On December 30, 2024, at 8pm, TLTF had a group of Christian believers unite on a Zoom call to pray. We opened with a beautiful video narration of Jesus’ last prayer before he was taken in the Garden of Gethsemane to be crucified. That prayer is one I’ve never really taken much time to meditate on, but it is profoundly …
Measuring Growth in Faith, Not Numbers
As a Christian ministry in the modern world, it’s easy to get caught up in metrics like bank balances, social media engagement, and online participation. While these figures can offer some insight, they risk diverting us from our core mission: guiding individuals to become disciples of Christ. Focusing solely on numerical data is like counting social media connections instead of …
Transactions & Transformation
Shortly after last month’s newsletter was sent out, a friend reached out to me via email. He expressed, “I found your recent brief piece on prayer both uplifting and inspiring, so thank you for that. Whenever I come across statements that resonate with me, I instinctively turn to the Bible, seeking answers to questions like, ‘Where can I find this …
Should Christians Vote?
There is a debate among Christians about voting. Some claim we have a moral responsibility to vote, while others see voting as a purely political act, which Christians should forgo. Those who oppose it will sometimes point to Jesus’ nonviolent lifestyle and his apparent lack of interest in politics, and conclude that somehow, he was “non-political.” I could not disagree …
The Essence of Prayer
The English priest John Chapman is credited with this quote; “Pray as you can, not as you can’t”. His message is clear, bother not yourself with the trivial matters of methods, or how or when, and just pray! We’ve all heard the adage, “Practice makes perfect”. I believe this is especially true with prayer. As we practice the habit of …
Moving From “Need” to “Want”
At some stage in life, everyone has embraced a challenging endeavor with a mix of excitement and hopeful anticipation. We approach these tasks aware that we might not be fully prepared, yet we carry an unwavering confidence. Once we achieve our goal, we celebrate the success, imperfections and all. That feeling of “I did it!” is something that can be …
Maturing Through Love
As I mature into senior citizen status, I’m acutely aware of this one reality, “My own spirituality grows or wanes in direct proportion to my recognition and acceptance of God’s love for me”. My mind consistently seeks approval from all the wrong sources; the respect of my peers or other material world evidence that “I’m okay”. Yet my heart yearns …
Thankfulness: God’s Medicine
Anxiety and depression, the prevalent mental health afflictions in our society, often leave countless individuals grappling with a sense of hopelessness, believing that their struggles will forever hold them captive. While traditional therapeutic interventions and pharmacological treatments may provide some relief, they often perpetuate the notion that recovery is an elusive goal. However, God’s wisdom offers a profound alternative – …
The Deception of Numbers
Twenty-first century Western Civilization seems to be awash with a fascination for numbers. Ideologies and political movements are no longer judged through thoughtful reason and dialogue. Rather their gravitas is determined by how many people accept or ascribe to a particular thought. Even the most outrageous positions are accepted as viable, so long as enough people agree. Such cultural norms …
God’s Purpose with Humanity
The profound question of life’s purpose echoes through the ages, a query that has captivated philosophers and theologians alike. While some seek answers in the complexities of human existence, others turn to God’s Word for answers. In the very first pages of the Bible, God reveals His intent for humanity – to create beings in His own image. This declaration, …