# Time of Grace Ministry > A Christian ministry with Bible-based videos, books, podcasts, and more. ## Posts - [When Being “Spiritual but Not Religious” Failed](https://timeofgrace.org/when-being-spiritual-but-not-religious-failed/): Discover the lessons from the book of Judges and the importance of community in staying anchored in your faith. - [Did You Leave the Church Because of Your Pastor?](https://timeofgrace.org/did-you-leave-the-church-because-of-your-pastor/): When pastors fall short, it can shake our faith, but Jesus offers healing and hope through forgiveness and community. - [Does Your Church Tell You the Truth?](https://timeofgrace.org/does-your-church-tell-you-the-truth/): Discover how to find a church that tells you the truth, balancing the seriousness of sin with the hope of Christ's grace. - [Do You Really Need Church?](https://timeofgrace.org/do-you-really-need-church/): In a world of digital spirituality, the church offers essential community, accountability, and truth for your faith journey. - [Is It Okay to Be Spiritual but Not Religious?](https://timeofgrace.org/is-it-okay-to-be-spiritual-but-not-religious/): Explore the balance of being spiritual but not religious, and discover why community is vital in your faith journey. - [Self-control](https://timeofgrace.org/self-control/): “Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control” (Proverbs 25:28). From my personal experience, the attribute that every Christian wishes they had more of is self-control. And the proverb quoted above shows why. A person who lacks self-control is extremely vulnerable. Temptations scream through the heart unabated. No roadblocks […] - [How Do I Forgive My Abusive Dad? I Must Heal First](https://timeofgrace.org/how-do-i-forgive-my-abusive-dad-i-must-heal-first/): Discover the path to healing from abuse through the comfort of the Psalms and the love of your Heavenly Father. - [Abuse: What Does God Say? To the Abused](https://timeofgrace.org/abuse-what-does-god-say-to-the-abused/): Discover God's heart for justice and healing in the face of abuse, and embrace the hope and restoration found in Christ. - [Why did God create hell?](https://timeofgrace.org/why-did-god-create-hell/): The 20th century was the epoch of evil. Yes, it was also a time of great advancement in technology and medicine. Yet even those discoveries were used for mass murder. Most of us know about Hitler’s gas chambers that slayed some 6 million Jews. But did you know that Stalin made the Holocaust look insignificant, […] - [The path to true healing goes through Christ](https://timeofgrace.org/the-path-to-true-healing-goes-through-christ/): “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all.”—Psalm 34:18,19 You are brokenhearted. And you are here. That is an important step. So many victims of abuse construct their own coping through self-determination. The […] - [Why Would God Allow Good Kids to Die? - Mike Novotny - Time of Grace](https://timeofgrace.org/why-would-god-allow-good-kids-to-die-mike-novotny-time-of-grace/): Discover how faith and divine wisdom can guide us through life's toughest questions, trusting in God's plan even when it seems incomprehensible. - [Skeptical Faith: God Loves Science?](https://timeofgrace.org/skeptical-faith-god-loves-science/): Discover how faith and science can coexist, enhancing your appreciation of God's creation and deepening your spiritual journey. - [Skeptical Faith: Aren't Christians Hypocrites?](https://timeofgrace.org/skeptical-faith-arent-christians-hypocrites/): Explore how Jesus addresses hypocrisy, offering healing and grace to those hurt by it, and inviting us to authentic faith. - [Not until you bless me](https://timeofgrace.org/not-until-you-bless-me/): It’s not insulting to be demanding with God. Some Christians, in a desire to be humble, turn all of their prayers into question marks, into soul-numbing, expecting-little “God willings.” But there are times when your prayers should be much bolder. There are times when you should be demanding with God. Think of the strange night […] - [Skeptical Faith: Am I Naturally Good?](https://timeofgrace.org/skeptical-faith-am-i-naturally-good/): Explore the biblical perspective on human nature, challenging us to find joy and redemption through humility and God's grace. - [Is It Wrong to Drink and Do Drugs?](https://timeofgrace.org/is-it-wrong-to-drink-and-do-drugs/): Navigating the complexities of alcohol and drug use requires wisdom, self-control, and a heart focused on honoring God. - [Am I Allowed to Be Cremated?](https://timeofgrace.org/am-i-allowed-to-be-cremated/): Explore whether cremation aligns with Christian beliefs by delving into Scripture and understanding the miracle of resurrection. - [What if My Family Doesn't Believe in Jesus?](https://timeofgrace.org/what-if-my-family-doesnt-believe-in-jesus/): When loved ones don't believe in Jesus, trust in biblical guidance: pray for doors to open, share boldly, and live Christ-like. - [How to Talk About Jesus When My Friend's Parents Aren't in Heaven](https://timeofgrace.org/how-to-talk-about-jesus-when-my-friends-parents-arent-in-heaven/): Sharing the Gospel with a friend whose loved ones lacked faith requires compassion, but the joy of one soul saved is worth it. - [Are My Loved Ones Watching Over Me From Heaven?](https://timeofgrace.org/are-my-loved-ones-watching-over-me-from-heaven/): Explore the comforting truths about heaven and guardian angels, and find hope in God's promise of eternal reunion with loved ones. - [Skeptical Faith: Can I Trust the Bible?](https://timeofgrace.org/skeptical-faith-can-i-trust-the-bible/): Explore why the Bible stands as a trustworthy text, guided by prophecy, testimony, and reason, inviting deeper faith. - [Easter From the Holy Land: Where Death Lost Its Sting](https://timeofgrace.org/easter-from-the-holy-land-where-death-lost-its-sting/): Explore the Holy Land's sacred sites and discover Easter's timeless message of hope, love, and the risen Christ's victory over death. - [Where's the Evidence the Bible Is True?](https://timeofgrace.org/wheres-the-evidence-the-bible-is-true/): Explore how personal engagement with Scripture and fulfilled prophecies reveal the Bible's truth, and trust the Holy Spirit's transformative power. - [The prayer of a struggling believer](https://timeofgrace.org/the-prayer-of-a-struggling-believer/): Father, I’m struggling right now. My heart is heavy, and I don’t even fully understand what I’m feeling. I know I’ve messed up. I’ve messed up a lot. Some things seem small, but they still bother me. Some things are massive failures, and they torment me. I know it’s not true, but sometimes I wonder […] - [What Temptation Reveals About You](https://timeofgrace.org/what-temptation-reveals-about-you/): Discover what temptation reveals about your heart and how Jesus' example invites you to a deeper relationship with God. - [Out of Context: "Do Not Judge"](https://timeofgrace.org/out-of-context-do-not-judge/): Explore Jesus' teaching on judgment, understanding its context, and how to lovingly guide others while examining your own heart. - [Does Someone Who's Never Heard of Jesus Go to Hell?](https://timeofgrace.org/does-someone-whos-never-heard-of-jesus-go-to-hell/): Explore the biblical perspective on the fate of those who haven't heard of Jesus and our role in sharing the gospel. - [Is Porn OK for Married Couples?](https://timeofgrace.org/is-porn-ok-for-married-couples/): Discover why pornography is harmful to marriages and how you can cultivate a deeper, God-honoring intimacy with your spouse. - [Our Father](https://timeofgrace.org/our-father/): I never thought I would be the guy to stare at children while they sleep. But I do. When I get home late from work or from soccer, I sneak into my daughters’ bedrooms and I just stare. Sometimes I sit down on the carpet and just look at their bare feet sticking out from […] - [The weight of sin](https://timeofgrace.org/the-weight-of-sin/): I’m fascinated by the fact that all the toppings at a frozen yogurt shop cost you the same amount per pound. Clearly the breakfast cereal toppings or gummy bears cost the owners less per pound than the nuts and fruit, right? I load up on pecans and fruit because, hey, when they weigh my bowl, […] - [Get Over Yourself](https://timeofgrace.org/get-over-yourself/): Embrace humility and invite correction to grow spiritually, aligning yourself with God's purpose in His eternal kingdom. - [God's Biggest Goal for You](https://timeofgrace.org/gods-biggest-goal-for-you/): Discover how turning to God as your refuge provides strength and peace amidst life's inevitable challenges and uncertainties. - [God's To-Do List for Depression](https://timeofgrace.org/gods-to-do-list-for-depression/): When we’re depressed, sometimes we naively think that if we just go to church, just sing the right song, or just say the right prayer, our depression will go away. But God’s to-do list for depression isn’t something he’s commanding us to do; it’s something he himself is getting done. Pastor Mike looks to a 3,000-year-old psalm to find how God is helping. - [Is It Wrong to Feel Anxiety? - Time of Grace](https://timeofgrace.org/is-it-wrong-to-feel-anxiety-time-of-grace/): Anxiety is not a sin; even Jesus felt it. Discover the hope and peace He offers through life's toughest challenges. - [Evolution of Faith: From Fear to Peace](https://timeofgrace.org/evolution-of-faith-from-fear-to-peace/): Explore the promise of an eternal treasure in God's presence, offering peace and joy that surpass all understanding amidst life's uncertainties. - [Are Demons Real?](https://timeofgrace.org/are-demons-real/): Explore the reality of demons through scripture and discover the reassuring power of Jesus' authority over them in your life. - [Use worldly wealth to gain eternal friendships](https://timeofgrace.org/use-worldly-wealth-to-gain-eternal-friendships/): Some things that were valuable in 2019 have no value in 2020. For example, the plane tickets I purchased in 2019 had no value by the time I was supposed to use them in 2020. Jesus says the same thing about the value of earthly wealth in the age to come. One day, a $100 […] - [Solomon’s healthy perspective](https://timeofgrace.org/solomons-healthy-perspective/): Way before COVID-19 messed with our way of life, King Solomon looked at everything “under the sun” and said that it was all hevel, which is a Hebrew word that means “mist,” or “vapor,” (often translated as “meaningless”). That means that the richest, wisest, and most successful king in Israel’s history saw the things of […] - [Hey, friend, it’ll be alright](https://timeofgrace.org/hey-friend-itll-be-alright/): I was streaming a playlist when a phrase I’d heard a million times hit me like a cool breeze on a hot day. And then the phrase repeated, providing the exclamation point I needed. “It’ll be alright.” Did you hear that? “It’ll be alright.” Headlines scream and rhetoric whirls and chaos keeps those of us […] - [Why?](https://timeofgrace.org/why/): Did you hear about that jury trial for the evil cat who murdered the innocent mouse? Snuck up on her while she was trying to get some cheese for her babies, poor little thing. Did you catch that on Court TV? No, you didn’t. We don’t have court cases for cats or lawyers for lions. […] - [You're Not Alone in Your Suffering](https://timeofgrace.org/youre-not-alone-in-your-suffering/): Discover how to find hope and strength in your suffering through Christ's promise of a heavenly home and eternal peace. - [The problem with coping mechanisms](https://timeofgrace.org/the-problem-with-coping-mechanisms/): Each day seems to bring a new announcement or policy concerning the pandemic that challenges our normal way of life. At the church where I serve, we are constantly making changes. First, we had to move worship online. Then, we partially reopened for in-person services. And now we are requiring masks in our facility. What […] - [God & transgender (Part 5)](https://timeofgrace.org/god-transgender-part-5/): God gave us a gender (male or female); sin broke our bodies (including our sense of gender); Jesus’ body was broken to give us hope; and all Christians are called to love one another, even if the temptations we face are unique. Now what? While specialized counseling or support groups have their place, the church […] - [God & transgender (Part 4)](https://timeofgrace.org/god-transgender-part-4/): I came across a sobering statistic from the American Academy of Pediatrics. It reported that 42 percent of transgender teens have attempted suicide. 42 percent! That’s three times the rate of the average American teenager. I need that statistic to soak into your soul. Too often, Christians are insensitive and dismissive of the struggles that […] - [God & transgender (Part 3)](https://timeofgrace.org/god-transgender-part-3/): Do you think Jesus experienced the same temptation that many transgender people face? Jesus is God—all-powerful, eternal, present everywhere—but two thousand years ago, when he took on flesh, Jesus humbled himself and experienced the weaknesses of the human body. He got hungry, thirsty, tired, exhausted, sad, sorrowful, and overwhelmed. Look how Paul puts it in […] - [God & transgender (Part 2)](https://timeofgrace.org/god-transgender-part-2/): If God created us “male and female” and declared that our genders are “very good” (Genesis 1:27,31), why do so many people—even God-fearing, Spirit-filled followers of Jesus—struggle so much with gender? The answer comes in Genesis chapter 3 when the first male and female fell into sin and gender forever fell apart in the process. […] - [God & transgender (Part 1)](https://timeofgrace.org/god-transgender-part-1/): How should Christians approach their transgender questions? When we (or someone we love) feel a disconnect between our brains and our biological bodies, what does God want us to do? Let’s tackle those questions in a series of devotions over the next few days. The best place to start with questions about transgender is the […] - [Because God said so](https://timeofgrace.org/because-god-said-so/): “Because I said so.” Were you ever on the receiving end of that statement as a kid? Your dad asked you to do something, you responded with “But why?,” and he replied, “Because I said so.” Boom. End of discussion.  It’s such an unsatisfactory answer, isn’t it? We all want to understand the reasoning behind […] - [Jesus Wasn't White](https://timeofgrace.org/jesus-wasnt-white/): Discover the timeless truth of God's inclusive love and the universal reach of the Gospel message from Caesarea. - [Josiah, the boy king](https://timeofgrace.org/josiah-the-boy-king/): Was there ever a child champion like Josiah, who became king of Judah as a second grader? His father, an evil man, was assassinated after a short two-year reign, and suddenly Josiah’s little head had to bear the weight of a big crown: “Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned […] - [Struggling With Homosexuality?](https://timeofgrace.org/struggling-with-homosexuality/): Facing struggles with faith and hope, we find strength in Jesus' compassion, guiding us through life's challenges with love. - [God’s Got This!](https://timeofgrace.org/gods-got-this/) - [Daylight savings](https://timeofgrace.org/daylight-savings/): We lost a full hour this month. In the middle of the night on March 8, we skipped right over the 2 o’clock hour and woke up sometime later a bit groggy and late for church. This practice of daylight savings was put into place to conserve energy and make full use of the daylight […] - [What will you feed?](https://timeofgrace.org/what-will-you-feed/): In life's battles between fear and faith, choose to nourish your spirit with God's promises and find peace in His presence. - [Sometimes God lets you fall](https://timeofgrace.org/sometimes-god-lets-you-fall/): You know, all Christians, me included, really like the passages in Scripture that talk about God’s rescuing activity. We adore the stories of Daniel and his lions, David and the giant Goliath, Jonah’s underwater weekend, Jesus’ five thousand lunch guests, and Jairus’ dead sixth-grade daughter coming back to life. Personally I love passages like “the […] - [Dishonest scales](https://timeofgrace.org/dishonest-scales/): When I step on the bathroom scale, I generally don’t like the readout. I’ve tried pulling myself up a little with the towel bar to get a better number. But that’s cheating. “The Lord detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with him” (Proverbs 11:1). God hates any kind of fraud. Fraudulent practices have […] - [Tough Question Tuesday: Do Babies Remain Babies in Heaven?](https://timeofgrace.org/tough-question-tuesday-do-babies-remain-babies-in-heaven/): Explore what the Bible says about babies in heaven and find peace in God's unfailing love and perfect plan. - [Giving and sharing](https://timeofgrace.org/giving-and-sharing/): By definition, giving is a sacrifice. It is taking something we value and presenting it to someone we value even more, expecting nothing in return. In Leviticus, God taught Old Testament believers to love him like that by insisting they make significant sacrifices. They burned up animals that took effort and expense to raise. They […] - [Exercise your faith!](https://timeofgrace.org/exercise-your-faith/): Every year around this time of year, people come out of their food- and Christmas celebration-induced haze and realize their pants don’t fit quite right. So the owners of said pants make resolutions to exercise more. While I think that kind of exercise is important, I also believe this is the perfect time of year […] - [GOD is here](https://timeofgrace.org/god-is-here/): The other day I asked my friend Katie, “Who would be the most life-changing person to walk through that door and be here with us?” Katie leaned in and muttered, “I’m supposed to say Jesus, right? . . . Because I’m thinking about someone delivering sushi. . . . But I love dolphins too. Can […] - [Do not be afraid!](https://timeofgrace.org/do-not-be-afraid/): Do not be afraid! Mary, you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a Son, and you will name him Jesus (Luke 1:30,31). This will not be an easy time for you, Mary. There will be talk in Nazareth; though you have done nothing wrong, people will try to make […] - [Finding strength](https://timeofgrace.org/finding-strength/): Are you feeling strong today? You can . . . even if your fingers are bent by arthritis. Even if cancer has come or come back. Even if your heart is shrouded in mourning colors. Even if debt just slipped through your mail slot. Even if your mind is letting go. Even if you don’t […] - [Pass the salt](https://timeofgrace.org/pass-the-salt/): Salt has a humble spot on our grocery lists. It’s not fancy or expensive. But imagine life without it! Salt preserves crunchy pickles, melts stubborn ice, adds zing to a bland steak, and helps heal a sore throat. God also wants salt to season our speech. “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned […] - [4 Steps for Using Your Spiritual Gifts](https://timeofgrace.org/4-steps-for-using-your-spiritual-gifts/): Discover how to identify and utilize your spiritual gifts for the glory of God and the edification of His community. - [Different Parts, One Body](https://timeofgrace.org/different-parts-one-body/): Discover the joy of embracing your unique gifts as part of the body of Christ, fostering peace and unity in faith. - [Stop Comparing Yourself to Others](https://timeofgrace.org/stop-comparing-yourself-to-others/): Stop comparing yourself to others and embrace your unique design, crafted by God, to find peace and fulfillment in Him. - [Don’t let God rest](https://timeofgrace.org/dont-let-god-rest/): So there I was, wide awake at 3:57 a.m. (Thanks a lot, time change.) I quietly got out of bed, went to the main room in the house, and turned on our Christmas lights. (No, I didn’t put them up early; I just hadn’t taken them down from the previous year.) I opened my Bible. […] - [Come as you are](https://timeofgrace.org/come-as-you-are/): The photo at the bottom of this blog is what I looked like after 30 minutes with a makeup artist who used not one but two tackle boxes of makeup to make me look “natural.” To be honest, as someone who usually wears a ponytail and no makeup, it was fun to cover up my […] - [What I pray (almost) every morning](https://timeofgrace.org/what-i-pray-almost-every-morning/): There’s a passage I pray almost every morning. I say “almost” because I’m not a morning person. Some mornings I wake up in a groggy fit of snooze bar-slamming anger at the God who is so frustratingly consistent with rotating the earth. But eventually I compose myself and pray a powerful prayer. I can call […] - [I love my tattoo (and what I said to those who didn’t)](https://timeofgrace.org/i-love-my-tattoo-and-what-i-said-to-those-who-didnt/): Recently, I posted a picture on Instagram that got as many comments as my previous 19 pictures combined. What caused the stir? My tattoo. While some loved the design and meaning behind my ink (which you can read about in the post itself), others were confused, especially given the fact that the Bible seems to […] - [Where Should You Start Reading the Bible?](https://timeofgrace.org/where-should-you-start-reading-the-bible/) - [Angels: God’s child protectors](https://timeofgrace.org/angels-gods-child-protectors/): Some of the sweetest religious art depicts winged angels hovering over children walking or sleeping in their little beds. Those images are not just pious fiction or romantic projections, as it were, from the imaginations of anxious parents. They represent an important truth about God’s care for little ones whom he thinks belong to him […] - [He knows you by name](https://timeofgrace.org/he-knows-you-by-name/): How many people know you? I mean, really know you? Your spouse or close family members, your best friend, someone you’ve worked closely with for years? Most of us can list off a few people who know us pretty well, but when you walk into a crowd (unless you’re famous), it’s not likely that a […] - [On God’s side](https://timeofgrace.org/on-gods-side/): During the Civil War, one of President Lincoln’s advisors said he was grateful God was on the Union’s side. Lincoln told him, “Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God’s side, for God is always right.” Joshua, the leader of the Israelite army, was […] - [How Should Christians Respond to #MeToo?](https://timeofgrace.org/how-should-christians-respond-to-metoo/): Discover how Christians can faithfully respond to #MeToo with compassion, justice, and the unwavering love of Christ. - [The most important truth about your anxiety (Part 3)](https://timeofgrace.org/the-most-important-truth-about-your-anxiety-part-3/): Over the course of 12 years in ministry, I’ve delivered hundreds of messages, but few stick out like the one on depression. It was one of those topics that I knew was important but didn’t realize how important until after it was over and dozens of emails filled my inbox. The sheer number of them proved […] - [Answers for anxiety (Part 1)](https://timeofgrace.org/answers-for-anxiety-part-1/): Do you often feel anxious? Overwhelmed by worst-case scenarios, no matter how unlikely they might be? Physically sick because you are emotionally stuck on a negative thought? Recently, I reached out to a Christian counselor for some advice. While I personally haven’t struggled with crippling anxiety (yet), I know and love many people who do. […] - [Is Anger a Sin?](https://timeofgrace.org/is-anger-a-sin/): Explore the delicate balance between righteous anger and sin, and learn how to channel your emotions for God's glory. - [Why Wait Until Marriage to Have Sex?](https://timeofgrace.org/why-wait-until-marriage-to-have-sex/): Discover why waiting until marriage for sex aligns with God's design, fostering deep, enduring bonds and protecting against unintended consequences. - [When you’re hanging by a thread, remember who holds the spool](https://timeofgrace.org/when-youre-hanging-by-a-thread-remember-who-holds-the-spool/): Dr. James Dobson is known for saying, “There are two kinds of people in the world: those who are suffering and those who will suffer.” None of us are immune. The floor will drop out from underneath us at some point; not because God isn’t there or doesn’t care, and not because we haven’t been […] - [Can I Trust My Conscience?](https://timeofgrace.org/can-i-trust-my-conscience/): Discover how to nurture a conscience aligned with God's truth, ensuring your heart remains sensitive and open to His guidance. - [If God is good, then where did evil come from?](https://timeofgrace.org/if-god-is-good-then-where-did-evil-come-from/): I want you to trust every word of the Bible . . . . . . even from the very first page. That’s why I wrote my last post on science and God.  You see, much of the debate around Christianity today is not whether you can trust in Jesus as your Savior but whether you […] - [Suicide: It's Not Your Fault](https://timeofgrace.org/suicide-its-not-your-fault/): Has someone you know lost a loved one to suicide? It’s not their fault! Share this message of encouragement. There is always help. If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. Help is available 24/7. - [Suicide: Remorse Is Not Repentance](https://timeofgrace.org/suicide-remorse-is-not-repentance/): Remorse and repentance are not the same. Pastor Jon explains why the difference is so important. There is help always available. The 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 988. - [Suicide: God Forgives](https://timeofgrace.org/suicide-god-forgives/): God is a God of grace, love, and mercy and he forgives. There is help always available. The 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 988. - [Can Suicide Be Forgiven?](https://timeofgrace.org/can-suicide-be-forgiven/): In what circumstances can suicide be forgiven? Pastor Jon explains. - [The Bible can be bad for you](https://timeofgrace.org/the-bible-can-be-bad-for-you/): The Bible can be bad for you. Will I get in trouble for saying that? Because I mean it. It might be safer for your soul to read 50 Shadesthan the four gospels. Because bad things can happen when you pick up the Good Book. Why do I say that? Because too often we treat the […] - [Suicide and "13 Reasons Why"](https://timeofgrace.org/suicide-and-13-reasons-why/): Pastor Jon begins this week’s series about suicide by looking at the book and series, “13 Reasons Why.” Watch this powerful message. There is help always available. The 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 988. - [An f-bomb in the pastor’s office](https://timeofgrace.org/an-f-bomb-in-the-pastors-office/): The woman dropped the f-bomb in my office. And she didn’t even flinch. I tried to hide how offended I was, to take a deep breath and not overreact, but then she dropped it again. Then a third time! The word came flying out of her mouth like it was any other four-letter combination of […] - [Great Women of the Bible Compilation](https://timeofgrace.org/great-women-of-the-bible-compilation/): Discover the inspiring stories of women in the Bible whose faith and courage shaped history and continue to inspire today. - [If Someone Commits Suicide Do They Still Go to Heaven?](https://timeofgrace.org/if-someone-commits-suicide-do-they-still-go-to-heaven/): Many of us know someone who took their life. Often we wonder if we will see them in heaven. Today, Pastor Mike tackles this difficult topic. There is help always available. The 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 988. - [1 reason why . . . you should have a conversation about 13 Reasons Why](https://timeofgrace.org/1-reason-why/): What’s the 1 reason why you need to talk about 13 Reasons Why? Because you’re the parent.  If you don’t know what I’m talking about, here’s a bit of context. In 2007 author Jay Asher wrote a book titled 13 Reasons Why. It didn’t dominate conversations and news feeds until Netflix adapted it for a 13-episode series […] - [Grace AND peace!](https://timeofgrace.org/grace-and-peace/): Christians love the words grace and peace. Those two words are laced through the Bible, peppered into prayers, and bound up in the benediction that ends many church services: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward […] - [God sees, knows, and cares](https://timeofgrace.org/god-sees-knows-and-cares/): Have you fallen victim to the lie that trusting in God is for those who can’t make it on their own? Do you ever think God might get tired of hearing you pour out your grief to him or that he doesn’t pay attention or care? Take this exquisite image from Psalm 56 and hold […] - [Jesus’ love makes life sweet](https://timeofgrace.org/jesus-love-makes-life-sweet/): Have you ever tried to make a cake with small children? While it’s fun, it’s also a messy endeavor, and there’s no guaranteeing your final result will be edible. I remembered this recently when baking with two of my kids. My three-year-old is okay at listening to directions—but my one-year-old is not! Regardless, we decided […] - [Your pain has a purpose](https://timeofgrace.org/your-pain-has-a-purpose/): I recently read The Problem of Pain by C. S. Lewis, and it shattered some of my old ways of thinking about life’s troubles. If you’re anything like me and have thought, “God, why are you doing this to me?!” when faced with hardship, this book is for you! Though I don’t share all of […] - [Grace = “no way!” love](https://timeofgrace.org/grace-no-way-love/): There are many helpful ways to define the word grace. I grew up reciting, “Grace is undeserved love.” Others have suggested that grace is an acronym—GRACE—which stands for “God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense.” If I could add to those helpful definitions, I would propose that grace is love that makes you say, “No way!” Jesus […] - [Jesus is worth it](https://timeofgrace.org/jesus-is-worth-it/): Do you know what happens the first day a new Chick-fil-A restaurant opens? Dozens of locals leave their warm beds behind, bring their tents, and camp out in the parking lot, sometimes in grumble-worthy temperatures. Sounds less than wonderful, doesn’t it? Before you answer, I should tell you two things. First, Chick-fil-A has a tradition […] - [Choices, choices](https://timeofgrace.org/choices-choices/): We love choices, right? We love the freedom to choose things that make us happy or make our lives better. Regular or curly fries with that? Paper or plastic? We could stand in the salad dressing aisle in the grocery store for an hour in an agony of indecision. So many choices!  Joshua, the leader […] - [Pro (every) life meets relational needs](https://timeofgrace.org/pro-every-life-meets-relational-needs/): If the Christian church is passionate about protecting every life, then we will need to learn how to meet relational needs. When an unplanned pregnancy happens, the baby’s parents often have massive needs to help them grow as people and, perhaps, as a couple. Could you be God’s way of meeting such needs? Moms, that […] - [Pro (every) life meets financial needs](https://timeofgrace.org/pro-every-life-meets-financial-needs/): According to a 2004 Planned Parenthood survey, 23% of abortions happen for financial reasons. Medical bills, then diapers, then formula, then two decades of unending expenses. No wonder so many people, especially those who are already poor, are tempted to end life soon after it begins. Which is where Christians come in. Would you sell […] - [Naked & no shame](https://timeofgrace.org/naked-and-no-shame/): It is the kind of verse that makes children snicker. Or it makes groomsmen giggle. Maturity doesn’t always accompany age. “Adam and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame” (Genesis 2:25). This seems like a strange and unnecessary detail, especially at the beginning and most fundamental section of Scripture. So what’s going […] - [Pro (every) life meets eternal needs](https://timeofgrace.org/pro-every-life-meets-eternal-needs/): Earlier this year, I met a man who worked for a pro-life ministry who, along with his wife, invited a young woman to stay in their guest bedroom while she got back on her feet. However, the girl was drawn to the party scene and found herself pregnant. She knew her hosts were church people […] - [Pro (every) life meets spiritual needs](https://timeofgrace.org/pro-every-life-meets-spiritual-needs/): When considering an abortion, what people need, more than anything else, is truth and grace.  Planned Parenthood tells us that one of the top reasons that women have abortions is convenience—“I’m not ready for a baby.” “I want to finish grad school.” “I don’t want to do the infant thing again.” Such desires need to […] - [Meditate on God’s unfailing love](https://timeofgrace.org/meditate-on-gods-unfailing-love/): The Bible is chocked full of recommendations for the people of God to spend time contemplating our relationship with him. In Psalm 48:9,10, the psalmist meditates on God’s unfailing love: “Within your temple, O God, we meditate on your unfailing love. Like your name, O God, your praise reaches to the ends of the earth; […] - [The shadow of death](https://timeofgrace.org/the-shadow-of-death/): Every funeral I’ve attended has included Psalm 23. This psalm pours on comfort with its opening words: “The Lord is my Shepherd” (verse 1). The Lord with all capital letters is a special name for God, revealing the abundance of his mercy. God then ties his unstoppable, unending grace to the picture of a shepherd […] - [Is your God dead?](https://timeofgrace.org/is-your-god-dead/): Early church reformer Martin Luther sometimes fell into periods of depression that could last for days. During one of these periods, his wife, Katie, decided to dress in black mourning clothes. Luther finally noticed and asked, “Are you going to a funeral?” She replied, “No, but since you act as though God is dead, I […] - [The (second) longest sentence in the Bible](https://timeofgrace.org/the-second-longest-sentence-in-the-bible/): The second-longest sentence in the Bible is one of my favorites. The longest sentence, technically, is the genealogy of Jesus from Luke chapter 3, a run-on sentence of “the son of . . . the son of . . . the son of . . .” that spans 16 verses and includes dozens of names […] - [Goodbye isn’t the end](https://timeofgrace.org/goodbye-isnt-the-end/): Goodbye—is there a worse word in the English language? As I type this, I am surrounded by moving boxes and packing tape. Our family is preparing to move to a new state after ten years in a lovely small town. This is a home where I started my marriage and brought home four babies; I […] - [On second thought . . .](https://timeofgrace.org/on-second-thought/): Can you relate to second-guessing? Do you doubt your decisions habitually? If you do, then you have some work to do on strengthening your trust in God. Here are some confidence-building tips to help get you started: More often than not, second-guessed conclusions are not based on solid facts. It’s guessing—anticipating an outcome that’s usually […] - [God hates abuse](https://timeofgrace.org/god-hates-abuse/): A man came to my office and confessed to me that he had been abusive with his girlfriend. After expressing my grave concern for his behavior, I told the man what I would tell any seemingly repentant sinner—Jesus forgives you. Although there would be consequences for his actions, Jesus had taken away his eternal condemnation. […] - [Today is the day](https://timeofgrace.org/today-is-the-day/): Usually joy comes pretty easily to me. My go-to passage in the Bible mentions it twice. But then 2020 came along, and I had to put much more thought and effort into being joyful.  See, I kept looking ahead and thinking joy would come as soon as I got what I wanted. Once we got […] - [Prayer 101: A basic conversation guide for a deeper prayer life](https://timeofgrace.org/prayer-101-a-basic-conversation-guide-for-a-deeper-prayer-life/): A couple years back, someone told me about a theory that says there are three basic types of conversations: Me/Me conversations: A conversation that involves me bringing up something about me in order to talk more about me. You/Me conversations: A conversation that involves me bringing up something about you in order to talk more […] - [How to help the abused (& abusive)](https://timeofgrace.org/how-to-help-the-abused-abusive/): Many years ago, a woman came into my office and confessed to me that her husband was hurting her and her kids physically and verbally. What was more, the husband was also a member of our church, which meant that within days I would sit with him in the same room and address the same […] - [A Valentine from Jesus](https://timeofgrace.org/a-valentine-from-jesus/): Valentine’s Day . . . bleh! My first experience with love’s missed arrow happened in high school. In the cafeteria, a Valentine’s booth took floral orders for almost a week before the big event. Valentine’s Day revealed the chosen few proudly carrying wilting flowers all day long. Ugh, the shame of empty hands. For good […] - [Let’s make heaven crowded!](https://timeofgrace.org/lets-make-heaven-crowded/): Recently, every member of my family got sick. It was an awful, helpless feeling watching my kids burning with fevers and coughing so hard they threw up. It was made even worse when I also fell ill. As I tried to soothe my wailing toddler in the middle of the night, I felt like wailing […] - [Cell phone vs. God’s Word](https://timeofgrace.org/cell-phone-vs-gods-word/): Do you know how many times a day the average person picks up his or her cell phone to check messages, scores, or other addicting games with the word candy in them? 110 times. Compare that to the number of times a person picks up his or her Bible daily. (Insert good old-fashioned Christian guilt […] - [Why are you worthy?](https://timeofgrace.org/why-are-you-worthy/): The other day I was meditating on these words of Jesus: “Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows” (Luke 12:7). Curious, I opened up Google images (the website that has all the pictures) and typed in “worthy.” Instantly, my screen was filled with two very distinct types of images. Want to guess […] - [Praise him in the hallway](https://timeofgrace.org/praise-him-in-the-hallway/): When someone shuts a door in your face, it’s unpleasant. Momentum is broken. Communication is shut down. What to do? Pound on the door and protest? Slump in the hallway and sulk? Turn and walk away? When God closes a door, it isn’t pleasant either. When he shuts the door on your careful plans, your […] - [Your giants will fall](https://timeofgrace.org/your-giants-will-fall/): Maybe your giant is stress. A bad habit. A broken heart. A tendency to lose control when life doesn’t go the way you want.  David’s giant was literally a giant Philistine: “David said to Saul, ‘Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him’” (1 Samuel 17:32). […] - [Burnout at Work: You Are NOT Your Work](https://timeofgrace.org/burnout-at-work-you-are-not-your-work/): Discover how to balance work and faith by finding your true identity in Christ, not in your job performance. - [Jesus feels your pain](https://timeofgrace.org/jesus-feels-your-pain/): Gerdi was invited to spend a weekend with her college friends, but she didn’t want to go. She had breast cancer, had lost all of her hair, and felt embarrassed to be in public or have her picture taken with her friends. After wrestling with the decision, she decided to buy a wig, hoping no […] - [It’s all God’s grace!](https://timeofgrace.org/its-all-gods-grace/): We are forgiven and accepted by God because of the finished work of Jesus. It’s all God’s grace. And yet, God’s grace isn’t reduced to the final judgment and our salvation. Everything in our lives is based on God’s grace. It’s all a gift from him. That includes all our abilities and talents to do […] - [Everything is fleeting, but GOD is forever](https://timeofgrace.org/everything-is-fleeting-but-god-is-forever/): For 157 straight Sundays, I wore the same blue, checkered, button-up shirt to church. I’m not exaggerating. A creature of habit I must be, because I loved wearing that shirt. Sadly, however, the beautiful blue checks started to wear thin, and my treasured church wear ended up in the garbage can. According to Solomon, that […] - [Don’t be a troll](https://timeofgrace.org/dont-be-a-troll/): Do you know about troll farms? Until recently, I lived in blissful ignorance. But then I learned how thousands and thousands of people in countries like China, Malaysia, Philippines, Turkey, Russia (and more!) are hired for the sole purpose of stirring up dissent on the Internet. And—yikes!—they are often paid by their governments. It’s hard […] - [Jesus was a baby … for YOU](https://timeofgrace.org/jesus-was-a-baby-for-you/): When you hear the name Jesus, what picture pops into your head? Maybe you envision a famous painting of a Caucasian-looking Jesus that you saw hanging in your church entryway growing up. Maybe you picture him as a Middle Eastern man or as a cartoony image from pop culture. Whatever you envision, Jesus likely appears […] - [If not now, when?](https://timeofgrace.org/if-not-now-when/): A few years back, I heard a pastor say most people don’t reject Jesus. They just never get around to following him. Each day comes and goes, and with it are the “going to dos” of the day. Unless we’re careful, we’ll say day after day, month after month—and finally before the throne of God—“I […] - [Help Me Have More: Joy](https://timeofgrace.org/help-me-have-more-joy/): Explore the types of joy in your life: fleeting, fulfilling, and divine. Discover the true source of lasting happiness in God. - [Struggling With Self-Control?](https://timeofgrace.org/struggling-with-self-control/): Discover how God's grace empowers you to cultivate self-control, transforming your life and strengthening your spiritual journey. - [What to do when someone sins against you—Part 5](https://timeofgrace.org/what-to-do-when-someone-sins-against-you-part-5/): In 2018 Botham Jean was sitting in his own apartment when the unthinkable happened. Amber Guyger, a police officer, entered Botham’s apartment, mistakenly believing it was her own and assuming Botham was a burglar. She shot him, ending his life. Thirteen months later, when Guyger was sentenced to ten years in prison, Botham’s brother, Brandt, […] - [What to do when someone sins against you Part 4](https://timeofgrace.org/what-to-do-when-someone-sins-against-you-part-4/): When someone’s sin hits you like a stone, hurting you deeply, there are four things you can do. Here’s the final option—Forgive. You don’t have to forget, but God calls us to forgive. What exactly is forgiveness? It’s the daily choice to let the stone alone. You don’t forgive once and for all anymore than […] - [What to do when someone sins against you Part 3](https://timeofgrace.org/what-to-do-when-someone-sins-against-you-part-3/): When someone’s sin hits you like a stone, hurting you deeply, there are four things you can do. Here’s the third—Get bitter. Bitterness is when you pick up the sin that hurt you and hold on to it. You don’t throw it back in vengeance but instead curl your fingers around its edges, going through […] - [What to do when someone sins against you Part 2](https://timeofgrace.org/what-to-do-when-someone-sins-against-you-part-2/): When someone’s sin hits you like a stone, hurting you deeply, there are four things you can do. Here’s the second—You can get them back. You can pick up the stone and throw, making them hurt just like they hurt you. That might feel like the right thing to do, but vengeance won’t work.  Just […] - [What to do when someone sins against you Part 1](https://timeofgrace.org/what-to-do-when-someone-sins-against-you-part-1/): When someone’s sin hits you like a stone, hurting you deeply, there are four things you can do. Here’s the first—You can try to forget. That’s what people say, right? “You need to forgive and . . . forget.” That sounds like a nice Pinterest post, but is that idea biblical? I searched the Bible […] - [Loved by our Father](https://timeofgrace.org/loved-by-our-father/): Years ago Ernest Hemingway wrote a story about a Spanish father and his son Paco who had a falling out, causing the boy to run away from his home to Madrid. Eventually, the father went to look for his son, wanting to reconcile and be with him again. So he took out an ad in […] - [Foolish Christianity: This Isn't MY Body?](https://timeofgrace.org/foolish-christianity-this-isnt-my-body/): Discover the profound wisdom in viewing your body as a sacred temple of the Holy Spirit, designed and redeemed by God. - [Our fingerprints are on the cross](https://timeofgrace.org/our-fingerprints-are-on-the-cross/): “As the soldiers led [Jesus] away, they seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus” (Luke 23:26). Simon was grabbed from the crowd and commanded to carry the cross when it became too heavy for Jesus. He […] - [For women 50 and older (and those who love them)](https://timeofgrace.org/for-women-50-and-older-and-those-who-love-them/): Paul wrote some curious words about older women: “Teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good” (Titus 2:3). Hmm . . . why would Paul say those specific words to this specific group in the church? […] - [For men 50 and older (and those who love them) – Part 1](https://timeofgrace.org/for-men-50-and-older-and-those-who-love-them-part-1/): Of all the official members of my church, about 7 percent of them are what the apostle Paul called “older men,” a Greek word that points to ages 50 and up. If that’s you, or someone you know, listen up: “Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, […] - [Is God Leading Me? Or Is It Just My Thoughts? Tough Questions With Pastor Mike](https://timeofgrace.org/is-god-leading-me-or-is-it-just-my-thoughts-tough-questions-with-pastor-mike/): Discover how to discern God's voice from your own thoughts by anchoring yourself in the truth of Scripture. - [The Book of Revelation: Are You Tearing Apart the Bible?](https://timeofgrace.org/the-book-of-revelation-are-you-tearing-apart-the-bible/): Discover the profound truths of Revelation and the importance of preserving God's Word in its entirety for your life. - [The Book of Revelation: Revelation = Jesus Wins!](https://timeofgrace.org/the-book-of-revelation-revelation-jesus-wins/): The Book of Revelation assures us of Jesus' ultimate victory, offering hope and comfort amidst life's challenges. Discover its powerful message today. - [Jesus Judges Churches Too: What if Church Is Boring?](https://timeofgrace.org/jesus-judges-churches-too-what-if-church-is-boring/): Discover how Jesus' presence transforms churches, revealing profound truths even in the smallest gatherings of believers. - [Is There a Greater Good to War?](https://timeofgrace.org/is-there-a-greater-good-to-war/): Discover how God's loving sovereignty transforms the chaos of war into opportunities for spreading the gospel and hope. - [Help Those in War Stand Firm](https://timeofgrace.org/help-those-in-war-stand-firm/): Amidst life's trials, standing firm in faith is crucial. Discover the power of prayer and community in staying steadfast. - [What to Do in the Midst of Troubles?](https://timeofgrace.org/what-to-do-in-the-midst-of-troubles/): Discover how to find hope in a chaotic world by trusting in God's promises and standing firm in your faith. - ["Do Not Be Alarmed" at War? Seriously?](https://timeofgrace.org/do-not-be-alarmed-at-war-seriously/): In the midst of chaos and conflict, Jesus calls us to a peace that surpasses understanding, grounded in His eternal promises. - [Did Jesus have a beard?](https://timeofgrace.org/did-jesus-have-a-beard/): Back in my college days, I wrote love letters to my girlfriend. I tried to be creative and fun. One time I mailed a handful of whiskers. I had shaved off my beard (which she didn’t like). It was a vivid, visual reminder that I was thinking of her.  When she opened the envelope, the […] - [What Is Love? Isn't Jesus on MY Side?](https://timeofgrace.org/what-is-love-isnt-jesus-on-my-side/): Explore the Gospel of John to discover Jesus' perfect balance of grace and truth, offering us a blueprint for true love. - [What Is Love? Show Tough or Tender Love?](https://timeofgrace.org/what-is-love-show-tough-or-tender-love/): Discover the profound balance of love's toughness and tenderness as taught in 1 Corinthians 13 and apply it in your relationships. - [Cross: Churchy Words Explained (and Why You Should Care)](https://timeofgrace.org/cross-churchy-words-explained-and-why-you-should-care/): Discover the profound meaning of the cross, its historical roots, and its impact on your life as a follower of Jesus. - [Build your life on Christ](https://timeofgrace.org/build-your-life-on-christ/): “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness” (Colossians 2:6,7). OK, I admit it. Yesterday’s devotion was just a tad vague. Paul encouraged us to continue to live […] - [Follow Jesus with all your heart](https://timeofgrace.org/follow-jesus-with-all-your-heart/): John Hart is one of the 56 men who signed the US Declaration of Independence. There were many who tried to stop him from signing. At one point, John had to make a choice between supporting his patriotic beliefs and being by the side of his dying wife and their 13 children. He forsook his […] - [What Will Forever Be Like?](https://timeofgrace.org/what-will-forever-be-like/): Explore the promise of a new heaven and earth, where righteousness dwells eternally, and discover how to live in hopeful anticipation today. - [Why Hasn’t Jesus Ended the Suffering Yet?](https://timeofgrace.org/why-hasnt-jesus-ended-the-suffering-yet/): In times of suffering, God's patience reflects His love, offering more souls the chance for salvation and redemption. - [Why Is This World Full of Trouble?](https://timeofgrace.org/why-is-this-world-full-of-trouble/): Discover how the Bible guides us through life's troubles, offering hope and peace in Jesus's victory over the world. - [What Does God and the Bible Say About Masturbation?](https://timeofgrace.org/what-does-god-and-the-bible-say-about-masturbation/): Explore how the Bible guides us on the sensitive topic of masturbation, focusing on purity, God's design, and open church discussions. - [Can We Live Together Before Marriage? Tough Questions With Pastor Mike](https://timeofgrace.org/can-we-live-together-before-marriage-tough-questions-with-pastor-mike/): Discovering God's design for relationships invites us to live in purity and honor, reflecting His love in our commitments. - [“Because you say so”](https://timeofgrace.org/because-you-say-so/): One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God. He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and […] - [How to Deal With Anxiety - Mike Novotny - Time of Grace](https://timeofgrace.org/how-to-deal-with-anxiety-mike-novotny-time-of-grace/): Discover practical and faith-filled steps to navigate anxiety, and find peace amid life's uncertainties through God's promises. - [Follow Jesus as your priority](https://timeofgrace.org/follow-jesus-as-your-priority/): When I was in high school, a friend of mine was driving us to a school event. At one point, he reached over to the radio to change the station. As he reached over, he accidentally turned the steering wheel so quickly and sharply that the car swerved off the road, rolled over three times, […] - [Jesus & self-esteem](https://timeofgrace.org/jesus-self-esteem/): I studied under a Christian scholar who reads three hundred books a year and presents the Christian message to audiences of all ages, backgrounds, and beliefs. With all that experience, this professor told us the hardest biblical teaching for modern people to believe—that they are sinners. Many of them refuse to buy that age-old church […] - [How to Deal With Yourself](https://timeofgrace.org/how-to-deal-with-yourself/): Discover how Jesus' teachings on self-denial and love can guide you through life's challenges and bring you closer to God. - [Grief: Here’s One Good Thing From It](https://timeofgrace.org/grief-heres-one-good-thing-from-it/): Grief reminds us that we are not alone; God provides a community to support us with empathy, strength, and love. - [Grief: What Do I Do With My Anger?](https://timeofgrace.org/grief-what-do-i-do-with-my-anger/): Grief can bring overwhelming anger, but Jesus knows your pain and calls you by name, offering peace and eternal hope. - [Grief: Taking That First Step Despite the Pain](https://timeofgrace.org/grief-taking-that-first-step-despite-the-pain/): Discover how to navigate grief by taking small steps and embracing God's comforting presence every step of the way. - [Christmas Buzzwords: Joy](https://timeofgrace.org/christmas-buzzwords-joy/): Discover the secret to lasting joy this Christmas by embracing the profound message of God's presence and love in your life. - [Fight Anxiety: Step 5](https://timeofgrace.org/fight-anxiety-step-5/): Discover how the power of Christian community can uplift you and bring peace in times of anxiety and worry. - [Fight Anxiety: Step 4](https://timeofgrace.org/fight-anxiety-step-4/): Discover how to combat anxiety by recognizing the enemy's lies and embracing the truth of God's promises for peace. - [Fight Anxiety: Step 3](https://timeofgrace.org/fight-anxiety-step-3/): Discover peace by seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness, embracing His love and protection despite life's anxieties. - [Fight Anxiety: Step 2](https://timeofgrace.org/fight-anxiety-step-2/): Discover how prayer and gratitude can transform anxiety into peace, guiding you towards victory through the strength of Jesus. - [Fight Anxiety: Step 1](https://timeofgrace.org/fight-anxiety-step-1/): Embrace the first step to combat anxiety through deep breaths, faith, and prayer, trusting in God’s presence and divine design. - [Born again?](https://timeofgrace.org/born-again/): Have you ever heard the phrase “born again”? To some people, born again is a certain type of Christian who tends to vote in a certain type of way, but is that true? What did born again mean to Jesus when he used it years ago?  When you were born, two things happened: You were […] - [Love defined: Fist bumps, handshakes, and hugs](https://timeofgrace.org/love-defined-fist-bumps-handshakes-and-hugs/): The night before the cross, Jesus prayed that Christians would love each other. “I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father” (John 17:20,21). So what exactly does that look like? Three things—the fist bump, the handshake, and the hug.  A fist bump […] - [The walking dead](https://timeofgrace.org/the-walking-dead/): For many of you, your neighborhoods have started to look a lot like mine does. With Halloween just around the corner, there are all sorts of yard decorations with skeletons, cobwebs, blood, gravestones, and scary images that make you think of one thing: Death. It’s an interesting thing that happens every year. We live in […] - [Am I Strong Enough? I Feel Stuck](https://timeofgrace.org/am-i-strong-enough-i-feel-stuck/): Discover how God’s glory transforms our struggles into strength and why worship is His ultimate goal for us. - [Is Jesus Actually God?](https://timeofgrace.org/is-jesus-actually-god/): Discover how the Gospel of John affirms Jesus' divinity and what it means for your faith and salvation. - [Holy, holy, holy](https://timeofgrace.org/holy-holy-holy/): I learned a new word the other day. I fancy myself to be a word nerd with a decently large vocabulary, so this doesn’t happen that often. The word was trihagion, and it’s probably not on any word-of-the-day toilet paper, unless the toilet paper is in the bathroom of a prestigious Bible college, and they […] - [Do You Need to Confess Your Sins to Others?](https://timeofgrace.org/do-you-need-to-confess-your-sins-to-others/): Discover why confessing your sins to others can be a powerful tool for healing and spiritual growth. - [Am I Strong Enough? How God Fights for You](https://timeofgrace.org/am-i-strong-enough-how-god-fights-for-you/): Discover how God fights for you, breaking the chains of sin and offering true freedom through His powerful, redeeming love. - [Pray Like a Pro: Your Prayers CAN Be Powerful](https://timeofgrace.org/pray-like-a-pro-your-prayers-can-be-powerful/): Discover the transformative power of prayer, a divine connection that protects, guides, and aligns us with God's perfect will. - [No Sex Before Marriage? But It's Too Late for Me](https://timeofgrace.org/no-sex-before-marriage-but-its-too-late-for-me/): Discover how Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman reveals the transformative power of God's love and forgiveness for your past. - [Today](https://timeofgrace.org/today/): “The living, the living—they praise you, as I am doing today” (Isaiah 38:19). Today you will take about 23,040 breaths, and you don’t even have to think about it. You can hold your breath if you need to and catch your breath after climbing a hill. But today you will breathe. Today your heart should […] - [Anxiety & Jesus](https://timeofgrace.org/anxiety-jesus/): Psychologist and professor Jean Twenge noted some factors connected to eighth graders feeling happier or more depressed. The leading habits connected with being sad—lots of time on social media and the internet. The leading habits connected with happiness—exercising and attending religious services. It makes sense. Online we take selfies and find the filter that makes […] - [Tattoos & Jesus in your heart](https://timeofgrace.org/tattoos-jesus-in-your-heart/): My friend Tony has a sweet tattoo of Galatians 2:20 inked over his ribs. Tony came to trust in Jesus in his mid-20s, which makes the words so powerful. “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” If you knew Tony, you would know how true that […] - [How to Start Reading the Bible](https://timeofgrace.org/how-to-start-reading-the-bible/): Comment in youtube! - [Let’s talk about sex (and God)](https://timeofgrace.org/lets-talk-about-sex-and-god/): “So, what did your parents teach you about sex?” one of my friends asked a mutual friend as we devoured pizza on his back deck. His blank expression answered the question even before he replied, “I only knew what I learned from porn.” “Pastor, do you agree with everything in that marriage book you gave […] - [A Bible Hack to Understand the Old Testament](https://timeofgrace.org/a-bible-hack-to-understand-the-old-testament/): Discover the Bible's depth with the Book of Hebrews as your guide, revealing why Jesus is greater than anything else. - [What Part of the Bible Do I Read Next?](https://timeofgrace.org/what-part-of-the-bible-do-i-read-next/): Explore the Book of Acts, the sequel to the Gospels, and discover the vibrant beginnings of the early church and its enduring impact. - [WHERE Should I Start Reading the Bible?](https://timeofgrace.org/where-should-i-start-reading-the-bible/): Begin your Bible journey with the Gospels, discovering the life and teachings of Jesus for spiritual growth and transformation. - [HOW Do I Start Reading the Bible?](https://timeofgrace.org/how-do-i-start-reading-the-bible/): Discover how to start reading the Bible effectively by finding guidance from those who have walked the path before you. - [If Angels Are Real, Why Does Life Hurt? - Time of Grace](https://timeofgrace.org/if-angels-are-real-why-does-life-hurt-time-of-grace/): Amidst life's pain, angels offer strength. Discover how God's love and promise of salvation bring hope and comfort. - [“Pastor, do you keep these commandments?”](https://timeofgrace.org/pastor-do-you-keep-these-commandments/): One evening after teaching a classroom of teenagers about sex, marriage, and living together, a young man raised his hand and asked, “Pastor Mike, do you keep all these commandments?” (I wish there was camera footage of my facial expression after his question!) Maybe thinking about love, respect, marriage, and sexual purity makes you feel […] - [Honoring God in everything](https://timeofgrace.org/honoring-god-in-everything/): There are so many ways for you and me to use ALL the tools at our disposal to honor God in our day-to-day lives. We can honor God with symphonies. We can honor God with crafts and trades. We can honor God with casseroles! (Or, in my case, ready-made meals from membership-based warehouse clubs!) These […] - [Why Does God Allow Suffering? Find the answer](https://timeofgrace.org/why-does-god-allow-suffering-find-the-answer/): Discover how faith provides comfort and purpose amid suffering, revealing God's presence and eternal hope for all who trust in Him. - [God’s Word to married women](https://timeofgrace.org/gods-word-to-married-women/): I recently typed wife and married and marriage into a Bible search engine, and what I discovered were the “7 Commandments for Christian Wives.” If you’re a married woman (or know one who needs some encouragement), here’s what our Father says to wives: “Respect [your husband]” (Ephesians 5:33). “Love [your husband]” (Titus 2:4). “Be subject […] - [God loves celebration](https://timeofgrace.org/god-loves-celebration/): Most of us celebrate and enjoy feasting at some point during the year, but I suspect that oftentimes we don’t consider celebration as being an integral part of worship. Preparing the food, setting the table, lighting the candles, gathering, praying, and enjoying the delicious flavors of the meal and the conversation—all this is part of […] - [Money: It’s Not the Root of All Evil](https://timeofgrace.org/money-its-not-the-root-of-all-evil/): We’re facing a “generosity crisis.” There’s a staggering decline in charitable giving despite an increase in wealth. Why are people consumed by getting instead of giving? Pastor Mike looks at the famous verse from 1 Timothy 6 that talks about the love of money being the root of all kinds of evil, warning us of what happens if greed gets to our hearts. . . - [One day at a time](https://timeofgrace.org/one-day-at-a-time/): My mind often starts to race. I bet yours does too. I think of all the things I have to do today. Then I think of all the things I have to do tomorrow. And the next day. And next week. And next month. And next year. And then it’s not just my mind that’s […] - [Grace isn’t our excuse](https://timeofgrace.org/grace-isnt-our-excuse/): Every year I have the privilege of talking about biblical sexuality at a local Christian high school where many of the students have been blessed with years of prior Christ-centered education. But I’ve noticed, more now than ever before, questions like this one: The Bible says that every sin is forgiven, so doesn’t that mean […] - [Samson: Don’t compromise yourself](https://timeofgrace.org/samson-dont-compromise-yourself/): When Samson’s enemies bribed Delilah to discover the secret to his strength, Samson lied and said that if he was tied with seven fresh bowstrings, he’d be powerless. After Delilah tied him up, the Philistines attacked. Samson fought them off easily. Delilah prodded again. Samson lied again. The Philistines attacked and failed again. This repeated […] - [Samson: Small is mighty](https://timeofgrace.org/samson-small-is-mighty/): How do you envision Samson? With a mountain of muscles? Taller than everyone? What if he just looked like an average guy? In Judges 16, the Philistines tried to discover the truth behind Samson’s impossible-to-understand strength. They bribed his girlfriend, Delilah, saying, “See if you can lure him into showing you the secret of his […] - [Samson: Follow the instructions](https://timeofgrace.org/samson-follow-the-instructions/): In Judges 13, Samson’s parents received special instructions on how to raise their soon-to-be-conceived son. “You will become pregnant and have a son whose head is never to be touched by a razor” (verse 5). Before he was even born, Samson was set apart by God as being different.  You aren’t commanded by God to […] - [Thieves, hired hands, and shepherds](https://timeofgrace.org/thieves-hired-hands-and-shepherds/): According to Jesus, there are three types of people in your life: thieves, hired hands, and shepherds. Thieves are people who only want something from you. You are the means to get money, fame, or fulfillment of a desire. Some thieves know exactly what they are doing, while other thieves might not understand the way […] - [Help! is a brave word](https://timeofgrace.org/help-is-a-brave-word/): I recently met a young woman who just became a Christian. During our conversation, she told me of a book about a horse, a mole, a fox, and a boy who become friends and teach each other the most important lessons in life. One time, the boy asks the horse, “What’s the bravest thing you’ve […] - [Revelation: A Perfect Ending for You](https://timeofgrace.org/revelation-a-perfect-ending-for-you/): For those who are sick of something—sick of sins, sick of aches and pains you can’t fix, sick of the worry in your life, sick of the injustice in the world—Pastor Mike’s final message from the book of Revelation gives you the Bible’s final promise: There’s a whole new world at the end for the people of God where everything is good and perfect. . . - [Repent!](https://timeofgrace.org/repent/): God sent someone with the specific job to prepare people’s hearts for Jesus. That sounds pretty important, doesn’t it? God wanted people to be ready for Jesus. How? Here was John the Baptist’s message: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near” (Matthew 3:2). How often do you hear that message today? “Repent!” I’m […] - [Revelation: Spoiler Alert—Jesus Wins!](https://timeofgrace.org/revelation-spoiler-alert-jesus-wins/): The struggle seems real. Surveys show a growing disconnect from the church, and there’s a stark decline in spiritual leaders, all while more people identify with no religion. You also wonder why you struggle so much with your own personal challenges. But instead of letting you live with the tension and suspense of what will happen amidst all this struggle, Jesus, who has a clear view of the future, spoils the ending by revealing the future of everyone who follows him. . . - [Finding Jesus](https://timeofgrace.org/finding-jesus/): Even today, Abraham Lincoln is one of the most recognizable people of all time. His height. His hair. His hat. His beard. Even people with little interest in history can recognize Abraham Lincoln. So here’s a surprising stat: when Abraham Lincoln was running for president in 1860, it’s estimated that only around 5 percent of […] - [Bloom in God’s time](https://timeofgrace.org/bloom-in-gods-time/): One of my favorite flowers are the big, fluffy peonies that bloom in Michigan in May. They always look like puffy snowballs to me—so beautiful! I’ve been getting braver with perennials, so a few years ago, I decided to purchase a peony plant at a local nursery. It was supposed to be a lovely shade […] - [Can Christians live together before marriage?](https://timeofgrace.org/can-christians-live-together-before-marriage/): That title deserves careful thought as we seek a biblical answer: “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral” (Hebrews 13:4). “Marriage should be honored by all.”—Even if your parents were bitterly divorced or you’d rather save for a beautiful […] - [Revelation: How to Defeat the Devil](https://timeofgrace.org/revelation-how-to-defeat-the-devil/): Here’s a hard truth: Satan knows you. The father of lies knows what tempts you and what will lead you astray. How do you combat him? In this new series that looks at the book of Revelation, Pastor Mike teaches that though the devil will attack you in various ways, you can overcome him. Uncover practical insights on how to protect your spirit and embrace the peace that comes from Jesus. . . - [Judge Jesus’ way (Part 5)](https://timeofgrace.org/judge-jesus-way-part-5/): Grace makes your upcoming judgment great. Judgment day, despite its long delay, is still on its way. But the thought of standing before the all-knowing, perfectly just Jesus doesn’t have to make you nervous or anxious. Because God’s grace makes your judgment great. Grace is God’s undeserved love, the love he showed for you when […] - [Judge Jesus’ way (Part 4)](https://timeofgrace.org/judge-jesus-way-part-4/): There is a little-known truth about judging Jesus’ way that many Christians miss. “What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. ‘Expel the wicked person from among you’” (1 Corinthians 5:12,13). Judging Jesus’ way means focusing on those of […] - [Judge Jesus’ way (Part 3)](https://timeofgrace.org/judge-jesus-way-part-3/): One of the hardest but most important parts of judging Jesus’ way is to judge yourself before you judge anyone else. Jesus taught, “First take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye” (Matthew 7:5). First judge your own sin with an […] - [Worst draft picks ever](https://timeofgrace.org/worst-draft-picks-ever/): It’s NFL draft time, and I happen to live in Green Bay, WI. And we happen to own a brewery/restaurant. Usually, I don’t care all that much about the NFL draft, but this year it has been on our minds for quite a while. Amidst prepping our business and thinking about the logistics of the […] - [Judge Jesus’ way (Part 2)](https://timeofgrace.org/judge-jesus-way-part-2/): If you hold a strong opinion about something, make sure God agrees with you. One day the Pharisees said, “Jesus! Your friends don’t practice the rituals of our religion.” But Jesus snapped back, “You hypocrites! Your ‘teachings are merely human rules’ (Matthew 15:9). You judge my friends for not washing their hands the ‘right way,’ […] - [Judge Jesus’ way (Part 1)](https://timeofgrace.org/judge-jesus-way-part-1/): Imagine how great life would be if we all practiced what Jesus preached: “Do not judge” (Matthew 7:1)? Imagine if our world was a judgment-free zone. Imagine if all the students, teachers, and parents at your school supported and encouraged each other instead of criticizing and complaining about each other. Imagine if everyone in your […] - [God’s blessings](https://timeofgrace.org/gods-blessings/): “God bless.” One day I realized I was using those words frequently without really thinking about them. It was the way I signed off on most emails. It was something I prayed would happen for people who were struggling. It was something I said every time someone sneezed, which is a weird way to acknowledge […] - [Not guilty](https://timeofgrace.org/not-guilty/): God never asked us to suspend rational thought processes in order to be Christians. That’s because there is a very close connection between logic and truth. Encouraging logical thinking is the influence of Paul, Augustine, and Aquinas on the Western church. The most important teaching in Christianity is a logical conclusion: “If Christ has not […] - [Come as you are—live as he is](https://timeofgrace.org/come-as-you-are-live-as-he-is/): Many church websites today display the motto: Come as you are! This is an encouragement for people to understand that Jesus (and their church) welcome and love them, no matter what their past lives have been or their present lives are.   Jesus, of course, demonstrated his love for sinners and societal outcasts throughout his earthly […] - [Empty!](https://timeofgrace.org/empty/): An empty stomach gurgling during a silent prayer at church is embarrassing. Empty milk containers left in the refrigerator are quite annoying. My wife’s game of how many miles she can drive with the “empty” light on her vehicle is quite nerve-racking for her passengers. And the cream of the crop is when you dream […] - [Praise the Lord!](https://timeofgrace.org/praise-the-lord/): I really like the way Psalm 106 starts: “Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Who can proclaim the mighty acts of the Lord or fully declare his praise?” (verses 1,2).  I’m not such a fan of the middle of the psalm though. (If you haven’t, […] - [The most important day of your life](https://timeofgrace.org/the-most-important-day-of-your-life/): Of all the days you’ve been on the earth, which one would you point to as the most important of them all? Your birthday? Your baptism? Your graduation day? The day you met the person who changed everything? I am sure there are several days competing for the title of “most important,” but what if […] - [How do you know God loves you?](https://timeofgrace.org/how-do-you-know-god-loves-you/): When you are in unspeakable pain, it is natural to question the love of God. If God has the power to end your pain, then why doesn’t he do something? Your mom dies young or you battle depression for years or your marriage ends despite your desire to keep fighting or you can’t conceive after […] - [Let’s bring back Easter](https://timeofgrace.org/lets-bring-back-easter/): I feel bad for Easter. They say that Christmas and Easter are the two biggest days for Christianity, but compared to Christmas, Easter is pretty missable. When’s the last time you had an office Easter party? or fought for a parking spot at the mall on Easter weekend? or argued about whether you could play […] - [News fatigue?](https://timeofgrace.org/news-fatigue/): Who’s feeling a bit burned out on bad news? God wants you to hear his good news. There’s a bunch of it in Isaiah chapter 40. “Comfort, comfort my people, says your God” (verse 1). God communicates with you for your comfort, not to exploit you and enrage you. “And the glory of the Lord […] - [Do not fear](https://timeofgrace.org/do-not-fear/): Everyone is afraid of something, right? I’m afraid of sharks, financial planning, and clowns (not necessarily in that order). I’m also afraid of death and debilitating sickness. (Who isn’t?) What are you afraid of? I bet you were afraid of different things when you were small! (Okay, sharks and clowns were still on my list […] - [The buddy system](https://timeofgrace.org/the-buddy-system/): It seems to me that over the course of the past decade or so, the media has revealed a lot about Christians getting caught doing very un-Jesus-like things. And it hurts. It hurts to reflect on the fact that someone who loves Jesus got caught up in something that breaks Jesus’ heart. It hurts to […] - [When stuff owns you](https://timeofgrace.org/when-stuff-owns-you/): I remember the garage sale of garage sales. The big day came. After people came and went, most of my stuff was still sitting in my garage.  My wife gently pointed out that I had priced things too high. A garage sale where things don’t sell is a sign that you don’t own your stuff. […] - [I know the Planner](https://timeofgrace.org/i-know-the-planner/): I don’t know the plan. I really struggle with that. I don’t know what’s going to happen next in my life. I don’t know why my plans don’t work out. I don’t know why it’s all happening this way. Do you struggle with that too? Life so often doesn’t make sense at all. I don’t […] - [Choose your hard wisely](https://timeofgrace.org/choose-your-hard-wisely/): I’m not usually a fan of inspirational quotes, but this one has stuck with me: “Life will never be easy. It will always be hard. But we can choose our hard.” It lingers in my mind because it speaks of a necessary but seldom-heard truth. Inspirational quotes typically are made as motivators to grow self-love, […] - [Tired and frozen to the sword](https://timeofgrace.org/tired-and-frozen-to-the-sword/): Eleazar might be one of the most famous warriors in Israel whom we’ve never heard of.  “As one of the three mighty warriors, [Eleazar] was with David when they taunted the Philistines gathered at Pas Dammim for battle. Then the Israelites retreated, but Eleazar stood his ground and struck down the Philistines till his hand […] - [Why Does God Let Bad Things Happen to Good People?](https://timeofgrace.org/why-does-god-let-bad-things-happen-to-good-people/): When life’s trials challenge your faith, discover peace in God’s revealed love and promises, trusting His unseen purposes are good. - [How to suffer well](https://timeofgrace.org/how-to-suffer-well/): How do you hold on to your faith in God when life is falling apart? When you feel alone at school or devastated after your husband’s death or confused by all the suffering God is allowing, how do you worship him still? Job knows. After losing all 11,500 of his animals and all 10 of […] - [Blessing our socks off](https://timeofgrace.org/blessing-our-socks-off/): We have a big dog who is about seven years old and loves nothing better than to beg for scraps of food at our little breakfast table. No matter what we are eating, she sits patiently at our elbows, staring up at us through doleful eyes … forever hopeful.  When we cook bacon or gravy, […] - [God doesn’t care (and that’s good news!)](https://timeofgrace.org/god-doesnt-care-and-thats-good-news/): Does God want you to rent an apartment or buy a house? Does he prefer you stay at your current job or look for a new one? Is his will that you retire at 65 or 75? There are a thousand questions that fall into this same category, that is, personal decisions the Bible doesn’t […] - [Grab a towel](https://timeofgrace.org/grab-a-towel/): Since the dawn of time, man’s most “Frequently Asked Questions” have been 1) Who am I? 2) Where am I going? and 3) What should I do? Or, if you’ve ever heard these questions asked by your mom, it may have sounded like this: 1) Who do you think you are, mister? 2) Just where […] - [Prove the devil wrong](https://timeofgrace.org/prove-the-devil-wrong/): Satan’s annual resolution is to erase the love out of our relationship with God. He is more than okay with us believing that God exists (even demons believe that). He is cool with a contractual view of God (do good works and God will do you good). What he can’t stand, however, is when we […] - [Fresh and green](https://timeofgrace.org/fresh-and-green/): “It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High, proclaiming your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night. For you make me glad by your deeds, Lord. … The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in […] - [Made for eternity](https://timeofgrace.org/made-for-eternity/): “You only live once!” How often do you hear that? We’re bombarded with encouragements to seize the day because our end could come at any time. “You only live once!” Do you believe that? Isn’t that empty? If you’ve bought into the lie of evolution, I suppose it makes sense. If this world is all […] - [Surgery-free transformation](https://timeofgrace.org/surgery-free-transformation/): An affluent city near us is known for its plastic surgery. It’s such a blessing for cancer patients, burn victims, or people who have been disfigured in car accidents. However, it’s very tempting for those with disposable income to use it to turn back time, erase wrinkles, lift that which sags, give where the Lord […] - [God doesn’t give what we want](https://timeofgrace.org/god-doesnt-give-what-we-want/): After a few years of marriage, Kim and I decided that we needed some counseling. With two kiddos in diapers, we were running on fumes and kept fighting about the same thing every few weeks. So after a frustrating stretch, we reached out for help and booked a session with a counselor in town. Honestly, […] - [God’s definition of excellence](https://timeofgrace.org/gods-definition-of-excellence/): I recently read a book on leadership written by Joe Sanfelippo, the 2019 national superintendent of the year, and a quote from a chapter entitled “Moving Forward Together” stopped me in my tracks. He was relating a story about a high-performing softball coach who counseled her team with this idea: “Excellence means achieving at a […] - [Keep reading](https://timeofgrace.org/keep-reading/): Many people who love Jesus love to quote Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” I mean, why wouldn’t we love words that bring so much comfort and peace and remind us that God is […] - [Fix your eyes](https://timeofgrace.org/fix-your-eyes/): My husband is an avid cyclist. As he was teaching our kids to ride their bikes, he offered a piece of wisdom I’ve never forgotten: “If you see something in the road that you want to avoid, don’t look at it or you’ll ride right through it.” I thought he was crazy. But as I […] - [God’s protection](https://timeofgrace.org/gods-protection/): “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust’” (Psalm 91:1,2). Words like refuge and fortress in Bible passages can sometimes slip past us. Perhaps we’ve heard them […] - [The tightrope of salvation](https://timeofgrace.org/the-tightrope-of-salvation/): One of the reasons so many people miss out on heaven is they think that getting to God is like shooting free throws instead of walking a tightrope. If you’re playing hoops, shooting 99 percent is NBA All-Star good. But if you’re walking a tightrope across the Grand Canyon, hitting 99 percent of your steps […] - [God gives what you need](https://timeofgrace.org/god-gives-what-you-need/): When our two girls were younger, there were three songs my wife, Kim, and I sang constantly in our home in order to teach them the message and values of our Christian faith. The third most popular song was “I Am Jesus’ Little Lamb.” The second was “Jesus Loves Me, This I Know.” But the […] - [Serve like Rambo](https://timeofgrace.org/serve-like-rambo/): The people I have the privilege of working with in area sober living homes remind me of the movie Rambo. In Rambo: First Blood Part II, John Rambo (Sylvester Stallone) is a Vietnam vet who returns courageously to prisoner of war camps to free other POWs.  The residents I meet are tasting the freedom of […] - [God provides](https://timeofgrace.org/god-provides/): It’s amazing how God provides in moments when we feel bleak and hopeless. This happens in both big and small ways. Sometimes it’s the small ways that astonish me the most.  One afternoon my dryer stopped working. I was stressed, as it was the third large appliance to quit working in our house that week.  […] - [I wasn’t there when they died](https://timeofgrace.org/i-wasnt-there-when-they-died/): It is one of the most haunting regrets people can have—being absent at the moment a loved one dies. Let me encourage you in two ways.  Those who are dying often choose to take their last breath when a loved one is not present. Why? To provide a final, caring gesture protecting the loved one […] - [Finding strength in the wait](https://timeofgrace.org/finding-strength-in-the-wait/): Isaiah 40:31 reads: “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint” (ESV). In Hebrew, the word for “wait” in Isaiah 40 is “Qavah.” It is such a fantastic word with so […] - [Navigating the gray areas of life](https://timeofgrace.org/navigating-the-gray-areas-of-life/): I love being told what to do. Life would be so much easier if someone would tell me who I could hang out with, what I should think about the world, and how I ought to go about my life. In short, I want my life to be black and white. I think many people […] - [How Do You Heal and Have Forgiveness After a Suicide?](https://timeofgrace.org/how-do-you-heal-and-have-forgiveness-after-a-suicide/): Suicide leaves behind so much hurt, pain, and questions. How can you begin to forgive and heal? Have you ever had questions you wanted to ask a pastor but felt silly or embarrassed to ask them? Questions about taboo topics like sex, politics, porn, IVF, and mental illness? Well, there’s a podcast for that—and you’re listening to it! Hear how Pastor Mike Novotny from Time of Grace answers some real questions from people just like you, giving thoughtful, biblical answers that point people back to Jesus. - [God’s love never changes](https://timeofgrace.org/gods-love-never-changes/): The mother with the grocery list said, “Do you want to stay in the car with Dad?” The child yelled, “No! Yes! Wait! No! OK, I’ll go into the store with you, Mom.” The father was dumbfounded that in 3.2 seconds the child changed his mind so many times so quickly. Change … Our world […] - [The fullness of grace](https://timeofgrace.org/the-fullness-of-grace/): As I was scrolling recently, a Facebook meme jumped out at me: “The people Paul killed welcomed him into heaven.” That’s an amazing statement. If you were a Christian in Israel after the time of Jesus, Paul was your worst enemy. Paul zealously persecuted Christians, threw them in jail, and killed them. He was directly […] - [When God doesn’t fight](https://timeofgrace.org/when-god-doesnt-fight/): “The Lord is a warrior” (Exodus 15:3). I love that verse. God is a fighter, and he never loses a battle! His undefeated record still stands today and will continue forever.  So when God fights, is he fighting for you or against you?  Does he ever hurl thunderbolts at you because he is burning mad? […] - [Stronger for tomorrow](https://timeofgrace.org/stronger-for-tomorrow/): Are you going through a difficult time? Are you asking why God is putting you through this? Is it hard to trust that God is in control? All of us have those moments. “God, why do I have to go through this?” David in the Bible faced some difficult times as a young shepherd. His […] - [The most sufficient book ever](https://timeofgrace.org/the-most-sufficient-book-ever/): While there are plenty of books I like to read and many others I want to read, there is really only one book I need to read. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good […] - [Seeming contradictions](https://timeofgrace.org/seeming-contradictions/): Psalm 90 reflects Moses’ lifetime of both dark and sweet movements as he followed the Lord. “All our days pass away under your wrath; we finish our years with a moan. Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that […] - [Be you!* (Part 6)](https://timeofgrace.org/be-you-part-6/): The Bible frequently tells us, “Be you!”* Be the unique you whom God made you to be. And make sure you remember the asterisk, the terms and conditions that God applies. No one does that quite like Jesus did. Jesus was absolutely himself. When his family wanted him to calm down with his claims to […] - [Be you!* (Part 5)](https://timeofgrace.org/be-you-part-5/): When I was back in grad school, I had an older professor who admitted, “I used to pray that God would protect me from my weaknesses. Now I pray that God would protect me from my strengths.” The older I get, the more I understand what he meant. It’s hard not to let good things […] - [Be you!* (Part 4)](https://timeofgrace.org/be-you-part-4/): Modern culture has an infatuation with the phrase, “Be you!” In a way, these cultural voices are on to something, since God uniquely designed us and individually gifted us (read Romans 12:4-6). But to be thorough and biblical, it would be better to say, “Be you!”* Don’t forget the asterisk. Don’t forget the terms and […] - [Be you!* (Part 3)](https://timeofgrace.org/be-you-part-3/): Do you know what David from the Bible did just before he ran off to fight Goliath? He decided to be himself. When King Saul, the trembling leader of Israel’s army, looked down at the scrawny shepherd boy who volunteered to fight the Philistine giant, Saul offered David his royal armor. “Saul dressed David in […] - [Be you!* (Part 2)](https://timeofgrace.org/be-you-part-2/): It took me 35 years to figure out who I am. Now I know who God made me to be, what God made me to do, and how I am divinely gifted to help people. I have figured out that God made me to learn, study, write, teach, preach, mingle, and meet. Give me a […] - [Be you!* (Part 1)](https://timeofgrace.org/be-you-part-1/): What do the movies Moana, Mulan, Brave, Beauty and the Beast, Coco, and Aladdin have in common? The moral of those stories is almost exactly the same—Be you. Moana, your father wants you to be an island manager, but you are an ocean explorer—be you! Miguel, your family wants you to make the best shoes […] - [Rest and reset](https://timeofgrace.org/rest-and-reset/): Is it really a Happy New Year for you? I mean, we all hope for one, but the reality is that you might want to replace the H with a Cr. Maybe it’s because you’re starting off with a Stressed New Year, a Burned-Out New Year, an Exhausted New Year, a Health-Challenged New Year, an […] - [What’s the Best Bible Passage When Considering Suicide?](https://timeofgrace.org/whats-the-best-bible-passage-when-considering-suicide/): For those who repeatedly battle thoughts of harming themselves, where in the Bible can they turn? Pastor Mike reminds us that God knows his plans for us. There is help always available. The 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 988. - [The Basics: GOD. You. Jesus. Faith, Chapter 6: Conclusion](https://timeofgrace.org/the-basics-god-you-jesus-faith-chapter-6-conclusion/): Discover the profound truths of Christianity and embrace the transformative journey of faith, grace, and eternal love. - [The Basics: GOD. You. Jesus. Faith, Chapter 5: Faith](https://timeofgrace.org/the-basics-god-you-jesus-faith-chapter-5-faith/): Explore the transformative power of faith in Jesus Christ, embracing repentance, community, and Scripture for a vibrant Christian life. - [The Basics: GOD. You. Jesus. Faith, Chapter 4: Jesus](https://timeofgrace.org/the-basics-god-you-jesus-faith-chapter-4-jesus/): Explore the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the cornerstone of our faith, offering hope and redemption. - [The Basics: GOD. You. Jesus. Faith, Chapter 3: You](https://timeofgrace.org/the-basics-god-you-jesus-faith-chapter-3-you/): Discover how acknowledging our human flaws leads us to the grace of Jesus, inviting us into a transformative relationship with God. - [The Basics: GOD. You. Jesus. Faith, Chapter 2: GOD](https://timeofgrace.org/the-basics-god-you-jesus-faith-chapter-2-god/): Discover how embracing God's presence can transform life's challenges into opportunities for hope, joy, and divine strength. - [The Basics: GOD. You. Jesus. Faith, Chapter 1: There's Something About Jesus](https://timeofgrace.org/the-basics-god-you-jesus-faith-chapter-1-theres-something-about-jesus/): Discover the transformative power of Jesus’ unconditional love and the fullness of life He offers through faith in God. - [5 ways to live for Jesus: Living for God](https://timeofgrace.org/5-ways-to-live-for-jesus/): How do you and I show the world we are people who give their hearts to God and not imposters who only give him lip service? How do we point people to Jesus with our lives so we can reach hearts that desperately need Jesus’ love, peace, and forgiveness? Here are five ways to do […] - [Why the Bible Matters: Because the Evidence Proves It // Mike Novotny // Time of Grace](https://timeofgrace.org/why-the-bible-matters-because-the-evidence-proves-it-mike-novotny-time-of-grace/): Many people, believers and unbelievers alike, have questions about the Bible and its legitimacy. No matter where you fall on this scale, sometimes you just want evidence. In this final message from the series at the Museum of the Bible, Pastor Mike teaches from the Bible Manuscript Room, proving the authorship of the Bible and explaining the key pieces of evidence associated with it. - [Why the Bible Matters: Because It Is God Speaking to Us](https://timeofgrace.org/why-the-bible-matters-because-it-is-god-speaking-to-us/): Was the Bible written by a person with an agenda? Or maybe by someone who simply held strong spiritual ideas? How would you finish the question, “The Bible is … ”? If you are unclear about where the Bible comes from, in this message Pastor Mike explores the Bible’s origins and shows why you can trust it and why trusting it matters. - [Mad at God: Why Should I Repent?](https://timeofgrace.org/mad-at-god-why-should-i-repent/): If God so loved the world that he sent Jesus to die for us, why do we need to repent? What does “repent” even mean? To answer these questions, Pastor Mike takes us through chapter 3 of the book of Jonah and gives us four takeaways about what it means to repent and how we know we are repenting. - [Why Paul loved grace (and we do too)](https://timeofgrace.org/why-paul-loved-grace-and-we-do-too/): The apostle Paul was the poster child for grace. If the internet would have been invented two thousand years earlier, he immediately would have reserved the website grace.com. If Paul would have gotten married and been blessed with daughters, I bet he would have named them Grace, Gracie, and Baby Grae-Grae.  Why do I think […] - [Being a Christian is hard!](https://timeofgrace.org/being-a-christian-is-hard/): “Why is my life as a Christian so hard? It wasn’t this hard before.” That has been spoken or thought by many new Christians. Maybe you’ve thought it too. Before there was no pang of conscience when you did whatever made you happy. There were no strange looks, but now you see them on your […] - [Praying against evil](https://timeofgrace.org/praying-against-evil/): I was having a conversation with a group of strangers when things started getting weird. The woman next to me said all sorts of things about manifesting and light and energy, things that sounded thoughtful, encouraging, wise, and spiritual. Most people nodded in agreement, but none of what she said was true compared to what […] - [How could a good God allow so much suffering?](https://timeofgrace.org/how-could-a-good-god-allow-so-much-suffering/): The problem of evil and suffering is the most challenging indictment against the Christian faith. The question is straightforward: How could a good God allow so much unjust suffering? Whatever philosophical answer we come up with will likely fall flat, especially for the person in pain. So instead of giving us a simplistic answer to a profound question, the Holy Spirit inspired an author to write a story, the story of Job. The book of Job is different than other books in the Bible. It is laid out more like a Shakespearean play than a news report. The opening scene describes […] - [Can Christians Smoke Weed?](https://timeofgrace.org/can-christians-smoke-weed/) - [This is the day the Lord has made!](https://timeofgrace.org/today-is-the-day-the-lord-has-made/): Do you ever shop at Aldi? With four small, seemingly always hungry kids at home, I sure do!  One of my favorite things about Aldi are their eggs. Not only are they usually a great price, but on the inside of every carton there is a cheerful Bible verse: “This is the day the LORD […] - [Anxiety, Suicide, and Going to Heaven](https://timeofgrace.org/anxiety-suicide-and-going-to-heaven/): If anxiety is a sin, what happens to someone who succumbs to it and dies by suicide? If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide, please know that help is always available by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. - [Listen to Jesus’ voice](https://timeofgrace.org/listen-to-jesus-voice/): Last summer my wife and I adopted a puppy named Huckleberry. Since bringing her home, the one thing that’s stood out to me the most is how our presence drastically impacts her behavior. She whimpers when she can’t leave the house with us. She joyfully leaps into the air when we come home and kisses […] - [The cure](https://timeofgrace.org/the-cure/): I am one of over 14 million people who suffer from some form of autoimmune disease. If you add those who suffer from the thousands of other diseases and disorders, there are few left untouched by chronic illness.  However, there’s one fatal disease we all have in common—it’s called sin. Every person experiences variations of […] - [The Lord’s Prayer 101](https://timeofgrace.org/the-lords-prayer-101/): You may or may not know that Jesus’ favorite thing to talk about was the kingdom of God. My simple definition of God’s kingdom is “a place of authority and safety.” God gets the authority, and God provides the safety. You submit to Jesus. Jesus saved you. If you believe that, the kingdom is within […] - [The most important thing about you](https://timeofgrace.org/the-most-important-thing-about-you/): The theologian A. W. Tozer famously said, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us” (The Knowledge of the Holy). He’s right. What you think about God is the most important thing, because what you think about God can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. In high school, […] - [4 reasons we need each other](https://timeofgrace.org/four-reasons-we-need-each-other/): Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus? That’s not necessarily a bad question. Our heavenly Father has no grandchildren. You can’t be a believer by association. Yet nowhere does the Bible say, “You must have a personal relationship with Jesus.” Instead, when Scripture talks about faith, it says that you are entering a family […] - [Jesus is God’s greatest gift](https://timeofgrace.org/jesus-is-gods-greatest-gift/): Sometimes you need about 40 years to really understand a Bible passage. That’s what happened with me and James 1:17. Ever since I was a kid, I knew the wonderful words from Jesus’ half brother James: “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father” (James 1:17). First as a teenager, […] - [God’s forgiveness is limitless](https://timeofgrace.org/gods-forgiveness-is-limitless/): Biblical forgiveness is not like the express checkout at your local grocery store—maximum 15 items. Instead, God calls you to forgive and forgive and forgive and forgive, followed by more forgiveness, after which comes additional forgiveness, which … well, you get the point. Biblical forgiveness is without limit. Peter had an express-lane mentality when he […] - [God is with you always](https://timeofgrace.org/god-is-with-you-always/): My three-year-old had been having a hard time going to sleep. After years of him smiling beatifically and snuggling into his bed with nary a tear, suddenly my attempts to leave his room after kissing him goodnight were met with crocodile tears and pleas of: “Mama, no, you stay here! Don’t leave! I am scared […] - [We need Jesus](https://timeofgrace.org/we-need-jesus/): A daily ritual in our home is that Dad makes breakfast. Occasionally, number-three son (yes, I grew up watching Charlie Chan) asks, “Dad, can I help you?” I do not “need” his help. In fact, it takes longer and can be more of a mess with five-year-old fingers assisting in the pancake-making process. However, to […] - [Care to the last detail](https://timeofgrace.org/care-to-the-last-detail/): His baby was sick. In fact, she was dying. Those of you who have gone through something like this know there is no greater pain. You would do anything and everything to help your child. Jairus, the synagogue ruler, knew where to go. He approached Jesus through the crowd and cried out, “Hurry! My little […] - [Failing to be somebody](https://timeofgrace.org/failing-to-be-somebody/): The desire to be a somebody can lead people to do crazy things. I will spare you my own foolish stories from high school. Thankfully the Bible is full of examples. Leah and Rachel were sisters. They shared more than the same set of parents. They also shared a husband, Jacob. But when Leah gave […] - [Lonely Less: The Family Connection](https://timeofgrace.org/lonely-less-the-family-connection/): Discover the beauty and complexity of family as God's divine gift for connection and overcoming loneliness. - [Lamb over me](https://timeofgrace.org/lamb-over-me/): I was studying the Bible with a Chinese friend at our church. We were looking at the word righteousness, and one of the Bible verses was this: “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). Jesus is the Lamb of God, whose innocent blood was shed on a […] - [Jesus is the way](https://timeofgrace.org/jesus-is-the-way/): Recently, I took my first-ever hike through the beautiful desert of southern Arizona. Think prickly pear and towering saguaro cacti, multicolored mountains, and a Wisconsin boy escaping the March snow of his native land for the southwestern sun. There was only one problem—I got lost. Apparently, I left the official hiking trail and ended up […] - [Stand firm in Jesus](https://timeofgrace.org/stand-firm-in-jesus/): I recently had the opportunity to go on a police ride along. I was amazed to find that the time in the squad car was a series of highs and lows. One minute we were like people passing time on a road trip, counting cars with heavy eyelids. Then in the blink of an eye, […] - [How to be still](https://timeofgrace.org/how-to-be-still/): There’s this one verse in the Bible that a lot of people—myself included—seem to know (but don’t really know). It comes from a song written long ago by a group of Israelite worship leaders called the Sons of Korah who wrote music for people to sing to God. The verse says, “Be still, and know […] - [The real problem with submission](https://timeofgrace.org/the-real-problem-with-submission/): Why do so many people hate the biblical idea of submission? Perhaps because authority can be awful. If you have suffered under the abusive authority of a corrupt government, a monstrous husband, or a pastor with selfish motives, I can understand how triggering the passages on submission must be. But—can we be honest?—much of the […] - [Hope after an affair](https://timeofgrace.org/hope-after-an-affair/): I sat down with a woman a few years after her husband’s affair. After recounting the pain and struggle, she told me about the healing and positive changes she had seen in her husband. Then I asked another couple this dangerous question: “Can you see any ways that the affair has made you stronger or […] - [How to heal from infidelity](https://timeofgrace.org/how-to-heal-from-infidelity/): I interviewed a number of couples from my church that had been through and healed from an affair. I then developed an equation to describe how healing happens: Healing = Time x Work x Work. Time—Adultery is like getting hit by a bus. There’s no shortcut to getting back on your feet. You can work […] - [Lonely Less: The God Connection](https://timeofgrace.org/lonely-less-the-god-connection/): Discover how strengthening your relationship with God and prioritizing connections over convenience can lead to a less lonely life. - [How adultery happens](https://timeofgrace.org/how-adultery-happens/): Few Christians see themselves as the kind of people who would commit adultery. Yet it happens. Here’s a common pattern: First, deprivation. A spouse feels deprived of love/respect/attention/intimacy at home. Second, attraction. The deprived spouse notices someone and is drawn to them. Third, intention. You make an intentional effort to be with/impress the person you’re […] - [Adultery? Don’t!](https://timeofgrace.org/adultery-dont/): Of the 55 uses of the word adultery in the Bible, the very first one that shows up is this: “You shall not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14). Our Father is that blunt for a reason. Even though an affair can feel like a lifeline for a spouse stuck in an unhappy marriage, breaking your vow […] - [Competition or cooperation](https://timeofgrace.org/competition-or-cooperation/): The following two statements are true: Possessions are a blessing from God. Possessions are a burden to manage. Abraham and his nephew Lot had made a community together. Their families, livestock, and workers lived side by side. And God blessed them. He blessed them so much that their blessings became a burden to manage. Worker […] - [Jesus makes you truly great](https://timeofgrace.org/jesus-makes-you-truly-great/): What does it mean to be truly great? If you were to ask Merriam-Webster, it would say greatness is the quality of being exceptionally superior, important, or remarkable. This can apply to many things. A skyscraper can be great because of its height. A team can be great because of its winning streak. A person […] - [God’s system is best](https://timeofgrace.org/gods-system-is-best/): Our gut reaction, especially if we are Americans, is to hate submission. When the Bible commands, “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority” (1 Peter 2:13), we cringe. But we shouldn’t. According to my dictionary, the word submit simply means “to yield to the authority or will of another person.” That idea—yielding—isn’t […] - [The arc of history](https://timeofgrace.org/the-arc-of-history/): Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is credited with saying that the arc of the universe bends toward justice. I think that’s true because God is perpetually bending the arc of history toward himself. But it takes a long, sometimes very long, view of history to have that confidence. The arc of history doesn’t bend without […] - [Grace brings you from the back to the front](https://timeofgrace.org/grace-brings-you-from-the-back-to-the-front/): My wife and I once purchased tickets to a magic show. As we usually do, we bought the very cheapest tickets in the back row of the theater. When we got to the theater, however, we were in for a surprise. The usher looked at our tickets and said, “How would you like a better […] - [Light in dark places](https://timeofgrace.org/light-in-dark-places/): Important words sometimes lose their freshness and impact when they become overly familiar. We stop paying attention to or taking joy in the thoughts and emotions expressed. Think about a question we ask or respond to out of habit: How are you? How about the most crucial words of all: I love you? Even favorite […] - [No More Mediocre Me: On Purpose, With Purpose](https://timeofgrace.org/no-more-mediocre-me-on-purpose-with-purpose/): You are a limited edition, fearfully and wonderfully made, with unique gifts and a divine purpose waiting to be fulfilled. - [A good, quiet life](https://timeofgrace.org/a-good-quiet-life/): The apostle Paul wrote this to the Christians living in Thessalonica: “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent […] - [Jesus’ love is for anyone … that’s you!](https://timeofgrace.org/jesus-love-is-for-anyone-thats-you/): The Bible says something touching just before Jesus feeds a crowd of five thousand people: “He had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things” (Mark 6:34). Jesus gave the people what they needed most: his Word to feed their souls. Then with five small […] - [Open your eyes](https://timeofgrace.org/open-your-eyes/): There’s a story about a man who waited on the roof of his house during a flood. The waters kept rising, and he waited so long that he drowned. This happened after a boat, a helicopter, and more tried to save him, but he refused each attempt, saying, “I’m waiting for a sign from God.” […] - [The last word](https://timeofgrace.org/the-last-word/): I recently watched a national news anchor interview a potential presidential candidate. The news commentator iterated to the presidential hopeful a laundry list of all the things he’s worried about in our country. China, rising inflation, foreign wars, national debt, energy independence, border issues, and woke agendas were among the things that were keeping him […] - [No More Mediocre Me: Breaking Up With Busy](https://timeofgrace.org/no-more-mediocre-me-breaking-up-with-busy/): Discover how slowing down and embracing a sustainable pace can profoundly enrich your faith, friendships, and family life. - [Short but sweet](https://timeofgrace.org/short-but-sweet/): Twenty-nine words; that’s the entirety of Psalm 117. Frankly, it’s so short and so like other psalms that we might brush past it without contemplating what the words ask of us and the claim they make. “Praise the Lord, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples. For great is his love toward us, and […] - [Confused by your suffering?](https://timeofgrace.org/confused-by-your-suffering/): If you’ve ever questioned God because of your pain, listen to what Jesus said in John 15: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more […] - [Lessons from Barry](https://timeofgrace.org/lessons-from-barry/): I’m learning a lot from my friend Barry. He’s a native New Yorker and very devoted to his Jewish faith and heritage. He and his wife have led interesting lives and have been very successful. They enjoy helping others and have felt the slap of anti-Semitism personally. In the context of current events, they asked […] - [Inadequate coverage](https://timeofgrace.org/inadequate-coverage/): I’m an average-sized person, but when I use a pool towel at one of those “budget friendly” hotels, I have to wonder if the staff gave me a washcloth by mistake. It barely covers one hip! It takes at least four minimalist towelettes to provide any real coverage, and that requires the use of both […] - [Your future self: Hope for the New Year](https://timeofgrace.org/your-future-self-hope-for-the-new-year/): I love New Year’s! It’s a time of forgetting what is behind and pressing on toward what’s ahead (Philippians 3:13 paraphrase). A time of setting new goals, starting new habits, and exploring new opportunities. Not everyone gets this excited about New Year’s resolutions, but I do. I love the whole process. By January 1, I […] - [What you really need](https://timeofgrace.org/what-you-really-need/): The paralyzed man probably thought, “If I could only walk, then I’d be happy.” Four friends carried him to the teacher. Jesus looked at him and knew that this man’s greatest need was not to walk in this life but to walk with him in eternal life. So Jesus said, “Son, your sins are forgiven” […] - [A new definition for patience](https://timeofgrace.org/a-new-definition-for-patience/): I recently asked a large group of people how many of them wished they had more patience. Rather than raising their hands, most of them just laughed at the question. Why? Because everyone knows that everyone wants to be more patient. Why do we need it? Here’s what we think: The world is full of […] - [No weight limit on forgiveness](https://timeofgrace.org/no-weight-limit-on-forgiveness/): While most everyone agrees that forgiveness (the opposite of vengeance) is the right thing to do, there are three aspects to biblical forgiveness that offend human reason—the size, the amount, and the necessity. Let’s think about the first offense: The Bible doesn’t have a weight limit on forgiveness. When someone sins against you, God doesn’t […] - [No More Mediocre Me: Resetting Your Digital Life](https://timeofgrace.org/no-more-mediocre-me-resetting-your-digital-life/): In our tech-driven world, balancing screen time with spiritual priorities can be challenging, but it's essential for a Christ-centered life. - [God is punctual](https://timeofgrace.org/god-is-punctual/): Just 30 seconds. That’s how much later I checked in for the flight online than all the other passengers reserving their boarding positions on the Southwest Airlines flight. It meant I was group C instead of group A. Timing is everything. So what timing are you trying to manage right now? Persevering in new habits? […] - [Is Jesus disappointed in you?](https://timeofgrace.org/is-jesus-disappointed-in-you/): A few years ago, I lost my voice and my car wouldn’t start on the same day, so I ordered an Uber to give me a quick lift to work. A woman pulled up in an impressive, upgraded Jeep. Since she was talkative and I couldn’t talk, we started a hilarious me-texting and her-talking conversation […] - [Are Guardian Angels Real?](https://timeofgrace.org/are-guardian-angels-real/): Explore the biblical perspective on guardian angels and find comfort in God's promise of divine protection and love. - [The penalty is paid](https://timeofgrace.org/the-penalty-is-paid/): OK, so I admit that I watched the trial of Johnny Depp vs. Amber Heard. This couple who was once in love slung mud at each other day after day. Witness after witness came forward, each supporting a side of the story. Text messages, decades-old but spanning their relationship, were drudged up and read publicly. […] - [Following God’s route](https://timeofgrace.org/following-gods-route/): Our dogs are funny.  When we take them on walks, they try to lead the way because 1) they think they are in charge and 2) they walk the same route so often, they kind of know it by heart.  Sometimes we like to change the route just to throw them a curveball. As they […] - [The new you is hidden](https://timeofgrace.org/the-new-you-is-hidden/): Some years my New Year’s resolutions are clear and focused.  This year they’re hidden, which actually makes them more impactful and hopeful. Here’s how: “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:2,3).  Hidden in his cross. Hidden in […] - [Every day is the last day](https://timeofgrace.org/every-day-is-the-last-day/): “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come” (Matthew 24:42). I love my kids and all, but some days I can’t wait for them to go to bed. When I leave their room after saying prayers, it’s like walking into freedom. At last, some time to myself! An […] - [Prone to wander](https://timeofgrace.org/prone-to-wander/): A famous old hymn said, “Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it. Prone to leave the God I love.” The author admitted that his heart had a tendency to stray from God. Jesus would agree. When he said, “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me” (John 10:14), he […] - [No More Mediocre Me: More Than Just "Spiritual"](https://timeofgrace.org/no-more-mediocre-me-more-than-just-spiritual/): Explore how true Christianity offers stability and safety in God's authority amidst the shifting sands of personalized spirituality. - [Made new](https://timeofgrace.org/made-new/): We recently remodeled our office. This involved new wallpaper and floor-to-ceiling bookshelves to create my dream library, as well as a space for my desk. It’s so full of potential! Let’s face it, new stuff is fun. New houses are a blast … even new jobs hold the charm of potential. I even remember getting […] - [Tackling Tough Topics #3](https://timeofgrace.org/tackling-tough-topics-3/): Explore the Bible's wisdom on honoring abusive parents, substance use, and embracing doubts, finding peace in God's promises. - [God's Kind of Christmas: More Than a Holiday](https://timeofgrace.org/gods-kind-of-christmas-more-than-a-holiday/): Discover the true joy of Christmas by looking beyond the festivities and embracing the hope found in Jesus Christ. - [God's Kind of Christmas: Can I Really Trust God?](https://timeofgrace.org/gods-kind-of-christmas-can-i-really-trust-god/): Discover how trusting in God's promises, rather than merely believing in His existence, can transform your spiritual journey this Christmas. - [Pastor Mike's Birthday Surprise](https://timeofgrace.org/pastor-mikes-birthday-surprise/): Discover the unexpected joy and lessons in Pastor Mike's sandy birthday surprise, where laughter meets forgiveness and friendship. - [God's Kind of Christmas: Following When It's Hard](https://timeofgrace.org/gods-kind-of-christmas-following-when-its-hard/): Explore how Christmas calls us to submit wholly to Jesus' authority, following the examples of Mary and Joseph, who embraced God's plan. - [God's Kind of Christmas: Real Hope for Real People](https://timeofgrace.org/gods-kind-of-christmas-real-hope-for-real-people/): Explore the profound questions of Christmas, its historical reality, and its personal significance to discover a hope-filled celebration. - [How Do I Fix My Relationship With God?](https://timeofgrace.org/how-do-i-fix-my-relationship-with-god/): Discover how God’s love reconciles us to Him through Christ and empowers us to restore earthly relationships. - [Remember and fight](https://timeofgrace.org/remember-and-fight/): When you’re under spiritual attack and can’t get out from under the weight of discouragement, read Nehemiah 4-6. It’s a slow burn of good overcoming evil with an unlikely backdrop: a construction site. The people of Judah were rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem under the leadership of Nehemiah, who, as the king of Persia’s royal […] - [Why Does God Allow Evil?](https://timeofgrace.org/why-does-god-allow-evil/): Explore why a good God allows evil, and find hope and strength in His promises amidst life's trials. - [We did start the fire!](https://timeofgrace.org/we-did-start-the-fire/): I’m going to go out on a limb and guess that anyone reading this has heard the famous Billy Joel song “We Didn’t Start the Fire.” The lyrics are a rapid-fire succession of mostly historically tragic events. It refers to the thought that history has been ongoing and is not the fault of those currently […] - [War Zone: Fighting to Share the Faith](https://timeofgrace.org/war-zone-fighting-to-share-the-faith/): Discover the power and importance of sharing the gospel, even amidst fears, and embrace your role as an ambassador for Christ. - [Do Guardian Angels Really Exist?](https://timeofgrace.org/do-guardian-angels-really-exist/): Explore the biblical perspective on angels and the intriguing possibility of guardian angels watching over us with divine care. - [Is God OK With Your Doubts?](https://timeofgrace.org/is-god-ok-with-your-doubts/): Discover how God invites you to bring your doubts to Him and find unwavering truth in His Word. - [It Doesn’t Feel Wrong… But Is It Sin?](https://timeofgrace.org/it-doesnt-feel-wrong-but-is-it-sin/): Discover how aligning your conscience with God's unchanging truth can guide you through life's moral challenges with confidence. - [Is There Proof Jesus Really Existed?](https://timeofgrace.org/is-there-proof-jesus-really-existed/): Explore the historical and eyewitness evidence of Jesus' existence and discover how these accounts strengthen and affirm your faith. - [War Zone: Using the Greatest Weapon - Prayer](https://timeofgrace.org/war-zone-using-the-greatest-weapon-prayer/): Discover how prayer, both a cause and effect of blessings, transforms your relationship with God and strengthens your faith. - [Seek God continually](https://timeofgrace.org/seek-god-continually/): The opening words of Psalm 105 read to me like a letter from an enthusiastic and wise elder: “Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! Glory in his holy name; let the […] - [War Zone: Gearing Up for Victory](https://timeofgrace.org/war-zone-gearing-up-for-victory/): Equipped with God's armor, Christians stand firm against spiritual battles, assured of victory through the finished work of Christ. - [Two valleys tell one story](https://timeofgrace.org/two-valleys-tell-one-story/): Two valleys surround Jerusalem, just as Jesus surrounds us. The Kidron Valley runs between Jerusalem’s eastern edge and the Mount of Olives. In Bible times, a dry streambed called a wadi flowed through it. During King Hezekiah’s reign, priests removed pagan objects from the temple and carried them off to be dumped into the valley.  […] - [War Zone: Standing Strong in Your Fight](https://timeofgrace.org/war-zone-standing-strong-in-your-fight/): Discover how to stand firm in your faith amidst life's battles by equipping yourself with the armor of God. - [War Zone: Winning the Battles You Can't See](https://timeofgrace.org/war-zone-winning-the-battles-you-cant-see/): Engage in spiritual battles with God's armor and strength, as His power equips us to stand firm in faith and victory. - [How Can I Resist Tempation](https://timeofgrace.org/how-can-i-resist-tempation/): Discover how God's love empowers self-control, helping you resist temptation and live a life of peace and purpose. - [Not So Scarlet Letters: L - Laziness](https://timeofgrace.org/not-so-scarlet-letters-l-laziness/): Discover how to balance work and rest according to God's design, honoring Him while blessing those around you. - [Never alone](https://timeofgrace.org/never-alone/): Feeling alone is scary. When the Old Testament prophet Elisha and his servant were surrounded by an enemy army, the servant cried out, “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” (2 Kings 6:15). Have you ever found yourself in a situation where it seemed like you were all alone? Maybe not surrounded by an […] - [Not So Scarlet Letters: S - Slander](https://timeofgrace.org/not-so-scarlet-letters-s-slander/): Discover the power of words and how aligning them with God's truth fosters love, healing, and stronger relationships. - [Filled with peace and joy](https://timeofgrace.org/filled-with-peace-and-joy/): What’s crushing down on you?  Years ago, a nuclear-powered submarine, USS Thresher, disappeared in the ocean depths. A small valve had frozen up from condensation, causing the sub to dive too deep. Everyone inside perished. Because of new technology, another submarine went into the area where the Thresher disappeared. This new sub was thick-plated, thick-glassed, […] - [Mental health comes from facing reality](https://timeofgrace.org/mental-health-comes-from-facing-reality/): My wife knew something was wrong. I didn’t have piles of books lying everywhere. I wasn’t writing or creating. She could tell I was depressed—empty, like the ice cream carton beside me and the hours of mindless Netflix I was binging. This is what depression can look like, but what’s really going on when someone […] - [God’s arms are open wide](https://timeofgrace.org/gods-arms-are-open-wide/): He made the long journey home, the apology repeating in his head: “Dad, I’m sorry. Dad, forgive me.” In his youthful arrogance, he thought he knew what he wanted. And it wasn’t his father’s rules. So he begged for his inheritance early, and his father reluctantly gave him his wish. The son practically ran to […] - [Not So Scarlet Letters: I - Idolatry](https://timeofgrace.org/not-so-scarlet-letters-i-idolatry/): Explore the concept of idolatry in modern life, identifying and overcoming idols to deepen your relationship with God. - [Not So Scarlet Letters: G - Gluttony](https://timeofgrace.org/not-so-scarlet-letters-g-gluttony/): Explore the spiritual implications of gluttony and embrace God's grace to transform your relationship with food and faith. - [The B team](https://timeofgrace.org/the-b-team/): Were you ever on the B team? Unless you were a stellar athlete, you may have spent time on the bench, warm-up pants firmly on, waiting yet fearing for the coach to call your name. Jesus’ disciples may be the B-est B team in history. They were the unlikeliest bunch to be charged with the […] - [Would Jesus Choose Rules Over Love?](https://timeofgrace.org/would-jesus-choose-rules-over-love/): Discover how Jesus balanced rules and love, guiding us to build faith communities that reflect His heart and teachings. - [Are Parents “Toxic” or Are They Just Parenting?](https://timeofgrace.org/are-parents-toxic-or-are-they-just-parenting/): Explore how to discern true toxicity from ordinary flaws in parenting, and find peace through wisdom and forgiveness in your relationships. - [Do Good Works Earn You Heaven?](https://timeofgrace.org/do-good-works-earn-you-heaven/): Salvation is a gift of grace through faith in Jesus, and good works are the fruit of that faith, reflecting God's love. - [Not Feeling Church? Here’s Why](https://timeofgrace.org/not-feeling-church-heres-why/): There may be times in life when attending church feels more like a chore than a joy. Perhaps you find yourself dragging your feet to… - [What if I Don't Understand the Bible?](https://timeofgrace.org/what-if-i-dont-understand-the-bible/): Feeling lost in the Bible? Discover why questions are vital, community is key, and the Holy Spirit is your guide. - [Do You Go to Heaven Right After Death or on Judgment Day?](https://timeofgrace.org/do-you-go-to-heaven-right-after-death-or-on-judgment-day/): Explore the promise of heaven and the new earth, where believers dwell with God in eternal joy and peace. - [Avocados aren’t the answer](https://timeofgrace.org/avocados-arent-the-answer/): Avocados aren’t the answer to sin. I never thought I’d have to say that. One of the “hit” commercials from a recent Super Bowl showed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, right after Eve had eaten the forbidden fruit. The sky was dark. The world was falling apart. Until, thankfully, a squirrel showed […] - [No fear](https://timeofgrace.org/no-fear/): I read a story about a man who lived through World War II in England. Every night air-raid sirens blared and enemy bombers dropped bombs. Every day news came of more casualties. There was so much death. So much uncertainty. So much fear.  So he found himself going back again and again to one verse […] - [Almost Honest Isn't Honest Enough: Still Need to Admit You Don't Understand](https://timeofgrace.org/almost-honest-isnt-honest-enough-still-need-to-admit-you-dont-understand/): Understanding the Bible is a journey of faith, honesty, and community. Embrace learning and be open to discovering God's truths together. - [Can Christians Gamble?](https://timeofgrace.org/can-christians-gamble/): The answer may be complex. But maybe not. Because at the heart of this topic are two principles: greed and God’s love of generosity. - [Immortal until God’s time](https://timeofgrace.org/immortal-until-gods-time/): I get anxious about the future. Do you? I worry about all the things that could happen to me or my loved ones. Do you? There’s so much we don’t know. There’s so much we don’t control. So I was encouraged by what an old pastor used to say: “I am immortal until my work […] - [Jesus beautifies our brokenness](https://timeofgrace.org/jesus-beautifies-our-brokenness/): Originating in 15th-century Japan, Kintsugi is the art of repairing broken pottery with gold or silver lacquer. Each piece is uniquely crafted and repaired, resulting in a gorgeous piece of art unlike any other. The real beauty, however, lies in the way the art form approaches brokenness. Instead of seeing breakage as something to be […] - [Morning prayer and praise](https://timeofgrace.org/morning-prayer-and-praise/): “My heart, O God, is steadfast; I will sing and make music with all my soul. Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples” (Psalm 108:1-3). As I mull over these words, a picture of this psalm writer’s […] - [Faith over feelings](https://timeofgrace.org/faith-over-feelings/): Have you ever wanted to have a deep faith in God but you just couldn’t shake your feelings of doubt? Maybe you wanted to believe that God was with you, but you felt like nobody was there. Or maybe you wanted to believe he had a purpose for you, but you felt completely unworthy to […] - [Life lessons from “The Chosen”](https://timeofgrace.org/life-lessons-from-the-chosen/): My husband and I have been watching the faith-based TV series The Chosen. While biblical scholars may take issue with some of the story line and character embellishments, the series does a great job of fleshing out the humanity of Christ’s “chosen” disciples. We, of course, know the disciples weren’t perfect, but the series makes […] - [Evil is real. But so is God.](https://timeofgrace.org/evil-is-real-but-so-is-god/): From naivety to naming evil In 1978 renowned psychiatrist M. Scott Peck published The Road Less Traveled. The book was a massive success, selling 10 million copies and remaining on The New York Times Best Sellers list for 13 years. And I can see why. In his book, Peck challenges the reader to accept that […] - [Do not be afraid of the future](https://timeofgrace.org/do-not-be-afraid-of-the-future/): When it comes to the future, it’s like we are wearing blindfolds. We want a sign that everything will be okay. Does God give signs? The answer is yes, but not necessarily in the places we so often look, like everyday occurrences. That is NOT how God gives signs. Here is God’s sign that it […] - [Little by little](https://timeofgrace.org/little-by-little/): We all wish God would snap his fingers and make our lives easier. We wish nicotine cravings would simply disappear, depression would magically lift, or our broken relationships would be immediately restored. Instead, it can seem like God is taking too long to answer our prayers. We wonder if he’s even listening.  The Israelites got […] - [What God values](https://timeofgrace.org/what-god-values/): Have you heard of Jeroboam II? He was probably the greatest king of ancient Israel. He ruled for 41 years; conquered Israel’s enemies; and brought peace, prestige, and prosperity. But do you know how many verses of the Bible are dedicated to him? Just seven (2 Kings 14:23-29). But it’s enough to tell us that […] - [A day at a time](https://timeofgrace.org/a-day-at-a-time/): When I was growing up, my mother frequently reminded me to take it a day at a time. I wasn’t good at doing so back then, and, truth be told, I still struggle with it. The problem is that my brain gets ahead of me. I think of all the what-ifs or project myself into […] - [Death is not the end](https://timeofgrace.org/death-is-not-the-end/): I live about a block away from one of the largest and most respected medical systems in Wisconsin. It’s where I held my dad’s hand after the stroke that God used to call him home to heaven. It’s where a family member kept a tearful, prayerful vigil by the bed of her gravely ill daughter […] - [No coincidence. Just providence.](https://timeofgrace.org/no-coincidence-just-providence/): Why are you here? Out of all the things you could be doing or words you could be reading, why are you here right now? There are two answers to that question—coincidence and providence. This moment could be a coincidence. Totally random. Or it could be providence. It could be God’s plan working all things […] - [What’s Up With the Bread and Wine?](https://timeofgrace.org/whats-up-with-the-bread-and-wine/): There are many things that can divide us. But we should focus on being unified by creating a holy community through this simple, seemingly foolish meal. - [Your “soil” matters](https://timeofgrace.org/your-soil-matters/): In early spring, I get my annual delivery from a local landscaping company. Most people would be offended if someone walked up to them and handed them a bunch of dirt, but nothing thrills me more than to see that dump truck pull into my driveway. As the truck’s bed tips up, mounds and mounds of beautiful, fluffy black soil tumble out. I call it black gold. It clumps up beautifully when you squeeze it and smells like green, growing things.  Soil matters. It’s important to renew the nutrients of tired, old soil because if you don’t, the plants that grow […] - [Put Aside My Personal Freedoms?](https://timeofgrace.org/put-aside-my-personal-freedoms/): We may have the right to do certain things and exercise our personal freedoms, but that should not be our highest value. There’s something even more important than our personal rights and freedoms. - [By grace](https://timeofgrace.org/by-grace/): While gift shopping for my wife, I came across an ad that offered a free purse. Who doesn’t like free? However, the fine print said, “Free with a $100 or more purchase.” So basically, I needed to buy an overpriced item to get an item for free? Pass. Ever heard of Christian Ludwig Scheidt? He wrote a hymn entitled “By Grace I’m Saved, Grace Free and Boundless.” Every stanza starts with the words by grace and echo the apostle Paul’s words in Ephesians 2:8,9: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it […] - [Is Murder OK in the Bible?](https://timeofgrace.org/is-murder-ok-in-the-bible/): Pastor Mike unpacks this complicated issue with biblical knowledge. - [This Isn’t MY Body?](https://timeofgrace.org/this-isnt-my-body/): It seems foolish in today’s culture, but remember that our bodies are not our own. So here’s how we should act. - [Pray it forward](https://timeofgrace.org/pray-it-forward/): Who causes you pain? Who breaks promises, repeatedly crushing your heart or knowing just what to say to hurt you? Who does regrettable things but doesn’t regret them?  It’s emotionally exhausting to be the collateral damage of someone’s bad day and evil actions. Hurt people (you) tend to hurt people (them), but God’s Word forbids revenge and retaliation. “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord” (Romans 12:19). This passage shows revenge is wrong, but it does say God brings the […] - [Christianity Isn’t Cool](https://timeofgrace.org/christianity-isnt-cool/): Christianity will never be “cool.” But it doesn’t have to be. Because that’s not what the world needs from Christians. - [God keeps you](https://timeofgrace.org/god-keeps-you/): In the famous blessing of Numbers 6, it says, “The Lord bless you and keep you” (verse 24). You can guess what it means to be blessed, but do you understand the miracle of being kept? Think about a door for a second. Why do you have doors on your home? Answer—to keep you. Doors keep dangers out—strangers, animals, and elements like wind and rain. And if you have little kids, doors keep loved ones in.  What doors do for your family, God does for your faith. You and I, like curious kids, are prone to wander. Temptation is tempting, and […] - [Newlyweds and Sex in Marriage: 4 Discussions You Should Have with Your Spouse](https://timeofgrace.org/newlyweds-and-sex-in-marriage-4-discussions-you-should-have-with-your-spouse/): God is not ashamed of sex, so you don’t have to be ashamed of sex. In the Bible, he talks openly about sex, sexual desire, and sexual acts—so you can too! Sex is a good gift from a perfectly pure God. Is the sexual aspect of your relationship overwhelmingly new? Give each other permission to be inexperienced, naive, and unskilled at the art of love. And know that talking about sex is the most important habit to achieve the kind of sex you will both love. Now let’s get into the not-dirty details with four biblical sex talks.  Sex Talk #1: […] - [Jesus: Extended Cut: Wrestling With Doubt](https://timeofgrace.org/jesus-extended-cut-wrestling-with-doubt/): An Unexpected Invitation A couple of Saturdays ago my neighbor invited me and my wife over to his home for lunch. But, from the second we stepped through the door we realized this was going to be way, way, way more than just lunch. I expected to see a spread of delicious Southeast Asian food but instead when I walked through the door I saw a spread of Southeast Asian statues. Buddha, next to Buddha, next to Buddha, next to Buddha. I stepped inside the door, some guy handed me a Bud Light, a bunch of women came over to me […] - [Hungry for the right stuff](https://timeofgrace.org/hungry-for-the-right-stuff/): One night my son ate the following over a span of 5 hours: 2 cookies, 2 bowls of chicken pasta, chocolate milk, 24 wontons, 2 hamburgers, a pickle, a milkshake, and a bowl of cereal. It was like watching The Very Hungry Caterpillar in real time! He laughs when we joke about his “hollow leg,” which is a completely normal thing for a healthy, active, growing teenage boy. (Boy, do they eat!) But it made me think about how sometimes in life we ingest unhealthy combinations of consumables that AREN’T food: the movies we watch, the company we keep, the habits […] - [Jesus Changes Everything: Episode 13](https://timeofgrace.org/jesus-changes-everything-episode-13/): Bible Reference: Ephesians 4:7-16 Find the whole series of Jesus Changes Everything on YouTube! - [Hi, my name is ...](https://timeofgrace.org/hi-my-name-is/): This will not come as a shock, but Jesus is better than a 12-step program. I have the privilege of serving as a Resilient Recovery group facilitator, and many of the women in the program have gotten sober with the aid of Alcoholics Anonymous. While I am grateful for the help they received that kept them alive long enough to hear the gospel, there is a degree of reframing that needs to happen in the area of identity once they know Jesus.  Even if you’ve never stepped foot in AA, you’ve seen it on TV: “Hi, my name is Taylor, and […] - [Crash Course Christianity: Why Do Good Things?](https://timeofgrace.org/crash-course-christianity-why-do-good-things/): Why do we need to do good things and be good people when God will forgive us anyway? - [What’s in it for you?](https://timeofgrace.org/whats-in-it-for-you/): For some people, following Jesus can extol a great price. For business owners, Christ-like love means you quote an honest price even when you know there isn’t any competition. For employees, it means giving your employer your best effort even when it isn’t reciprocated. For husbands, it means being ready to lay down your life even when you aren’t respected. For wives, it means being willing to follow even when the direction isn’t what you would choose. If you were a follower of Jesus in the first century, you could have been rejected by your family, fired from a job, imprisoned, […] - [Is God Punishing Me?](https://timeofgrace.org/is-god-punishing-me/): Pastor Mike reminds us that God may use consequences for our good. - [Crash Course Christianity: Do I Have Enough Faith?](https://timeofgrace.org/crash-course-christianity-do-i-have-enough-faith/): What does it mean to have faith? How do I know if I have enough of it? - [You are like Roman concrete](https://timeofgrace.org/you-are-like-roman-concrete/): In Rome, the famous Pantheon, which was completed around a.d. 128 and has an unreinforced concrete dome, still stands. Some ancient aqueducts are still used today as well. And in these structures, if cracks develop, they heal themselves. For years, researchers were stumped. How did ancient engineers come up with a material that has not only survived for thousands of years but has actually gotten stronger—even structures built in harsh conditions like seawalls or sewers or in areas that are seismically active? Finally in 2023, researchers from MIT, Harvard University, and laboratories in Italy and Switzerland published a paper in the […] - [Crash Course Christianity: Can I Believe the Bible?](https://timeofgrace.org/crash-course-christianity-can-i-believe-the-bible/): Why do Christians view the Bible as truth? It comes down to one thing, Pastor Matt says. - [They tried to bury us](https://timeofgrace.org/they-tried-to-bury-us/): Have you been stepped on, leaving you feeling flattened and unappreciated, down and out? Have you been denied an opportunity you desired, crushing your dream? Have you buried a talent or passion because you’re afraid of expressing it fully or afraid of failure?  These words by Greek poet Dinos Christianopoulos came into my inbox and made me pause: “They tried to bury us. They didn’t know we were seeds.” Various political and social movements have claimed that statement as a rally cry. Better than that, the truth behind it can be found in the Bible. “What you sow does not come […] - [Why Take Books Out of the Bible?](https://timeofgrace.org/why-take-books-out-of-the-bible/): What’s in and what’s out? Jesus himself gave us the answer. - [Crash Course Christianity: Am I Good Enough?](https://timeofgrace.org/crash-course-christianity-am-i-good-enough/): Why did Jesus have to die? And why did he have to be crucified on a cross? To understand this, we need to understand what sin is—and it’s more than just doing something bad. - [Unsure or unwilling](https://timeofgrace.org/unsure-or-unwilling/): One of Jesus’ disciples damaged his personal brand forever by being skeptical. Thomas was missing when the resurrected Jesus appeared to the other disciples. When they told Thomas they had seen the Lord, he said, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe” (John 20:25). Thomas was willing to die with this man he believed was the hope of Israel. But he was traumatized and disillusioned by the gruesome execution of his beloved Messiah.  Jesus later appeared to his disciples, including […] - [Crash Course Christianity: One Event Changed Everything](https://timeofgrace.org/crash-course-christianity-one-event-changed-everything/): What is Christianity about? It sounds complicated, but it’s actually quite simple. Let’s start with one single event. - [Already yours](https://timeofgrace.org/already-yours/): Ali Hafed was a wealthy man who lived in ancient Persia. When he discovered the extreme value of diamonds, he suddenly wasn’t content. He sold his expansive farmland and traveled the world looking for diamonds. His money ran out, and he never found a single diamond. Broken and depressed, he ended his life.  Meanwhile, the man who bought Ali Hafed’s property saw a twinkle of light in a stream. It was a diamond! He found 10,000,000 carats of diamonds more! Ali Hafed had a literal diamond mine of fortune, but he overlooked the blessings he already had. You are also blessed, […] - [Fighting Fair: The Newlyweds’ Guide to Conflict in Marriage](https://timeofgrace.org/newlyweds-guide-to-conflict-in-marriage/): Couples who never fight are as rare as snow in South Texas, so please know you are normal if you’ve just had your first fight.  Good News: Every conflict is a chance to make your marriage even better, to learn about each other, and to get another step closer to mutually agreed-upon expectations. Bad News: Without the right approach, conflict can kill you.  The Bible warns: “The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on […] - [Jesus: The Extended Cut: The Right Way to See Jesus](https://timeofgrace.org/jesus-the-extended-cut-the-right-way-to-see-jesus/): Introduction: The “Extended Cut” Idea Who here in church today—or watching at home—is a fan of superhero movies? Batman, Superman, DC, Marvel? If you’re a superfan, you might know the story of the “Snyder Cut.” Back in 2017, during Comic Con, a plane flew over the San Diego Convention Center with a banner that read: “Release the Snyder Cut.” Fans wanted the original director’s full vision of Justice League, not the shorter version that had been released. Four years later, they got it—a four-hour version with all the details restored. Some people want the full story, not the condensed version. And […] - [Going on an adventure](https://timeofgrace.org/going-on-an-adventure/): One of my favorite books (and movies) is the Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien. I love the part when Bilbo finally decides to go with Gandalf and the dwarves, and he runs out of his house as he shouts, “I’M GOING ON AN ADVENTURE!” How exciting! What would it be like to go on a real adventure?! All too often, I finish watching this scene and then come crashing back to earth as I look around my house … the dirty dishes in the sink, the laundry on the floor, or the list of events I need to drive my […] - [Jesus Changes Everything: Episode 12](https://timeofgrace.org/jesus-changes-everything-episode-12/): Bible Reference: Ephesians 4:1-6 Find the whole series of Jesus Changes Everything on YouTube! - [Praise the Lord!](https://timeofgrace.org/praise-the-lord-2/): When we gather in church to worship, we are worshiping the Creator-God. He’s the MVP, the One and Only, the triune God who deserves our best and our respect.  But sometimes when we worship, we’re far from our best. Perhaps we go into a tailspin if a new hymn is played or the baptismal font is moved 1/8 of an inch out of place. Defiance captures our hearts over something different. Perhaps church is too crowded or not crowded enough, and that leads to grumbling over numbers. Maybe the pastor’s sermon hits close as he calls out a pet sin, and […] - [But I’d Rather Be in Heaven](https://timeofgrace.org/but-id-rather-be-in-heaven/): Wouldn’t it be easier just to leave this broken world and finally be in heaven? Though we long for heaven, Pastor Caleb says, “Not so fast.” - [More than a glimpse](https://timeofgrace.org/more-than-a-glimpse/): There was a first-century man named Zacchaeus. Not many people liked him, not even his own people. The reason not many people liked him was because he decided to spend his life supporting the empire that was oppressing his own people. Zacchaeus was a tax collector, siphoning taxes from his fellow countrymen to support the Roman Empire. And as a “chief” tax collector, Zacchaeus was known for being good at what he did. But one day Zacchaeus became known for something else. Jesus was coming through his town. I’ll let Luke tell the story: “[Zacchaeus] wanted to see who Jesus was, […] - [Can a Christian Donate Their Body to Science?](https://timeofgrace.org/can-a-christian-donate-their-body-to-science/): Pastor Mike gives guidance on loving our neighbors while also looking forward to the Last Day. - [But It Seems God’s Not Doing Anything](https://timeofgrace.org/but-it-seems-gods-not-doing-anything/): When we look at the world around us and all we see is darkness closing in, is God working? - [To whom should you confess?](https://timeofgrace.org/to-whom-should-you-confess/): In a world where plenty of people are gossips and plenty of others are terribly judgmental, to whom should you confess the whole truth of your sinfulness? Good question. The Bible’s answer? Start with your pastor. After encouraging struggling Christians to “call the elders of the church” (a.k.a. the pastors, James 5:14), James writes, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed” (5:16). God doesn’t want to be the only one to hear your confessions. He wants your pastor(s) to truly know you so they can truly pray for you. This […] - [What’s Our Purpose in a Broken World?](https://timeofgrace.org/whats-our-purpose-in-a-broken-world/): How do we find joy in a broken world that keeps getting more broken each day? Spoiler: We can’t do it alone. - [Faith + mountains](https://timeofgrace.org/faith-mountains/): I toured the Holy Land a few years ago with my friend Mike. One day he said, “Let’s start our day with a six-mile run up and down a mountain. It’ll be worth it; I promise.” He also promised one other thing about our trip. He said that I would return home and find that reading the Bible would be different—3D, full-color different. It wasn’t long after returning that I was reading the Great Commission in Matthew 28. One word shocked me that I had missed countless times before: “Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus […] - [Does God Want All People to Be Saved?](https://timeofgrace.org/does-god-want-all-people-to-be-saved/): Pastor Mike shares the comfort in knowing that our faith is not an accident. - [Can I Just Ignore the News?](https://timeofgrace.org/can-i-just-ignore-the-news/): The 24-hour news cycle makes information available all the time, tempting us to put our heads in the sand and ignore all the bad news. But that’s not the answer, Pastor Caleb says. Instead, remember that we already have so much going for us. - [What could go right?](https://timeofgrace.org/what-could-go-right/): When it comes to having hard conversations with people we love, our anxious minds immediately rush to worst-case scenarios. He’ll get defensive. She’ll shut down. He’ll blow up. She’ll never be my friend again. While those aren’t illogical thoughts, make sure you also think of what could go right. He could repent. She could thank you for getting her back to God. He could reconnect with the truth. She could be with you in heaven. That could happen. Many times that does happen. Not long ago, I heard about a woman who confronted her sister who was saying some unbiblical things, […] - [Where’s the Joy in Our Broken World?](https://timeofgrace.org/wheres-the-joy-in-our-broken-world/): Our world is filled with brokenness and uncertainty. But we have an incredible promise that can’t be taken away. - [How do you do it?](https://timeofgrace.org/how-do-you-do-it/): If you see someone caught in a sin and know God is asking you to say something, please don’t forget the Golden Rule of Confrontation: Confront them like you’d want them to confront you.  Jesus taught us, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you” (Matthew 7:12). “Everything” includes confrontation. In other words, if the tables were turned, how would you prefer to be confronted?  I bet you’d want the truth. As much as we want our doctors to tell us we’re as healthy as ever, we would prefer the true diagnosis if there was […] - [Can a Marriage Thrive When Only 1 Person Is a Christian?](https://timeofgrace.org/can-a-marriage-thrive-when-only-1-person-is-a-christian/): Feeling like church is an obligation is not an ideal situation in a marriage. Worshiping the One you love without the one you love isn’t what the One you love wants for the one you love.  If you don’t totally agree on matters of faith, church, and spiritual practices, you aren’t the first couple, and you won’t be the last. Millions have worked through this for the good of their marriages, so let me suggest three big ideas to guide you. Ask About Their Faith  What’s preventing you from being on the same spiritual page? Maybe … When I hear people’s […] - [God’s Promises to You: He Will Make Everything New](https://timeofgrace.org/gods-promises-to-you-he-will-make-everything-new/): Loving Earth … Kind Of Can I just tell you that I really, really, really, really, really, love Earth… kind of? After 43 years on this planet, that’s my conclusion. I love Earth with a big asterisk after that emphatic statement. I think of a family vacation that my wife and my daughters and I recently took. We drove way, way, west to the Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. Have any of you been there before? And just as we’re pulling in, we’re, like, going to our first stop and this truck passes us going in the other direction. He […] - [Who should confront?](https://timeofgrace.org/who-should-confront/): Does God want you personally to confront, call out, and judge other sinners? Jesus’ answer is, “Depends.” He preached, “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye” (Matthew 7:3,5). Jesus doesn’t want you to call others to repentance if you haven’t repented yourself. Don’t express your concern about your friend being gay if you are living/sleeping with your girlfriend. Don’t […] - [God is with you](https://timeofgrace.org/god-is-with-you/): I bet you would rather not confront the sinners in your life. Not only is the conversation itself often awkward, but most people are too proud and defensive to receive biblical correction. There’s a reason why the prophets were not the most popular kids in Old Testament times! But confrontation is essential because unconfronted sin is like cancer. It grows and gets worse and gets dangerous. If no one says anything about her drifting from Jesus, she will end up very far from Jesus, perhaps for all eternity. If no one stops the pastor who uses his authority to bully his […] - [Our Superhero](https://timeofgrace.org/our-superhero/): We all want someone super to stay by our side until the very end, no matter when we die or what we’ve done. Spoiler: We already have that superhero. In this series, Pastor Jeremy teaches us how one simple but profound sentence of 2 Corinthians 4 reminds us of the hope we have in Jesus. - [Your spiritual gift?](https://timeofgrace.org/your-spiritual-gift/): If you had to give yourself a letter grade for confrontation, which letter would you pick? That was one of the questions I emailed to our ministry staff, curious to see how many of them were honest with others in their lives. “C+” one woman wrote, explaining that her big, harmony-loving heart made it difficult to speak the truth. “D+,” another admitted, “I RUN from confrontation.” “B,” an experienced Christian added, “with practice, it gets easier.” How about you? Maybe your boyfriend gets angry over a hundred things that don’t really matter. Or your sister, who says she loves Jesus, is […] - [Life Is Hard, But Keep Going](https://timeofgrace.org/life-is-hard-but-keep-going/): Even when life gets hard, remember that we keep going—because Jesus kept going for us. In this series, Pastor Jeremy teaches us how one simple but profound sentence of 2 Corinthians 4 reminds us of the hope we have in Jesus. - [Church size matters](https://timeofgrace.org/church-size-matters/): If you want to live your best church life, please don’t miss this essential truth—church size matters. The number of people who call your church their “church home” matters. Just ask Moses. When the megachurch we call the people of Israel escaped from Egypt, Moses was single-handedly trying to pastor a metropolis worth of people. But when his father-in-law took one look at the weary look on Moses’ face and the impatient looks on Israel’s faces, he stated, “What you are doing is not good. You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out” (Exodus 18:17,18). Thankfully, […] - [Our Pain Comes With a Promise](https://timeofgrace.org/our-pain-comes-with-a-promise/): Even when our troubles seem heavy and overwhelming, there’s a very big promise that we get to live with, that God is using our trouble and pain to achieve for us a far bigger glory. In this series, Pastor Jeremy teaches us how one simple but profound sentence of 2 Corinthians 4 reminds us of the hope we have in Jesus. - [The best time to prune](https://timeofgrace.org/the-best-time-to-prune/): Get out your pruning shears! According to horticulturalists, spring is the best time to prune a tree so that it maintains its structural integrity. You’ll want to trim it back before the growing season—nip it in the bud, so to speak. Failure to do so will produce a gangly tree that is prone to come crashing down during a storm. In Christ’s illustration of the vine and the branches, he talks about how the owner of a vineyard ensures a bumper crop by getting rid of unfruitful branches and by pruning the fruitful ones. “Every branch in Me that does not […] - [We Already Have a Reason to Smile](https://timeofgrace.org/we-already-have-a-reason-to-smile/): We can walk through life knowing we always have a future to look forward to because we know who it will be with. In this series, Pastor Jeremy teaches us how one simple but profound sentence of 2 Corinthians 4 reminds us of the hope we have in Jesus. - [The desert will bloom](https://timeofgrace.org/the-desert-will-bloom/): Have you ever seen the desert? The real desert? I once drove through the Mojave Desert in the middle of summer. Do you know what it’s like? Dead. Dry. Empty. Hot. No flowers. No trees. Just desolation. That lonely drive made me appreciate one of God’s promises: “The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy” (Isaiah 35:1,2). Here is God’s promise: The desert will bloom! That’s how powerful God is. God is able to make even the desert […] - [The ultimate “Sandy” mission: Because God is good](https://timeofgrace.org/the-ultimate-sandy-mission-because-god-is-good/): On Friday, April 3, 2026, an F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet was shot down over Iran. Both the pilot and the weapons system officer ejected from the plane and landed in enemy territory. The pilot was rescued within hours, but it would take over forty-eight hours and 150 U.S. aircraft to complete the rescue mission of the second man. The concussed and bleeding officer used his survival and evasion training to treat his own wounds, scale cliff faces, and climb 7,000 feet up a ridge to hide in a crevice for over forty-eight hours while the enemy closed in around him. And the first words he spoke to the base when he made radio contact were these: “God is good.” - [My favorite sola](https://timeofgrace.org/my-favorite-sola/): One of the great catchphrases in history lingers among us in the old Latin language: sola fide (faith alone), sola scriptura (scripture alone), sola gratia (grace alone). Taken together these discreet elements are the motto of Christianity. Each is preeminent in our belief system, and yet they depend on each other. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith” (Ephesians 2:8). How do I know? The Bible tells me so.  I like them all, but grace is my favorite sola because of what you can’t do with it. You can’t legalize it. You can’t weaponize it. You can’t […] - [Destroy the snares](https://timeofgrace.org/destroy-the-snares/): The Israelites were about to enter the Promised Land. Moses gave a series of farewell speeches that are recorded in the book of Deuteronomy, which literally means “words.” Using almost 788,280 words (the name of the book seems pretty appropriate, doesn’t it?), Moses repeated the laws for the people who had been younger than 40 years old when the journey started. Included in these sermons was wisdom he learned from 40 years of watching the Israelites follow God, then rebel, then repent, then follow God, then rebel. He applied that to his cautions for the next generation as they prepared to […] - [Move Forward in Life Confidently](https://timeofgrace.org/move-forward-in-life-confidently/): Life can sometimes be difficult. But with this one short sentence from the Bible, we are reminded that the troubles of life don’t need to stop us from moving forward with confidence. In this series, Pastor Jeremy teaches us how one simple but profound sentence of 2 Corinthians 4 reminds us of the hope we have in Jesus. - [God’s Promises to You: He Will Use This for Your Good](https://timeofgrace.org/gods-promises-to-you-he-will-use-this-for-your-good/): So, this morning when you woke up, did you think, “God has given me a really good life?” It’s an interesting question. We often talk, in modern culture, about living my best life. I think that’s kind of a standard that’s really hard to reach, our best life every single day. So, that’s not my question, my question is, when you woke up, did you just have that feeling, that sense, deep in you, God has given me a really good life. Like, I can be good with this life. It might not be flawless, it might not be perfect, but […] - [God's Promises to You: He Will Be There](https://timeofgrace.org/gods-promises-to-you-he-will-be-there/): Sometimes we may feel as though we’re not blessed financially. Even though we live in a prosperous age, many factors determine the kinds of financial struggles we have. In the first message of this new series, “God’s Promises to You,” Pastor Mike explains a true and comforting promise of God. Namely, despite any struggle we have, God will be there for us. - [God works wonders](https://timeofgrace.org/god-works-wonders/): God waters our souls with nourishment, direction, and clarity in many unique ways. One evening, I sat with a group of believers, and we slowly read through the 175+ verses of Psalm 119. We took our time. We began with a bit of reluctance, as if we were about to endure a cross country race […] - [Renewing our minds](https://timeofgrace.org/renewing-our-minds/): You can tell a lot about a society by what they read. The first issue of LIFE magazine was published in 1936. It was a humor and general interest publication, focusing on photojournalism that captured the essence of significant world events and people. In 1923 and 1933, TIME magazine and Newsweek, respectively, hit newsstands. Each […] - [Count your blessings from God](https://timeofgrace.org/count-your-blessings-from-god/): If you want to increase your level of gratitude, a habit that has incredible spiritual and emotional benefits, check out some research I recently did on everything the Bible has to say about being blessed. There are 389 passages in the Scriptures that use words like blessed or blessing, and in the Old Testament, God’s […] - [Your reality](https://timeofgrace.org/your-reality/): It’s interesting how perspectives can be misunderstood. Take church during a February blizzard, for example. If services are held in the snowy conditions: “How dare you expect me to drive in this!” But only a few years ago a government mandate shut the doors of churches. “How dare you take away my right to worship!” […] - [Feet like a deer](https://timeofgrace.org/feet-like-a-deer/): I once saw a bighorn sheep in the wild. It was amazing! The bighorn sheep was galloping on rocky cliffs. There were so many cracks and crevices, so many rocks and boulders. But that bighorn sheep? He didn’t mind at all. He jogged with his head held high, not one bit afraid as his hooves […] - [Live!](https://timeofgrace.org/live/): I had coffee with a friend recently who’s coming out of a crazy-hard season in her life. After all she’s been through, she came out of it with one word: Live! Just a few weeks ago, my family finished reading through the Bible book of Ecclesiastes. After examining his life and searching for meaning only […] - [Some people don’t want our prayers](https://timeofgrace.org/some-people-dont-want-our-prayers/): Some people find prayers valuable, while others would actually pay to avoid them. Two sociologists studied residents who survived a hurricane, asking them to describe their hardships. Then they made an offer of a prayer and tied the offer to money. What did they discover? Christians valued prayer from a stranger, but others said they […] - [Heirlooms](https://timeofgrace.org/heirlooms/): Last spring, an old neighbor of my grandmother’s passed away, and it turned out she had a bench that used to be on my grandmother’s farm. My grandma has been gone for a long time, so when I got the chance to take that bench home, I was grateful.  But when I saw it—the wood […] - [Jesus Reels: Don't Just Follow; Lock In](https://timeofgrace.org/jesus-reels-dont-just-follow-lock-in/): Discover why following Jesus goes beyond casual interest, inviting you to a life-changing commitment to His teachings and direction. - [When Jesus’s cross disappears](https://timeofgrace.org/when-jesuss-cross-disappears/): One Ash Wednesday morning, I was preparing ashes to apply to hands or foreheads in a special worship service to begin the Christian season of Lent.  I struggled with the particular recipe as I mixed ashes and olive oil. As I tested it, the ash mix wouldn’t shape a clear, defined black cross. It smudged, […] - [Staffing shortage](https://timeofgrace.org/staffing-shortage/): You may have heard that our society is plagued by staffing shortages. There aren’t enough nurses, pastors, pilots, or tradespeople to go around. People who need or want a variety of services are delayed or denied in receiving them because there are not enough providers. I’ve seen people wait to be seated in restaurants, not […] - [Why Do Christians Flip Out About Smoking Marijuana?](https://timeofgrace.org/why-do-christians-flip-out-about-smoking-marijuana/): Pastor Mike provides a visual of a lion to explain the answer. - [Stop trying and start training](https://timeofgrace.org/stop-trying-and-start-training/): Has anyone ever asked you why you aren’t doing better at something? Maybe your doctor asks why you aren’t making better health decisions. Or your financial planner asks why you aren’t spending more wisely. Or your friend asks why you aren’t more patient with a certain person. Or your pastor asks why you aren’t better […] - [You have to forgive](https://timeofgrace.org/you-have-to-forgive/): Are you familiar with the Lord’s Prayer, the prayer in which the Lord Jesus urged us to ask God for forgiveness as well as the strength to forgive those who sin against us? If so, do you know what Jesus said right after that prayer? “For if you forgive other people when they sin against […] - [Does your faith feel low on power?](https://timeofgrace.org/does-your-faith-feel-low-on-power/):   When an ice storm hit the South last month, my daughter was without power for over nine days. Thankfully she had a power bank to charge her phone so we could receive updates about water and food heated over candles, blankets hung over doors and windows to keep in the heat, and power lines […] - [Yielding to authority](https://timeofgrace.org/yielding-to-authority/): When I looked up every Bible passage that mentioned the word submit/submission, I found out that our Father has ordered his world in a specific way, asking five groups of people to yield to the authority placed above them. First, residents submit to their government: “It is necessary to submit to the authorities” (Romans 13:5). […] - [Jesus didn’t run](https://timeofgrace.org/jesus-didnt-run/): If you know the geography of Jerusalem, you realize that Jesus could have run. On the Thursday night that he was arrested, Jesus was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane on the east side of the city. The garden was right on the edge of the Judean wilderness, the cave-filled desert that was ideal for […] - [Glob remover](https://timeofgrace.org/glob-remover/): Ever feel like there’s something wrong with you even when you didn’t do something wrong? Lewis Smedes helps put that feeling into words in his book Shame & Grace. He wrote: “Guilt was not my problem as I felt it. What I felt most was a glob of unworthiness that I could not tie down […] - [Forgotten Blessings](https://timeofgrace.org/forgotten-blessings/): Discover how recognizing your blessings can deepen your relationship with God and fill your heart with gratitude and joy. - [The Lord does all these things](https://timeofgrace.org/the-lord-does-all-these-things/): The Lord controls all things. Do you believe that? Sometimes it’s hard. My city was hit this past summer by severe thunderstorms with 100+ mph winds. Days later, thousands of people still didn’t have electricity. Life was messed up. It was hot. Are you saying that God was in control of that? Yes! Here’s what […] - [Already clean](https://timeofgrace.org/already-clean/): If you struggle to believe that God likes you due to the overwhelming evidence of your sinfulness, listen closely to Jesus. He told his friends the night before he died, “You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you” (John 15:3).  How could Jesus say that? The guys in the upper […] - [God’s spacious place](https://timeofgrace.org/gods-spacious-place/): “When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord; he brought me into a spacious place. The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” (Psalm 118:5,6). What makes you feel hard pressed? Do you feel weighed down by others’ expectations and judgments or burdened by having to […] - [Checking in](https://timeofgrace.org/checking-in/): As a parent, one of the most common things I find myself saying, other than, “Make smart choices!” is this: “Call me when you get there, and let me know if you end up going somewhere else.” In other words: “Check in! I want to know where you’re at!” My kids nod and head out […] - [Every spiritual blessing](https://timeofgrace.org/every-spiritual-blessing/): When I read all 389 Bible passages that use the word bless/blessed/blessing, I noticed a distinctive shift from the Old Testament to the New. In the Old Testament, physical blessings get the vast majority of the attention, but post-Jesus, things change. While the apostles are more than grateful for daily bread, good friends, and the […] - [Number our days](https://timeofgrace.org/number-our-days/): Did you get a new planner for the new year? Oh, that clean calendar feeling! Nothing but blank space for as far as the eye can see. Depending on your season of life, there are no exam weeks or due dates for term papers, no prenatal visits or job interviews, no orthodontist appointments or weekend […] - [Unwind or rewind](https://timeofgrace.org/unwind-or-rewind/): Picture it’s the end of a long day. In addition to being a long day, it has also been a long week. You have no responsibilities tomorrow—you don’t even need to take a shower if you don’t want to. What do you do? The phrase I hear in my mind is this: Time to unwind. […] - [Lonely Less: The Church Connection](https://timeofgrace.org/lonely-less-the-church-connection/): Discover why, despite digital convenience, genuine church community is irreplaceable for spiritual growth and authentic connection. - [100% saved](https://timeofgrace.org/100-saved/): Imagine if you lived an average American life (77 years or 28,207 days) and you only had to be good 1% of the time to make it to heaven. By my math, 1% would be .77 years or 282 days. Think you could do it?  What if God forgave you for 99.9% of your sins […] - [Hand in hand](https://timeofgrace.org/hand-in-hand/): Every Sunday, Bob and Alice walk hand in hand to our church’s café counter to buy a single donut. Bob is 92. Alice is 87. They have been longtime members of our congregation.   Recently, they were asked to share their faith journeys at a church event. Bob’s eyes twinkled as he expounded: “When we were […] - [A little taste of home](https://timeofgrace.org/a-little-taste-of-home/): In Reagan International Airport, I unexpectedly ran into someone from home. Had we been at home, we would not have greeted each other in the way we did, with excited exclamations and hugs. People nearby smiled. They understood the joy of the familiar amid uncertainty.  Something similar seems to be at work in these words […] - [Badwater Basin](https://timeofgrace.org/badwater-basin/): The lowest, hottest place in the United States is Death Valley National Park in California. At the lowest place in the valley, there is a pool of water. Try to imagine this: As you descend into the valley, all you see around you is dusty dry mountains, cracked earth, and rocks. It’s a dead, barren […] - [Make room for lasting friendships](https://timeofgrace.org/make-room-for-lasting-friendships/): If you’ve seen the movie The Sandlot, you’ll know something about my childhood. I grew up on a dead-end street filled with boys. We spent our summers riding our bikes to the local superette to buy Swedish Fish candies and then to my neighbor’s house for a game of backyard baseball. Friendship came easily in […] - [The problem with being human](https://timeofgrace.org/the-problem-with-being-human/): According to Jesus, the problem with being human is that humans are like sheep. Sheep, despite all they offer our world (wool, milk, meat), have a fatal flaw—they can’t conquer wolves. Even a varsity sheep can’t outrun a JV wolf, and once caught, a sheep can’t fight back. It has no bearlike claws or sharklike […] - [Jesus submitted for us](https://timeofgrace.org/jesus-submitted-for-us/): There is a beautiful, handmade cross that hangs over the entrance to my church’s gathering place for worship. My friend Tom crafted it back in 2014 during a sermon series that attempted to redeem one of American’s least favorite words—submission. That cross is engraved with these words of Jesus: “Not my will, but yours be […] - [Hey, Dad! You awake?](https://timeofgrace.org/hey-dad-you-awake/): My kids used to wake me up in the night when they were small. “Hey, Mom! You awake?” It was for a variety of things: They needed a glass of water, they had gotten sick, something looked scary in the darkness of their bedroom, they had a bad dream … the list goes on. As […] - [Lonely Less: The Friend Connection](https://timeofgrace.org/lonely-less-the-friend-connection/): Discover the divine gift of friendship and learn how to cultivate meaningful connections that reflect God’s love and bring joy to your life. - [When life goes wrong](https://timeofgrace.org/when-life-goes-wrong/): If you’re like most humans, most of your emotions are connected to five “f words”: family, friends, finances, fitness (physical health), and faith. When something goes wrong in one or more of those five areas—a sick father, a stressed friendship, an unexpected car repair, breast cancer, a struggle with trusting God—it’s easy for joy to […] - [Work is not a four-letter word](https://timeofgrace.org/work-is-not-a-four-letter-word/): If you have time off from work or school, maybe you aren’t too eager to return. You sigh as you take a shower and swing by Starbucks on the way to your fully furnished office. I feel your First World pain.  Instead of working for the weekend or hanging on until the next vacation, what […] - [Foolish convenience](https://timeofgrace.org/foolish-convenience/): Jesus told a parable about ten virgins who were part of a wedding celebration. Because the celebration went past sundown, they needed to bring lamps both to light their way and so others could see who they were. But Jesus noted that five of them were foolish, and here’s why: “The foolish ones took their […] - [Lies About God: “God Helps Those Who Help Themselves”](https://timeofgrace.org/lies-about-god-god-helps-those-who-help-themselves/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [What if I Want to Hide from God?](https://timeofgrace.org/what-if-i-want-to-hide-from-god/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Lies About God: “God Wants Me to Be Happy”](https://timeofgrace.org/lies-about-god-god-wants-me-to-be-happy/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Prayer = Being with God](https://timeofgrace.org/prayer-being-with-god/): I had intended to use some of the time to talk to God in prayer, and I did, but then I would realize my mind had drifted again. I would start praying again—and soon that train of thought would derail and I’d realize that, yet again, I’d gone silent. - [Sneaky Lies Christians Believe: “Family First”](https://timeofgrace.org/sneaky-lies-christians-believe-family-first/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Kickin’ It with Mike: Stick to the Basics](https://timeofgrace.org/kickin-it-with-mike-stick-to-the-basics/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Depression and Anxiety: There Is an Alternative to Worry?](https://timeofgrace.org/depression-and-anxiety-there-is-an-alternative-to-worry/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Do Good People Go to Hell?](https://timeofgrace.org/do-good-people-go-to-hell/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Depression and Anxiety: Stop Thinking Worst-Case Scenarios](https://timeofgrace.org/depression-and-anxiety-stop-thinking-worst-case-scenarios/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Depression and Anxiety: Does God Hear My Prayers?](https://timeofgrace.org/depression-and-anxiety-does-god-hear-my-prayers/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Kickin’ It with Mike: Pastor Mike Talks with Elise B.!](https://timeofgrace.org/kickin-it-with-mike-pastor-mike-talks-with-elise-b/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Depression and Anxiety: I Feel Alone in My Faith](https://timeofgrace.org/i-feel-alone-in-my-faith/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Depression and Anxiety: How Is There Depression After Success?](https://timeofgrace.org/how-is-there-depression-after-success/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Jesus’s Forever Graffiti](https://timeofgrace.org/jesuss-forever-graffiti/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Sneaky Lies Christians Believe: “What Goes Around Comes Around”](https://timeofgrace.org/sneaky-lies-christians-believe-what-goes-around-comes-around/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Kickin’ It With Mike: No Pressure](https://timeofgrace.org/kickin-it-with-mike-no-pressure/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [The Holy Spirit’s gift](https://timeofgrace.org/the-holy-spirits-gift/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Is God in Your Marriage?](https://timeofgrace.org/is-god-in-your-marriage/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Coming soon](https://timeofgrace.org/coming-soon/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [How Do I Make Friends As an Adult?](https://timeofgrace.org/how-do-i-make-friends-as-an-adult/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Sex Is God’s Gift in Marriage](https://timeofgrace.org/sex-is-gods-gift-in-marriage/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Afraid to be far](https://timeofgrace.org/afraid-to-be-far/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [The Love Song of Marriage](https://timeofgrace.org/the-love-song-of-marriage/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Still a Christian!](https://timeofgrace.org/still-a-christian/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Kickin’ It with Mike: Pastor Mike Talks with Orie](https://timeofgrace.org/kickin-it-with-mike-pastor-mike-talks-with-orie/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Wives Are Supposed to Submit?](https://timeofgrace.org/wives-are-supposed-to-submit/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Can’t stop giving](https://timeofgrace.org/cant-stop-giving/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [What Is a Husband’s Role?](https://timeofgrace.org/what-is-a-husbands-role/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Are you called by God?](https://timeofgrace.org/are-you-called-by-god/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Walking with God (and my wife and dog)](https://timeofgrace.org/walking-with-god-and-my-wife-and-dog/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Sneaky Lies Christians Believe: “Happy Wife, Happy Life”](https://timeofgrace.org/sneaky-lies-christians-believe-happy-wife-happy-life/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Follow in his steps](https://timeofgrace.org/follow-in-his-steps/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [The extra mile](https://timeofgrace.org/the-extra-mile/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Kickin’ It With Mike: Train Like a Champion](https://timeofgrace.org/kickin-it-with-mike-train-like-a-champion/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [The death of unhealthy fears](https://timeofgrace.org/the-death-of-unhealthy-fears/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [What About My Unbelief?](https://timeofgrace.org/what-about-my-unbelief/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Confusing things Christians say](https://timeofgrace.org/confusing-things-christians-say/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Is the Bible Proslavery?](https://timeofgrace.org/is-the-bible-proslavery/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Take Jesus on a Test Drive](https://timeofgrace.org/take-jesus-on-a-test-drive/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [I’m a lot like my dog](https://timeofgrace.org/im-a-lot-like-my-dog/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Which God Is the Right God?](https://timeofgrace.org/which-god-is-the-right-god/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Who’s in my house?](https://timeofgrace.org/whos-in-my-house/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Am I the Way I Am Because of God or Sin?](https://timeofgrace.org/am-i-the-way-i-am-because-of-god-or-sin/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Why Am I Like This?](https://timeofgrace.org/why-am-i-like-this/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Is Christianity Based on Facts?](https://timeofgrace.org/is-christianity-based-on-facts/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Struggle to be still](https://timeofgrace.org/struggle-to-be-still/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Is There Absolute Truth?](https://timeofgrace.org/is-there-absolute-truth/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Taking time to connect with God: The most important thing](https://timeofgrace.org/taking-time-to-connect-with-god-the-most-important-thing/): Keep being curious about God. Keep praising him for the good people, places, and things in your life. Keep asking God to reveal his definition of good to you as you wrestle with hard circumstances. Keep believing that Jesus sees you and loves you beyond your wildest imagination. - [I’ll tell you later ...](https://timeofgrace.org/ill-tell-you-later/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Sneaky Lies Christians Believe: “Boys Will Be Boys”](https://timeofgrace.org/sneaky-lies-christians-believe-boys-will-be-boys/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [The smell of the sheep](https://timeofgrace.org/the-smell-of-the-sheep/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Kickin’ It With Mike: No Toe Bombs!](https://timeofgrace.org/kickin-it-with-mike-no-toe-bombs/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Paving the Way to Heaven](https://timeofgrace.org/paving-the-way-to-heaven/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Is It Wrong for Christians to Care About Appearance?](https://timeofgrace.org/is-it-wrong-for-christians-to-care-about-appearance/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Pleading Your Case Before God](https://timeofgrace.org/pleading-your-case-before-god/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Where Is Jesus at Work in Your Life?](https://timeofgrace.org/where-is-jesus-at-work-in-your-life/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Why Are Christians Judgmental?](https://timeofgrace.org/why-are-christians-judgmental/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Are You Struggling to Find Rest?](https://timeofgrace.org/are-you-struggling-to-find-rest/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [A Hope of Heaven for Us](https://timeofgrace.org/a-hope-of-heaven-for-us/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Marriage: Too Busy for Date Night? You're Making a Huge Mistake](https://timeofgrace.org/marriage-too-busy-for-date-night-youre-making-a-huge-mistake/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Jesus: Extended Cut: Jesus is Still Here](https://timeofgrace.org/jesus-extended-cut-jesus-is-still-here/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Jesus Changes Everything: Episode 16](https://timeofgrace.org/jesus-changes-everything-episode-16/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Your inheritance](https://timeofgrace.org/your-inheritance/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [No One Cares About You?](https://timeofgrace.org/no-one-cares-about-you/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Lots of spiritual resources](https://timeofgrace.org/lots-of-spiritual-resources/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [How Do I Find My Purpose?](https://timeofgrace.org/how-do-i-find-my-purpose/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Love for Anyone and Everyone](https://timeofgrace.org/love-for-anyone-and-everyone/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Grow up](https://timeofgrace.org/grow-up/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Cast Out Your Demons](https://timeofgrace.org/cast-out-your-demons/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [A family of love](https://timeofgrace.org/a-family-of-love/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Why Pray?](https://timeofgrace.org/why-pray/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [What About My Suffering?](https://timeofgrace.org/what-about-my-suffering/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Embrace the process](https://timeofgrace.org/embrace-the-process/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Compassion for the Outcast?](https://timeofgrace.org/compassion-for-the-outcast/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Evidence of life](https://timeofgrace.org/evidence-of-life/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Marriage: When Your Spouse Pays More Attention to Their Phone than to You](https://timeofgrace.org/marriage-when-your-spouse-pays-more-attention-to-their-phone-than-to-you/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Jesus: Extended Cut: Showing God's Love to Others](https://timeofgrace.org/jesus-extended-cut-showing-gods-love-to-others/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Lost and found](https://timeofgrace.org/lost-and-found/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Jesus Changes Everything: Episode 15](https://timeofgrace.org/jesus-changes-everything-episode-15/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [The name of Jesus](https://timeofgrace.org/the-name-of-jesus/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [My Unique Significance](https://timeofgrace.org/my-unique-significance/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Set limits](https://timeofgrace.org/set-limits/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [What if Church Is Boring?](https://timeofgrace.org/what-if-church-is-boring/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [I Can Be Significant by ... Thinking Small?](https://timeofgrace.org/i-can-be-significant-by-thinking-small/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Growing pains](https://timeofgrace.org/growing-pains/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [What if I Don’t Know My Purpose?](https://timeofgrace.org/what-if-i-dont-know-my-purpose/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Going home](https://timeofgrace.org/going-home/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Which Bible Interpretation Is Best?](https://timeofgrace.org/which-bible-interpretation-is-best/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [How Does God Measure My Significance?](https://timeofgrace.org/how-does-god-measure-my-significance/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Why take the risk?](https://timeofgrace.org/why-take-the-risk/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Do I Matter?](https://timeofgrace.org/do-i-matter/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Contentment is great gain](https://timeofgrace.org/contentment-is-great-gain/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Navigating Money Fights in Early Marriage](https://timeofgrace.org/navigating-money-fights-in-early-marriage/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Jesus: Extended Cut: You’re Still Needed](https://timeofgrace.org/jesus-extended-cut-youre-still-needed/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Exit interview](https://timeofgrace.org/exit-interview/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Jesus Changes Everything: Episode 14](https://timeofgrace.org/jesus-changes-everything-episode-14/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [An age of rediscovery](https://timeofgrace.org/an-age-of-rediscovery/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Jesus Was Resurrected and Will Raise Us Too?](https://timeofgrace.org/jesus-was-resurrected-and-will-raise-us-too/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Unhealthy fears](https://timeofgrace.org/unhealthy-fears/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Is Everyone an Addict?](https://timeofgrace.org/is-everyone-an-addict/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. ## Pages - [30 Days of Prayer: Day 1](https://timeofgrace.org/30-days-of-prayer-day-1/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Taboo Questions Landing Page](https://timeofgrace.org/resources/taboo-questions-lp/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Support the ministry of Time of Grace](https://timeofgrace.org/donate/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Sign Up for Text Updates](https://timeofgrace.org/sign-up-for-text-updates/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Pastor Mike Novotny](https://timeofgrace.org/pastor-mike-novotny/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Subscribe to Time of Grace Email](https://timeofgrace.org/subscribe/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Taboo Questions with Pastor Mike](https://timeofgrace.org/taboo-questions-with-pastor-mike/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Newlywed order](https://timeofgrace.org/newlywed/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [The Basics of Christianity](https://timeofgrace.org/the-basics-of-christianity/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [TV Station Listing](https://timeofgrace.org/tv-station-listing/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://timeofgrace.org/frequently-asked-questions/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Leadership, Team Members, and Board of Directors](https://timeofgrace.org/meet-the-team/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Financial Documents](https://timeofgrace.org/financial-documents/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Testimonials](https://timeofgrace.org/testimonials/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Pray with Time of Grace](https://timeofgrace.org/pray/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Uniform Disclosure Statement](https://timeofgrace.org/uniform-disclosure-statement/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Privacy Policy](https://timeofgrace.org/privacy/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Statement of Faith](https://timeofgrace.org/statement-of-faith/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Contact Time of Grace](https://timeofgrace.org/contact/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Radio](https://timeofgrace.org/radio/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Podcast Feeds](https://timeofgrace.org/podcast-feeds/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Home](https://timeofgrace.org/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. - [Explore](https://timeofgrace.org/explore/): Day 1 · A Prayer for Friendship — [Ministry Name] Day 1 of 30 A Prayer for Friendship Today's Prayer A Prayer for Friendship “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” — Proverbs 17:17 Dear God, I thank you for the blessing of good friends—people who know everything about me and yet don’t run away. They still like me, they still spend time with me, and they still forgive me in Jesus’ name. I praise and worship you for my friendships. Amen. A new prayer arrives in your texts tomorrow. ## Optional - [Agent (MCP protocol)](websites-agents.hostinger.com/timeofgrace.org/mcp) [comment]: # (Generated by Hostinger Tools Plugin)