ourselves and extending through our marriages and family relationships. There are three circles of conflict that we need to address: inner conflict, marriage conflict, and family conflict. Solving these conflicts isn't just about peace in the home—it's about reflecting the gospel.

Family conflict often flows outward from inner brokenness. To restore peace in the family, we must follow God's path of righteousness, repentance, and forgiveness—beginning with ourselves and extending through our marriages and family relationships. There are three circles of conflict that we need to address: inner conflict, marriage conflict, and family conflict. Solving these conflicts isn't just about peace in the home—it's about reflecting the gospel.

If Christ is Lord of our lives, He must be Lord of our schedules. If it's not in your calendar, it's not sacred—because what you schedule reflects what you value. Families must intentionally prioritize spiritual practices, relationships, and rest to live out their faith in practical, covenantal ways. When families prioritize God in their time, they experience peace, unity, and a sense of purpose.

If Christ is Lord of our lives, He must be Lord of our schedules. If it's not in your calendar, it's not sacred—because what you schedule reflects what you value. Families must intentionally prioritize spiritual practices, relationships, and rest to live out their faith in practical, covenantal ways. When families prioritize God in their time, they experience peace, unity, and a sense of purpose.

Just as covenants in Scripture are celebrated and remembered through sacred practices like Passover or Communion, so too do Christian family traditions bear witness to His presence and faithfulness in the home. Rituals are not empty traditions when anchored in God's truth. In a post Christian culture, intentional spiritual rituals act as anchors and testimonies for the next generation. The Christian family table, where a multitude of activities take place, is an excellent metaphor for this.

Just as covenants in Scripture are celebrated and remembered through sacred practices like Passover or Communion, so too do Christian family traditions bear witness to His presence and faithfulness in the home. Rituals are not empty traditions when anchored in God's truth. In a post Christian culture, intentional spiritual rituals act as anchors and testimonies for the next generation. The Christian family table, where a multitude of activities take place, is an excellent metaphor for this.

Building a strong biblical foundation in your home will be a game-changer for your family. There are four guiding principles for Christian families in a post-Christian culture: continually hear the truth, love the Lord passionately, diligently teach the young, and fear the Lord greatly. A family rooted in these principles becomes a beacon of light in a dark world. Commit to building your family strong!

Building a strong biblical foundation in your home will be a game-changer for your family. There are four guiding principles for Christian families in a post-Christian culture: continually hear the truth, love the Lord passionately, diligently teach the young, and fear the Lord greatly. A family rooted in these principles becomes a beacon of light in a dark world. Commit to building your family strong!

People are often curious about what happens after death, and numerous questions surround this topic. Do we become angels after we die? Is purgatory real? Is it okay to be cremated? Will there be such a thing as gender in heaven? What are the rewards in heaven? And many more. This week, we will examine what the Bible says – and doesn't say – about this topic.

People are often curious about what happens after death, and numerous questions surround this topic. Do we become angels after we die? Is purgatory real? Is it okay to be cremated? Will there be such a thing as gender in heaven? What are the rewards in heaven? And many more. This week, we will examine what the Bible says – and doesn't say – about this topic.

The end-times narrative is a recurring theme in popular culture, from movies and books to video games, reflecting and potentially amplifying our fascination with this topic. Current events in Iran and Israel have ramped up the questions about end times. Are we living in the last days? Is Jesus coming back soon? This week, we will explore these questions and see what Scriptures say.

The end-times narrative is a recurring theme in popular culture, from movies and books to video games, reflecting and potentially amplifying our fascination with this topic. Current events in Iran and Israel have ramped up the questions about end times. Are we living in the last days? Is Jesus coming back soon? This week, we will explore these questions and see what Scriptures say.

Many people are unaware of who the Holy Spirit is and why He is present. There is also a misunderstanding around the topic of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, as well as evidence of His presence in our lives. This week, we will demystify the confusion surrounding God's Spirit and introduce the most often overlooked Person in the church—the Holy Spirit.

Many people are unaware of who the Holy Spirit is and why He is present. There is also a misunderstanding around the topic of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, as well as evidence of His presence in our lives. This week, we will demystify the confusion surrounding God's Spirit and introduce the most often overlooked Person in the church—the Holy Spirit. d

Samson has hit bottom. He ended up with his eyes gouged out, grinding grain like an ox, mocked by his enemies. And maybe that's where some of you are. Not literally, but spiritually. Shamed. Stuck. Beaten down. But here's the hope: Failure is an event, not a person. When Samson prayed, “Sovereign Lord, remember me. Please strengthen me just once more…”, he was stepping back into his calling. He was giving his last breath not for himself, but for God's purposes.

Samson has hit bottom. He ended up with his eyes gouged out, grinding grain like an ox, mocked by his enemies. And maybe that's where some of you are. Not literally, but spiritually. Shamed. Stuck. Beaten down. But here's the hope: Failure is an event, not a person. When Samson prayed, “Sovereign Lord, remember me. Please strengthen me just once more…”, he was stepping back into his calling. He was giving his last breath not for himself, but for God's purposes.

Emotional impulsiveness can derail even the strongest of men. Samson was physically powerful and divinely gifted, but he was emotion-driven rather than Spirit-led. Samson allowed his emotions, particularly anger and pride, to dictate his actions, leading to a cycle of revenge, violence, and, ultimately, loss. We must reject emotional impulsiveness and instead pursue humility, accountability, and self-awareness, and admit our need for God's help and strength.

Emotional impulsiveness can derail even the strongest of men. Samson was physically powerful and divinely gifted, but he was emotion-driven rather than Spirit-led. Samson allowed his emotions, particularly anger and pride, to dictate his actions, leading to a cycle of revenge, violence, and, ultimately, loss. We must reject emotional impulsiveness and instead pursue humility, accountability, and self-awareness, and admit our need for God's help and strength.

Emotional impulsiveness can derail even the strongest of men. Samson was physically powerful and divinely gifted, but he was emotion-driven rather than Spirit-led. Samson allowed his emotions, particularly anger and pride, to dictate his actions, leading to a cycle of revenge, violence, and, ultimately, loss. We must reject emotional impulsiveness and instead pursue humility, accountability, and self-awareness, and admit our need for God's help and strength.

Samson was a man set apart by God from birth, empowered with supernatural strength, and bound by Nazarite vows. Despite his divine calling, Samson repeatedly made destructive choices—he was a powerful man with a dangerously weak will. He had so much God-given potential, yet again and again, he made poor decisions and self-destructed. But while Satan loves to make strong men weak, God delights in making weak men strong.

Samson was a man set apart by God from birth, empowered with supernatural strength, and bound by Nazarite vows. Despite his divine calling, Samson repeatedly made destructive choices—he was a powerful man with a dangerously weak will. He had so much God-given potential, yet again and again, he made poor decisions and self-destructed. But while Satan loves to make strong men weak, God delights in making weak men strong.

Each believer has gifts to use, which are equally important to the kingdom. Some gifts are more readily visible, while others are more subtle or work behind the scenes, but all are of value and worthy of honor. The Apostle Paul argues that the weaker and less honored gifts should be treated with greater respect and honor. Understanding the role of gifts helps us gain a greater appreciation for them. We all need to discover the unique gift mix God has given us.

Each believer has gifts to use, which are equally important to the kingdom. Some gifts are more readily visible, while others are more subtle or work behind the scenes, but all are of value and worthy of honor. The Apostle Paul argues that the weaker and less honored gifts should be treated with greater respect and honor. Understanding the role of gifts helps us gain a greater appreciation for them. We all need to discover the unique gift mix God has given us.

In the letter to the church in Ephesus, Paul describes the five-fold ministry, which refers to the five roles or offices God has called Christians to fulfill. These roles are apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. Each of these roles was important for the early church and is essential for the body of Christ today to function correctly. Together, these offices equip God's people to do His work and build up the church so it will become mature in Christ.

In the letter to the church in Ephesus, Paul describes the five-fold ministry, which refers to the five roles or offices God has called Christians to fulfill. These roles are apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. Each of these roles was important for the early church and is essential for the body of Christ today to function correctly. Together, these offices equip God's people to do His work and build up the church so it will become mature in Christ.

Spiritual Gifts are special abilities given by the Holy Spirit and distributed to every believer according to God's design and grace for the common good of the body of Christ. The purpose of spiritual gifts is to glorify God, encourage believers, and build up the body of Christ. Discovering and using our spiritual gifts is not a light matter. God has entrusted them to us to serve Him and His purposes.

Spiritual Gifts are special abilities given by the Holy Spirit and distributed to every believer according to God's design and grace for the common good of the body of Christ. The purpose of spiritual gifts is to glorify God, encourage believers, and build up the body of Christ. Discovering and using our spiritual gifts is not a light matter. God has entrusted them to us to serve Him and His purposes.

The story of Hezekiah offers us a powerful lesson, right living leads to right praying. This isn't about earning God's favor but about living in a way that naturally leads to a deeper, more effective prayer life. Hezekiah was a king who faced immense pressure, yet he was known for doing what was right in the eyes of the Lord. His life was a testament to constant communication with God, and when crisis hit, his prayers were a natural outflow of his relationship with God.

The story of Hezekiah offers us a powerful lesson, right living leads to right praying. This isn't about earning God's favor but about living in a way that naturally leads to a deeper, more effective prayer life. Hezekiah was a king who faced immense pressure, yet he was known for doing what was right in the eyes of the Lord. His life was a testament to constant communication with God, and when crisis hit, his prayers were a natural outflow of his relationship with God.

The story of Habakkuk offers profound insights into trusting God even when life doesn't make sense. Habakkuk lived during great turmoil as the kingdoms of Israel and Judah faced destruction and exile. Yet, his journey of faith and prayer provides a roadmap for us today. Whether it's personal struggles, economic difficulties, or global crises, we can trust in and depend on God and find joy in His presence.

The story of Habakkuk offers profound insights into trusting God even when life doesn't make sense. Habakkuk lived during great turmoil as the kingdoms of Israel and Judah faced destruction and exile. Yet, his journey of faith and prayer provides a roadmap for us today. Whether it's personal struggles, economic difficulties, or global crises, we can trust in and depend on God and find joy in His presence.

Mary is visited by the angel who announces that she will conceive Jesus, the Son of God. Despite her initial questions and the unexpected nature of this message, Mary responds with faith and humility, declaring herself the Lord's servant. This moment illustrates the need to move away from self-sufficiency and embrace God's sufficiency by relinquishing control and trusting in His plans. Mary's words become a model for all of us on how to live a life surrendered to God.

Mary is visited by the angel who announces that she will conceive Jesus, the Son of God. Despite her initial questions and the unexpected nature of this message, Mary responds with faith and humility, declaring herself the Lord's servant. This moment illustrates the need to move away from self-sufficiency and embrace God's sufficiency by relinquishing control and trusting in His plans. Mary's words become a model for all of us on how to live a life surrendered to God.

After God's people were exiled from the Promised Land to Canaan, God raised up Nehemiah as a great leader to re-establish them in their land. Nehemiah's great leadership began in prayer. We may not feel like leaders, but all of us can be used by God wherever we are. The key to God's work in and through us is dedicating ourselves to Him in prayer. Nehemiah's prayers teach us the importance of combining prayer with action in response to the world's brokenness.