s we enter 2020, we’re quite possibly looking at one of the most divisive elections in recent American history. Globally, societies are divided on issues such as immigration, race, economic policies, and even the state of our planet itself. My prayer for 2020 is that we keep the pathway to faith in Christ totally free and clear from stumbling blocks of our own making. Our citizenship is different. Our calling is higher. The condition of one’s soul is more important than the label of the political party they wear.

A series of hundreds of earthquakes in Puerto Rico, following the 4.7-magnitude earthquake on Dec. 28, seems to have culminated with a 6.4-magnitude earthquake at 6:24 a.m. local time Tuesday. The quake left at least two people dead, hundreds — if not thousands — of homes and businesses damaged, and hundreds of thousands without power.

It was clearly not off limits for presenters to talk about their religious beliefs. The spokesman for the Native American presentation talked freely about the religious applications of their dances and music. One of the largest booths was designed to present Islamic teachings to non-Muslims. The Indian performances were introduced by the religious significance of the songs and dances. One performance had the dancers bowing to Shiva, “The Destroyer” god of Hinduism. The audience members were encouraged to try to experience the power and peace supposedly emanating from this religious exposure.

01 WE BELIEVE… The Scriptures are Inspired by God and declare His design and plan for mankind. 2 Timothy 3:15-17; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Peter 1:21 02 WE BELIEVE…There is only One True God–revealed in three persons…Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (commonly known as the Trinity). Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10,11; Matthew 28:19; Luke 3:22

Teaching kids is hard! It can take a lot of time to deconstruct the complex themes of the Bible and simplify them to a child’s understanding. Often, after a long week of prep, Sunday can come and go and leave nothing but disappointment. It can often feel like the kids I’m teaching just don’t get that simple life lesson I’m trying to pass on.

uperior! That’s what we are all shooting for, right? We want our students to receive the highest marks on their evaluation sheets, all for the glory of God! For most students, a lot of time, energy, and determination goes into preparing for their five- to ten-minute presentations. Receiving those scores is the ultimate end to all that hard work and effort.