Christianity is like tennis...You can't play unless you serve.

This statement was spoken to me by a 9th grade friend of my daughter. It really got me thinking, especially as I have been struggling with my own area of serving.

I've always been all or nothing for me.

I was part of the 5% that did 95% of all the work - and I burned out. I was also burned by the leadership of the church, and I've let it sideline me ever since. I know that I have to serve to truly live the Christian life, but I've been neglectful because I didn't "feel" like it, or was afraid of not keeping the commitment, or because I was just lazy and selfish with my time.

I don't know where and when and how you should serve, but I know all Christians are called to serve in some capacity.

So I'll pray for you and you pray for me as we seek to be healed of all that would hinder us from being obedient to God's call on our lives, for the here and now, and for the future.

Penny Haynes, Encouraging Audiobooks

A Greater Love, from Inspirations, by Angela Gillaspie

"Inspirations" contains sixteen stories of faith, triumph, inspiration, and love, and describes how neighbors became heroes in the aftermath of a deadly tornado, reminds you of how fleeting and precious time is, and inspires you with touching tales of parenthood.
Read More ... Listen to an excerpt.

God is the God of Second Chances

Today we will look at biblical persons and their stories to reveal how God has an unlimited number of chances for people who are willing to repent and turn to him. He meets us where we are - that's how wonderful He is.

The God who became man and came to earth to save us comes to us again and again during our life.

So if you are regretting decisions from 2005, rejoice! You have innumerable chances to do it the right way - God's way - in 2006. And if you stumble and fall, don't beat yourself up. His grace is sufficient for you (and for me too!)

In God's Grace,
Penny Haynes, Encouraging Audiobooks

New Years can be a time of great expectations and hopes, or great regret and even remorse.

We look behind us and see goals left unaccomplished, and flaws in our character. Some of us had hoped the year would be better. In any case, I have some good news.

God is faithful to complete the work He has begun in you.

You know those t-shirts that kids wear that says, "Be patient with me. God's not done with me yet." Well, we should all be wearing those...only have it printed backward, so we can look in the mirror and be continually reminded that we are a work in progress - a work of great value and importance, because our "Creator" is an esteemed Artist.

Today, Words for the Week will talk about God's plan for our lives, and his commitment to complete it on our behalf.

So look forward to the upcoming year, because as His plan for you unfolds, this could be quite an adventure.

Penny Haynes
Encouraging Audiobooks.com