Maintaining a standard of excellence during the Christmas season can be challenging, especially when faced with extra services, special programs, and last-minute changes. Dr. Abadan Shah shares his insights on how to prioritize joy and excellence, rather than just going through the motions, and how to avoid burnout by focusing on the true meaning of the season. [... more]

God's character is revealed through the Song of Moses, highlighting his faithfulness, justice, and perfection. However, Israel's corruption and foolishness are also exposed, as they deal corruptly with God and repay him with ingratitude and senselessness. [... more]

Many retirees struggle with rising costs and limited income, yet often overlook their home equity as a valuable resource. A reverse mortgage can provide a safer, more flexible option to tap into this asset, eliminating mortgage payments and offering a guaranteed line of credit for future expenses. Additionally, setting up a 401k plan can be a great tool for small businesses, offering tax benefits and encouraging employees to save for their future. Effective financial planning and stewardship are crucial for a secure retirement, and understanding the options available can make a significant difference in achieving long-term financial goals. [... more]

You have complete access to the Creator of the universe through prayer, and God is eagerly waiting for you to talk with Him. He is a good, good father who is deeply involved and concerned about what you're facing right now. Becoming a Christian can happen in a moment, and it's just like turning from darkness to light, from the power of Satan to God. [... more]

Solomon explores how to ruin one's life, country, and everything else by adopting a me-first attitude, becoming inattentive and indifferent, being selfish and shallow, and becoming obstinate and opinionated. He contrasts this with the path to spiritual growth, which demands a rejection of self-centeredness and a commitment to living with dignity, discipline, and integrity. [... more]

Ruth Handler, the 10th and last child of Polish Jewish immigrants, grew up to be a successful businesswoman and entrepreneur. She co-founded Mattel with her husband Elliot and introduced the iconic Barbie doll, which became a global icon. Handler's innovative approach to business and her ability to connect with women through Barbie helped her build a legacy that continues to inspire generations. [... more]

Charitable giving and tax planning are crucial during year-end, and understanding donor-advised funds and qualified charitable distributions can help individuals make the most of their donations. Financial stewardship and biblical wisdom are essential in managing money, and recognizing God as the owner of everything can lead to a more balanced approach to finances. [... more]

The Bible's authors carefully documented Jesus' lineage, including notable sinners, to demonstrate God's grace and redemption. Jesus' family tree reveals a complex history of brokenness, yet God's will and purpose are completed in the midst of it. Jesus broke down barriers between Jew and Gentile, male and female, and saint and sinner, inviting all to join the family of God and receive His grace. [... more]

As caregivers, it's essential to prioritize our health and well-being, not just for ourselves but for our loved ones. Peter Rosenberger shares his personal journey of weight loss and nutrition, emphasizing the importance of accountability, stress eating, and self-care. He also discusses the impact of faith-based programs and prosthetic limb recycling, highlighting the transformative power of community and compassion. [... more]

The Advent season is a time of hope and expectation, as we look forward to the coming of the Savior. Jesus is the ultimate fulfiller of all God's covenant promises, and his birth in Bethlehem brought light and salvation to the world. Through faith, we can inherit the covenant blessings that God has promised to Abraham and his descendants, and we can experience the love and forgiveness that comes from God. Jesus is the solution to the theological conundrum of the Old Testament, where God's guarantee of the covenant was dependent on human obedience. He is the God-man who keeps both sides of the covenant, upholding God's guarantee and fulfilling Abraham's obligations. In Him, we are secure in the covenant love of God forever, and we can experience the fullness of God's blessings and promises. [... more]

Mary's song, the Magnificat, celebrates the Providence of God, highlighting His sovereignty, mercy, and judgment. It emphasizes God's faithfulness to His promises, particularly to Abraham and his seed, and contrasts the rich who are self-sufficient with the poor who are dependent on God's mercy. [... more]

When we suffer a defeat in our Christian walk, we can still enjoy victory by learning from God's ways and being obedient to His commands. We must recognize our obligation to honor, obey, and serve our God, no matter what the requirements may be, and slay every sin that easily besets us. Obedience is the indication and sign that we belong to the family of God, and it is the evidence that we love Jesus Christ. [... more]

God is intervening in the history of the world, sending his angel Gabriel to declare the births of John the Baptist and Jesus, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and preparing the way for the Messiah. Zechariah and Elizabeth, a godly couple, have their prayer for a child answered, and their son John will be great before the Lord, filled with the Holy Spirit from his mother's womb. [... more]

Staying focused on what God has called you to do is crucial in Christian ministry. When faced with discouragement, it's easy to jump into new ideas, but this can divert from the main thing. Dr. Abadan Shah shares his experience of being a pastor and how he learned to stay focused on the word of God and prayer, even when things got tough. [... more]

Blair Cornell's family was expecting a new baby boy, but they received devastating news that he would be born with moderate to severe special needs. Despite initial challenges, Blair and his wife Kat found ways to adapt and support their child, Carter, and eventually started a nonprofit called Joyride to provide joy and happiness to kids with special needs through car rides and unique experiences. [... more]

The story of Buckies, a Texas-based convenience store chain, is a testament to slow and steady business growth. Founded by Arch Beaver Applin in 1982, Buckies has evolved into a beloved institution, known for its clean and welcoming stores, friendly employees, and commitment to its customers. With a focus on providing a unique experience, Buckies has set itself apart from other gas stations and convenience stores, becoming a destination for travelers and locals alike. [... more]

In 1961, the residents of McDonald County, Missouri, decided to secede from the state and form their own territory, known as the Ozark Breakaway, in protest of being left off a new vacation highway map. The residents, led by State Senator Lee Aaron Batchelor, created their own government, currency, and even a border patrol to enforce their new territory's laws. [... more]

Crystal Payne shares practical steps to simplify your Christmas, stay organized, and keep your focus on what really matters. She discusses the importance of budgeting, using cash, and making homemade gifts to stay within your means. Crystal also shares ideas for cooking ahead of time, hosting a special Christmas celebration with your family, and prioritizing meaningful activities during the holiday season. [... more]

Jesus' genealogy reveals a complex family tree with dysfunctional relatives, including women with questionable reputations, yet God's grace encompasses the brokenness of the world, making Jesus the legitimate king and savior of all people. [... more]

A Florida man is arrested for eating raw animal meat in public, a plane crashes onto a car on a highway, and a Christmas parade float depicts a woman getting run over by a train. Meanwhile, identity thieves target holiday shoppers, and a controversy erupts over the origins of the song 'Jingle Bells'. [... more]