Through Our Gates

T BAR M BLOG

The Light and the Life…He is WITH us!

The Light of the world has entered in. How is that Light shining in and through you this week? How about for the upcoming year? Check out Johnny’s encouragement originally published 2013! Scripture “In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men and The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did […]

How to Study the Bible Well

Studying God’s Word during the wonderful busy-ness of the Christmas holidays holds such great value. Seth leads us in understanding the how to’s of studying God’s Word in season and out of season. Scripture Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on […]

How to Pray Well

All of us are busy. Life is busy…especially during the holiday season. God continues to tell us to come to Him…with everything. But how, when our to-do list is a mile long?? Read on to learn how prayer can be woven in the fabric of everyday life – even in the midst of the crazy […]

Grace: It’s so good…and hard!

Grace…what we all want to receive yet find it so hard to give. Humph. Ashley reminds us why and how we can extend grace. Scripture But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest […]

The Importance of Giving

God calls us to give…even the money “we have earned”. Will shares how and why He follows Jesus’ command to give (and how you can too) – even when it’s not easy. Scripture “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on […]

Appreciation. It’s Not Overrated.

Thanksgiving…more than a holiday. Rather it’s a condition of our hearts and an attitude to choose. Kelli shares with us the importance of being thankful! Scripture In everything give thanks, for this is God’s will for you. I Thessalonians 5:18 Reflect After a long weekend of theater performances, my daughter ran up to me with […]

Sibling Rivalry

We don’t have to look far to know sibling rivalry is real! How much is healthy? How can we curb it when it gets out of hand? Colleen, a seasoned camp mom, points us in a good direction on this topic. Scripture A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. […]

CPR to Revive a Grateful Heart

Do you ever find it hard to just be thankful? We compare ourselves to those who have more, instead of looking to Jesus—the GIVER of all good things. He has given us everything we need for life (2 Peter 1:3). Check this story out… Scripture “How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked. “Seven,” they replied. He […]

3 Reasons Hard Work Still Matters

Looking for the easy way out is definitely too natural and easy. Kara reminds us of the great value in working hard. Scripture Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It […]

Truth About Fasting

Fasting…what? This is not a common practice in today’s culture unless a medical procedure is looming near. Seth shows us the truth from scripture about fasting. Eat it up! Scripture “Is not this the fast that I choose: to lose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed […]

The Value in Asking for Help

Why is asking for help so hard? Dads don’t like to ask for directions. Kids want to do it all on their own. Cole points us to the truth about the value of asking for help. Scripture “From Him [Christ] the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in […]

Keeping Priorities

What are some of the things taking your time? What are the priorities? How does our life show our priorities? Mark guides us through reminders of setting right priorities. Scripture “Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 Reflect One day during a meeting a co-worker popped […]

Freedom to Make and Freedom From Our Mistakes

Ever deal with past mistakes creeping into your days through insecurities and doubts? Yuck! Judah reminds us of how God sees us…mistakes and all. Scripture Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, […]

Comparisons…Don’t Count on Them

My Nana used to say, “It’s like apples to oranges”. Sure, I might prefer one over the other … but I can’t compare them.Kelli leads us to scripture showing why we don’t need to compare ourselves to others. Scripture I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul […]

Value Relationships

The people you know…the ones who are encouraging and the ones who suck the life out of you…can all help us love God more and show His love more. Kelli tells us how… Scripture Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is […]

Stretched to Dependency

Sometimes we see it coming … the stretch zone. We put the brakes on, no way, no how, I am NOT doing “THAT”…fly across the world and help people who have no water…You don’t possibly think I can be a friend to that person … we have NOTHING in common…we do not have what it […]

Two Things Last

As school cranks up so does the pressure to prioritize grades, social status, jobs, etc. Cole reminds us what remains most important in life no matter the season. Scripture For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. For, “All people are like grass, […]

Love the Skin You Are In

Here’s a million dollar question…How can we come to terms with our body and how can we help our children come to terms with theirs? Lori points us straight to scripture to find the answers! Scripture So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him… Gen 1:27 Reflect […]

Eternal Rewards…They’re Worth It!

The joy of obedience will far outweigh the temporary pleasure of sin. How can we get that through our thick skulls?! Jessica gives us three reminders as to how we can grab hold of eternal treasures. Scripture Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about […]

How Can Kids Own Their Faith?

It can be easy for parents to feel the full weight of their children receiving salvation Christ offers. Daley reminds us we can let go of that burden, and give our kids opportunities to own their faith and enjoy the Holy Spirit working in their lives. Scripture “Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so […]

Love Well…Parent Well

Parenting is not for the weak and wimpy. Get a load of this pep talk from Jaw-Knee-Poke…you’ll have your playbook in hand and a game plan for your family in no time! Especially with help from the “Coach Within”! Scripture “15 and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make […]

Social Media…Blessing or Curse?

“Hey, what’s your Instagram?” Have you been asked that lately? I guarantee your teenager has! Is all this social media hubbub ok? How can we know? Scripture So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 Reflect I remember the days when hearing […]

Dealing with Different…Religion Included

Our world can be a tumultuous setting for raising kids. Ben points us to very applicable truths for helping our kids respect and love people who view life and the world differently than them. Scripture I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart; I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation; I have […]

Teaching the Value of Global Missions

“Love God, Love Others” and, “Go make disciples” are two commands Christ gives us. Daley points us to the value of living missionally on a global scale. Check it out! Scripture “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and […]

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