Today's Verse: Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, ~Hebrews 6:1 Happy New Year! Believe it or not, today marks the beginning of a new year. It is at the start of a new year when all of us think about and make plans for an improved and more successful year than the one we just completed. Let us see some key principles that are essentia

Today's Verse: And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it. ~Numbers 13:30 Today is the last day of the calendar year. If you feel like me, the last year went by really fast. This is indicative of busyness and many planned activities. However, the gauge of our effectiveness is not based on how much we did but on how much progress we made. As we approach a New Year, we must do so with a fresh

Today's Verse: For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. ~2 Corinthians 4:16 I recently received my DMV registration renewal notice for my automobile. Each year, I must renew the registration of my automobile to show that I am the current owner and that the automobile is in compliance and operational. If I fail to complete the renewal, it could result in a financial penalty and the inability to operate my auto

Today's Verse: And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. ~Luke 9:62 A little boy heard a Sunday school lesson about Lot’s wife and how she looked back as she was following Lot out of Sodom and, as a result, was turned into a pillar of salt. The teacher asked if anyone had any questions, and the little boy raised his hand. He said, “My mother once looked back when she was driving and turned into a lig

Today's Verse: And her mother in law said unto her, Where hast thou gleaned to day? and where wroughtest thou? blessed be he that did take knowledge of thee. And she shewed her mother in law with whom she had wrought, and said, The man's name with whom I wrought to day is Boaz. ~Ruth 2:19 One of the favorite questions that family members and close friends ask each other at the end of a day is, “What did you do today?” In the agricultural business, harvest time is a busy tim

Today's Verse: Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness. ~Psalm 48:1 Is there a bucket list of cities you hope to visit one day? Is there a city that stands out as your favored city? When we think of a favored city, we think of iconic sites, eateries, people, and things to do. We prefer places that are safe. We prefer places where others share the same good opinion about those places. This morning, we are taking a

Today's Verse: Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. ~Isaiah 41:10 All of us will have to deal with personal insecurities because of an unexpected challenge or a failure on our part. These insecurities can make us unsure of ourselves, second-guess decisions, and feel like there is nothing we can do to make things right. However, I a

Today's Verse: For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. ~Luke 2:11 Today is Christmas! Most people will spend this day with family over a sumptuous meal, open presents, and just having a well-deserved day off. However, above all of these traditions is the fact that Christmas Day is about Jesus and His entry into this world. This morning, let us reflect on the announcement the angels gave to the shepherds the night Jesus was bo

Today's Verse: And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. ~Luke 2:7 One of the things I like about presents is how beautifully they are wrapped. Some people really put a lot of effort into getting beautiful gift wrapping, bows, and ribbons. Then, they are craftsmen on how well they wrap the present. I sometimes feel bad tearing apart a beautifully wrapped gift! When

Today's Verse: And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. ~Luke 1:35 What’s the hardest thing you have ever been asked to do? There is an uncomfortable feeling we have when we are unexpectedly requested or told to do something that we have never done before. However, imagine how much more uncomfort