Seared in the fire. Crafted into perfection. Ready to be used. Just as the craftsman refines a tool for a select purpose, we were created in Christ Jesus to do good things. God has already given you ambitions and directions. Go fulfill them. Read more: http://odb.org/2015/06/03/something-new/

Life is full of challenges and setbacks. We can’t do it on our own. Thankfully, we have a heavenly Father who wants to help us and never wants us to walk alone. He’s reaching out to you. So grab on and don’t let go. He certainly won’t.

It’s time to get rid of all the gunk—the dirt, the grime, the residue of old ways. That is not you anymore. You’ve been cleaned. You’ve been changed. You’ve tasted what is good and real and true. So live free.

Believers are called to shine the light of the gospel in a very dark world. There are many challenges, and at times it can seem like it’s all in vain. But God’s promises hold true to sustain you in the journey and bring hope to lost people. This is the third in a series of videos for Gospel Here & Now. Go to gospelhereandnow.org to find out…

A baby boy. That’s how God chose to save the world. It was God’s plan to send His Son in the flesh, and it’s His plan to affect every one of us through this gift. So trust in His purpose, no matter what your role, because He loves you so.

Whether breaking bread around a table or coming together around the Word of God, it’s good to be with other believers. We find common ground, encouragement, and happy hearts. Fellowship is one of God’s greatest gifts to His children.

We prepare to pray, yet our minds wander and every distraction is magnified. That’s when we simply bow our hearts and say, “Lord, teach us to pray!”

No matter the circumstances, you can lean into Jesus—the best gift we could ever receive—and He will calm your spirit.

It starts as broken glass. Ruined. Thrown away. But then something amazing happens. Over time, the useless shards are rolled and tumbled until something beautiful is created. It’s just like how God takes our broken pieces and crafts beauty.

Seconds can drag on and years can fly by. We know we are on this earth for just a moment. And we don’t know when that moment will end. So, God, help us to turn to you, to seek your wisdom. As Psalm 39:7 says, “My hope is in you.”