Who was Simon Peter? Who was this citizen of Heaven and sojourner on earth? He's was a great leader, but he didn't start out that way. Let's look today at the life of Peter and discover how Jesus molded him into the great leader he became. If you see similarities in your own life, it may be that Jesus is also working to mold you into a great leader.

Jesus didn't create us to just be stagnant Christians or to live stagnant Christian lives. He created us to grow, and to be growing Christians—always growing in the grace and knowledge of Him.

Satan wanted to sift Peter like wheat, much like he had Job. But Jesus Christ had plans to make Peter a great leader.

When we study the New Testament, we see in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and Acts four, distinct lists of the twelve apostles. When we see these lists we notice that the first named apostle in each list is always Peter. He was a born leader!

Peter, James and John were with Jesus at all the major events of His ministry. They were what you might say, "in the inner circle", with Peter being the closest to the Savior. Although there were twelve apostles, these three seem to have a more intimate relationship with Jesus than the others. 

Who doesn't appreciate a good book? We certainly do! We've gathered all of our favorite reads from 2018 into one blog post and it's PACKED with reading goodness!

Write things down. Journaling, being grateful for the here and now, it's something we don’t do enough. Yet it’s such a powerful tool to help you find peace in a world of chaos. If you're ready to journal your gratitude, click this link and order one today! Put it on your desk, by your bed, throw it in your bag when you leave the house. Keep it with you and be prepared to see the things in life you have to be grateful for, and journal them. Now, when chaos interrupts your little world, pull out your gratitude journal and be grateful! Give it a try. You will be surprised how much this helps you. The process gives your grateful thoughts ​a​ home, a place they can live, and a place you can visit to remind yourself of all you have to be grateful for. Once those thoughts are expressed in writing, they give you more power to find peace.

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. The season of love, roses and chocolate is knocking at the door with promises of best day ever, soul mates and happily ever after. 

Love and marriage are as old as time. And like the Frank Sinatra song goes, "love and marriage, love and marriage, they go together like a horse and carriage..." they are meant for each other.

​As we head into this season of love, let's remind ourselves of the most impactful way we can grow our relationship with God and our spouse. That is through prayer.

We are quick to read the latest book on marriage, attend the marriage conference at church or even a couple's weekend away. We can even be intentional about being committed to and serving our spouse. But what we actually need more of, and what will significantly impact our relationship, is to take time to pray over our marriage. Even if you have the perfect marriage, and I don't know anyone who does, it still needs to be bathed in prayer!