Growing up in the Quinn household was a little different than some other houses. There were definite expectations and rules that were not up for discussion. From a young age, I learned the definition and value of tough love. I knew that my parents loved us, but I also knew just as strongly that they were preparing us for the challenges that lay ahead. One example that comes to mind is when Dad taught me and my sister how to swim. There were no paid lessons involved from a

While some seem to struggle with the definition of a woman, the Bible provides both a beautiful and true representation of what God had in mind when He created Eve. In the Book of Proverbs (31:10-31), we read one such description, Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil. All the days of her life. She seeks wool and flax, And willingly works wit

In Paul's first letter to the church of Thessalonica, he tells us to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). In this passage, Paul is not suggesting conduct a nonstop audible prayer. He does, however, imply maintaining a continuous awareness of God's presence, making prayer a habitual, daily lifestyle Tomorrow is our nation's day of prayer. From the founding fathers to modern day presidents, our country has placed an emphasis on prayer and fasting as a way to seek God's

Have you ever been tested by someone? Or tested someone to see what they were saying was true? Although some may look at this in a negative light, I have chosen to embrace being challenged in my life. Being tested by something or someone is a chance or opportunity to prove a truth. Would you find it surprising that God also invites us to challenge Him? Malachi, the last book in the Old Testament, speaks about God's displeasure for His people. God burdens His prophet to t

Are you a morning person? Or, is almost painful to pull yourself out of bed to start your day? Some are even able to wake up by a natural rhythm their bodies have created. Certainly, there can be contributing factors such as lack of sleep, late evenings or other situations that impact the way we greet the beginning of a new day. Whether you are an early riser or a late sleeper, we have a choice on how to greet each morning that God has given us. Our congregation at Otsego

We seem to live in a society that is constantly looking for the WOW factor. Whether it be in our personal or professional lives, it feels like so many of us are focused on the next best thing instead of being content with the smaller blessings God provides every day. Our constant access to the lives of others through social media has only accelerated this unhealthy desire to have more, do more and experience more. In the Book of Proverbs, we read about how envy can steal o

Paul's letter to the church in Philippi is filled with instruction, encouragement and hope. As he sits in prison for his faith (in action), Paul writes that there can be joy in suffering for Christ. He speaks to the church about humility and unity. In the second chapter (3-4), Paul describes it like this, Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his ow

In the Book of Revelation (3:15:22), Jesus is speaking to both us as individuals and the church as a whole when He says He know(s) thy work . Many times, we convince ourselves that Jesus somehow cannot tell, or doesn't care when we keep one foot in the world and one foot in heaven. In other words, some of us are riding the fence! In this particular passage of scripture, Christ is telling us to choose a side. Similar to Joshua 25:15 choose for yourselves this day whom you w

During college, Lovel and I both had a summer job on a horse farm. Part of our responsibilities was to hitch a team of horses to a buggy. It was a learning experience in not only preparing the harnesses, but also mastering the art of driving the buggy while getting the two horses to work together. It was extremely difficult (and often frustrating) when the horses were not in sync and seemed to be on two different paths. Many times, it felt like being pulled in separate di

The crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus were incredible events in history that continue to impact thousands of people. His followers reached the highest of highs and the lowest of lows as they journeyed with Jesus from His triumphant entry into Jerusalem to Calvary's hill watching Him being nailed to a cross and laid in a borrowed tomb. And for three days, they all thought it was over. They were looking for the living among the dead. During those three days, Jesu

Along with so many other things, the Bible is a book of action. Within its' pages we find the word "go" more than 1,500 times (compared to the word "stay" which is only mentioned 62 times). As you begin to immerse yourself in God's Word, it does not take long that He expects and encourages us to move forward on His behalf. Throughout both the Old and New Testament, we are given example after example of individuals who "go" for God. Reading in the Book of Psalms (32:8-9)

As we read about Jesus and His last week on earth (before ascending to heaven), it is important to realize He experienced all things to the extreme. On the evening of His last supper, He experienced humility to the extreme by washing the feet of his disciples. The next day, Jesus experienced suffering to the extreme when He was betrayed, mocked, beaten, nailed to a cross and pierced with a sword. And today, we celebrate the greatest extreme of all: Jesus rose up from the gr

As we enter the middle of Holy Week, our focus turns to the last hours of Jesus' life on earth; leading up to His suffering, crucifixion and death. Although it may be difficult, it is important that we, as Christians, allow our minds to take us to the darkest parts of Jesus' death. We should never just focus on the fact Christ died, but more importantly on how it happened. God ordained the horrific suffering of His only Son for us. He allowed Jesus to experience this leve

For many, Easter Sunday is one of (two) holidays they will attend church. Whether it was learned growing up or practiced as an adult, sanctuaries across the country will be filled. But what about the other 50 Sundays during the year? In the beginning, God created the entire world and all within it and it was very good (Genesis 1:31). How incredible to know that God did not have to create us, He wanted to. We were literally made for in person fellowship. There can be no

What does your life revolve around? As Christians, we need to lose our lives. When we deny ourselves by not focusing on our needs, it increases our ability to love others. Look what Jesus said in The Book of Luke (17:33), Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it. Jesus was not necessarily referring to a physical death. In The Book of Matthew (19:29), He talks of forsaking things of this world. Things that we

For most of my adult life, I have been holding on too tight. Holding on to things that seem, now not to be so important: other people's opinions, accolades and commendations from jobs, past hurts, and the list goes on and on. And, just when I do let go, my hands find something else to latch on to. It is both never ending and never healthy. In striving for what the world has declared to me as being important, I have caused more stress for myself than Jesus ever intended me

In the Book of Matthew (chapter 23) we find Jesus admonishing the religious leaders of that time. The Pharisees and Sadducees are satisfied with only looking the part. Jesus refers to them as being spiritually blind. As He speaks to the church leaders, Jesus uses the example of a bowl and cup that look clean or spotless on the outside. But the inside is much different. Their inside is filthy, only appearing to be clean. It is similar to looking for a new home when the

The Bible speaks in detail about who we will be in heaven. Our earthly bodies are patterned after that of the first man (Adam); while our heavenly bodies will resemble the resurrected body of Jesus. The Apostle Paul speaks of this in two of his letter to churches. The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is the Lord from heaven (1 Corinthians 15:47). Who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working

As we look forward to celebrating the death and resurrection of Jesus, it is important to understand the events that transpired. Certainly, we can see clearly that prophecy was fulfilled with Jesus' crucifixion, burial, resurrection and ascension to sit at the right hand of the Father. But within each of these crucial aspects of our faith, it is important to dig deeper to better understand not only what Jesus did, but why. For instance, the shedding of His blood on the cros

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope ( Jeremiah 29:11). God’s plan for us is very simple. We sometimes over complicate things when we pick and choose only parts of His plan. We need to remind ourselves all of God’s plan fits together just like His word (Bible). Scores of people today, even in many of our churches, walk around aimless. They work their jobs and take care of their fam