Following Christ English

Every year I make a long list of New Year's resolutions, and every year I forget every one of them. Is it just a waste of time to make a list of New Year's resolutions? A: No, it’s not a waste of time to examine our lives and admit that we need to make some changes—if we’re honest about actually doing it. Unfortunately, most lists of resolutions aren’t really resolutions at all; they’re only a series of wishes, without any plan for making them happen. But let me suggest you ask yourself two questions as you think about your list. First, what is God’s goal for you during the coming year? What does He want to see happen in your life in the new year? In other words, don’t just write down anything that happens to come to mind; seek instead God’s priority for your life. Perhaps you have never given your life to Jesus Christ—and if not, make this your first step. And if you do know Christ, make it your goal to draw closer to Him during the coming year. Jesus said, “But se

Question   I am trying to teach my children about the true meaning of Christmas and it’s hard to do when the holiday has been turned into a commercial event about all the wrong things. Shouldn’t it be more about the infant Jesus and the sweet story of that first Christmas night? Answer  From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham In the midst of all upheaval, crisis, difficulty, problems, and fear comes the true message of Christmas with all of its hope, goodwill, and cheer. The message of Christmas has been terribly misapplied and misunderstood for many years. Some think of business profits, shopping, gifts, tinsel, toys, and celebration. Others think only of Bethlehem, of the star in the sky, shepherds in the field, and angels singing. Still others cynically ask, “Where is this Prince of Peace in a world filled with so much trouble?” The real Christmas message goes far deeper. It heralds the entrance of God into human history. It is Heaven descending to Earth. It is as though a trumpe

We moved last year and got involved in a new church that's more formal in its worship than our old church. Now they are preparing for what they call the "advent" season, and I'm too embarrassed to admit my ignorance and ask someone what it is. Maybe you can explain it to me. The “Advent season” consists of the weeks leading up to Christmas (in most churches the four Sundays before Christmas). The word “advent” comes from an old word that means the coming or arrival of something—in this case, the coming of Jesus into the world. Even churches that don’t use this term usually begin focusing on the meaning of Christmas during these weeks—and this is what I hope you and your family will do also. After all, for Christians no event in all history was more significant (along with Jesus’ death and resurrection). Christ is the center and foundation of our faith, and there is no better time of the year to renew our faith and remember all He has done for us. Why was J

“See how good the Lord is. Happy is the person who trusts him.” Psalms 34:8    What you believe about God is crucial to the quality of your life, especially in difficult times. So, starting today, tell yourself, “God is good—all the time,” and keep saying it until it gets down into your spirit. What does it mean to be “good?” It means living up to the best and highest one knows. And since God always knows what’s best and highest, His goodness is beyond question. If God is good—genuinely, practically, consistently good—then your cup of well-being, security, peace, confidence, and joy should be overflowing! A good God can’t break His promise, abandon His children, or fail to love and provide for them. In every trial and circumstance, you can be sure He will treat you in the best possible way. When things seem to be falling apart, when you stumble confused in the dark, it’s hard to see God’s goodness or feel that things will get better. That’s when you must draw on the faith G