God created you to be happy, commands that you be happy, and stands ready to fill you with deep, abiding happiness. Yet happiness is not an automatic reality, even for believers. God’s path to happiness requires that we walk it out.

The book of Ruth may not be the first place you’d look for a Christmas story. Yet, Naomi’s story of loss, pain, and restoration offers hope to our weary hearts this season—all through the birth of a baby boy.

As a reaction to traditions that elevate Mary too highly, many Protestants don’t think enough about how wonderful Mary was. When my premature newborn struggled to live, I thought about Mary often. I still do.

Tim Shorey, one of our staff writers, is journaling through his struggle with stage 4 cancer. In this entry, he reminds readers that we all walk the road of suffering to the Heavenly City.  

For all the fun that the holiday season can bring, it can also overwhelm you. Here are some ways I’m trying to honor God and love others—without getting overwhelmed.

Reading the Word of God is to be surrounded by a matchless view. It is to be transported by tram to the mountainous movements of God in this world that call us back to himself so that we can live in his presence and promote his glory in all the earth forever.

Eventually, I had to come to terms with the fact that it was not my personality, lack of knowledge, or want of opportunity that kept me from telling people about Jesus. It was fear.

I could no longer think that I was okay with God. My righteousness had been devastated by fourteen words, in one verse in one book of the Bible.

I didn’t expect the thoughts from my young son about death to cause so many thoughts within me.

My daughter’s social communication difficulties can set her apart in the eyes of the world in all the wrong ways. Yet, time and time again, I have watched God flip the switch, giving her unique opportunities to reach others for the Kingdom and draw people to him in ways that others simply cannot do.

In this recently released excerpt from Gospel-Centered Discipleship’s latest book, Church Planter, author Tony Merida reminds readers of the need for humility and rest.