We have experienced three days of a new year and many of us are already exhausted. Maybe it is a carry over from last year, the holidays, our schedules or a combination of all three. Whatever the cause, it is hard to remember a time when we did not feel worn out. As we collectively return to our our jobs, routines, busy homes and life in general, perhaps there is a shared feeling of dread and preconceived exhaustion. Similar to someone squatting (or lifting) weights, sink

Have you ever wondered why Jesus places such importance on prayer life? His Word is filled with references, encouragement, examples (Sermon on the Mount) and the importance of prayer. Certainly, prayer is vital to the overall well-being of a believer and their relationship with Christ. It is our direct communication with God. A daily conversation that can take on many shapes and forms: forgiveness, joy, confusion, gratitude, protection, and the list goes on. Our prayers

As we continue to prepare for and celebrate the arrival of Christmas many churches, like Otsego First Baptist, make Advent a part of services. But what is Advent? Why do Christians celebrate it? Is it even found in the Bible? Although the word advent is not found in the Bible, the practice of Advent is filled with biblical themes and spiritual preparations for Christmas. In addition to the lighting of candles during the four weeks leading up to Christmas, many of our othe

One of the most incredible and impactful passages in the Bible is often omitted or looked over during the Christmas season. It is a story of family, faith and familiarity. Luke 1:39-45 allows us to journey with Jesus' mother after she was visited by an angel and told she, as a virgin, would give birth to the Savior of the world.   Now Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah, and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Eliza

We have allowed life to become so complicated. Our 24 hour days seem to have 29 hour schedules. Almost as if the more we do, the more we have and the busier we are the happier we will be. As Christians we can have a larger life through Jesus. An abundant live, one that is filled with victory. When broken down by biblical truth, life can be more fulfilling and not so full of stuff. So, how do we keep life from getting in the way of truly living? Simplify. We have so man

I love the simplicity of God's Word. Many times, we make life a lot more difficult than what it needs to be. Our actions can turn a minor issue into a major challenge. The Bible is our guide on how we are to live our lives. But for some reason, we all feel like our way is so much better. Of the many things God encourages us to do, we can simplify them into three basic categories: stand, speak and serve. Throughout the Bible we are told to stand firm in our faith. 1 Corin

In our society, gambling has become a multi-million dollar industry with many people sacrificing both their finances and families in the pursuit of "playing the percentages". Both professional and college sports has become a haven for addicts who risk their future on legalized betting. With this thought in mind, are we also gambling in our walk with Christ? Are we banking (betting) on the belief His return to earth will not happen today, tomorrow or in our physical lifetime

We at FCA are thankful that you have joined our team to share the good news of Jesus with coaches and athletes! All across central Ohio, we are seeing increased numbers at huddles in our middle schools, high schools and college campuses. During this time of the year, there are so many things to be thankful for. In his letter to the church in Thessalonica, Paul talks about being thankful in all things. Notice he did not say to be thankful for all things. With this realizatio

I believe the Bible to be the infallible and inerrant Word of God; truthful in every word and and every way in it's original manuscript. In other words, the Bible was inspired by God, written by man appointed by God and without error. 2 Timothy 3:16 confirms the ownership of Scripture. So then, are we to believe that every bible every written contains complete truth? Unfortunately from the very beginning of time, man's interpretation of God's original and inspired Word ha

It seems like there is less and less that we can control in this world. The direction of society and the consequences thereof are heading in so many different ways at a break-neck speed. Fortunately for those that have received Jesus as their Savior, we have the assurance of who is actually in control. With that, we still read in God's Word how we can impact our own lives even when we feel things are headed (or already) out of control. Whether it is at home, your job or pl

In the Book of Matthew, Jesus teaches us how to pray. In chapter 6, we find Him preaching the Sermon on the Mount. During countless services, congregations have recited The Lord's Prayer. But in doing so, do we understand the meaning? After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thine name. Thy kingdom come, they will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our deb

As we look to begin another season of cold weather, snow, blowing winds and layers of clothes, the thought of keeping warm is on the minds of many of us. Although I am thankful for every season and enjoy a picturesque snow (especially on Christmas) I can tell you that winter is definitely not my favorite time of the year. One thing I do enjoy doing as temperatures drop is camping. To me, there are very few things as relaxing as sitting around a fire with a hot cup of coffee

In the Book Of Matthew (21:12-13) we read about Jesus arriving in Jerusalem and heading straight into the temple. Why? To put His house in order first and then be about His Fathers' business! As we strive to live like Jesus, are we working to make sure our houses are in order? Before answering, it is important realize that as Christians we have three homes in this world. Our first home is our physical body. In his first letter to the church in Corinth, Paul refers to our b

Growing up, many of us experienced the merry-go-round on the school playground. How so many of us survived those rides is beyond me. We would pile on as many as possible and then hang on for dear life as the brave ones would put their feet on the ground to gain speed as we went round and round. During this orchestrated form of torture, experiences ranged from jumping off at the very beginning, trying to hang on until you were catapulted in the air or hanging on to the very e

As Chrisitans, we strive for something we know is is not attainable. Why? Because Jesus told us to. And, if He knows us better than we know ourselves, we can trust in the fact that even though perfection is not possible for you and I working towards it is. Beginning in the Old Testament, God's creation realized its' inability to be perfect. In the Book of Job (9:20) we read Job's self-realization that he will never be perfect and to think so would be utterly unrealistic o

There are so many great, contemporary Christian songs that speak to the greatness of God. Artists like Third Day and Zach Williams have amazing talent. With that, I sincerely hope that those young in their faith do not miss the beauty and impact of some older, traditional hymns. On Christ The Solid Rock is one in particular that speaks of a great hope we can only find in a relationship with Jesus. The chorus of the song tells that Christ is the solid Rock while all other

We live in a demanding world, one that demands both our time and attention. Too many times, the demands become so stressful that some suffer health issues as a result. Our bodies and minds were made to sustain only such much before they start breaking down. As some point, people or things in your life will be sacrificed simply to survive. Unfortunately, as Christians we sometimes push God away by finding excuses not to give Him our best. In the Book of Malachi (1:6-14) Go

As I continue to journey in this current season of life, it has become apparent that there is a need to be more deliberate and specific in how I use both my time and energy. Days are literally flying by and I do not want to waste either on things that just aren't that important. For almost 40 years, I have been exercising in some form. Whether it be lifting weights, cardio, full body exercises or spending time outdoors, I have seen a shift from what I once was able to do t

Have you ever felt so convicted and convinced over something in your life that knew with every ounce of your being you were meant to do it? Was there ever a time when you heard the Lord speak to you as clearly as if He was standing right next to you? The Apostle Paul felt that way when he wrote to the church in Rome about his experience being called by God. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to Hi

It seems like our children are growing up at a very accelerated and, sometimes unhealthy, rate. Whether it is a combination of the time in which we are living, social media, non-stop schedules or a combination of all three, kids aren't being given the opportunity to just be kids. As parents and mentors (coaches, teachers and pastors) serving as role models, it is important that we remember how impressionable young people are. They are seeking guidance and direction, both of