The way stories end matters. Endings shape how we remember the journey, affect how we process the pain and influence how we carry hope into the dozens of stories we're living all at once. Most of these stories don't wrap up neatly. More often than not, they leave us with unmet expectations and unanswered questions. And those are the hardest, aren't they? The ones where we're left crying, this can't be how this ends!

Even in those stories, there can be excellent endings! That's what this four-week series is about. Even when life gives you some stories that end in heartbreak, grief, or disappointment, God can still turn it into an excellent ending!

God has a way of stepping into our unfinished stories. He meets us right there in the middle of the mess, bringing hope where none seems possible, planting seeds of redemption in barren places. Sometimes, those seeds grow into endings we never could have imagined. Endings that remind us God is still writing, even when we think the story is over.

What if the shepherds had done the same thing? What if they experienced the hand of God pointing, and then when the angels left, they just sat there? What if they spent the rest of the night talking about how bright the sky looked. How loud the angels sounded. But never actually went to Bethlehem. Never ran to see what God was pointing them to. Never met Jesus. The angels’ visit wasn’t the destination. It was the pointer. And the shepherds? They didn’t just sit there. They responded. They went to Jesus.

So many people revisit Luke 2 every Christmas. But then? They walk away. Another year goes by, and nothing changes. It’s like staring at the hand of God pointing and missing where He’s pointing us.

This isn’t just about the shepherds. It’s about you. It’s about hearing the message, seeing the hand of God pointing, and responding. Because the truth is, God’s not done interrupting. And He’s not done pointing.

That tightening in your chest, the weight pressing down on your shoulders, the pit in your stomach that won’t go away—it’s all there, a constant reminder of just how high the odds are stacked against you. You’ve run the numbers, played out the scenarios. The clock is ticking. And there you stand, frozen, wondering if you’ve already lost before the fight even begins.

Life throws us into battles we never saw coming, when the odds tower over us. The ocean of addiction recovery you can’t swim, the ache of losing someone you love, the struggle of blending kids into a new marriage, or the weight of a devastating diagnosis. These moments leave us shaken, scared, and unsure of what to do next. But today, we will explore a path forward, even when the odds seem overwhelming. And we’ll find it through the example of Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20.

At first glance, this feels heavy, doesn’t it? Sin that leads to death? Sin that doesn’t? What’s he talking about? John’s reminding us of something crucial—sin matters. It always separates. It always distorts. But not all sin is the same. There’s the sin of a believer—a stumble, a moment of weakness. That’s the kind of sin where we step in and pray, asking God to restore them, to breathe life back into their spirit. …But then there’s the other kind of sin—the sin that leads to death.

How does tithing hit new Christians? What if it wasn’t just about rules but about freedom? Discover how giving a tithe renews the mind, reshapes priorities, builds trust in God’s provision, and shifts our perspective from temporary gains to eternal impact. Explore the ancient, faith-stretching practice of biblical stewardship in this article/video!

What shapes your understanding of sin? Have your views changed through theology or life experiences? This article and video briefly explore four perspectives on sin—Catholic, Calvinist, Holiness, and even atheism—while cutting through debates to focus on the application of 1 John 3:4-9. Discover what John means by "Anyone who continues in sin..."

What if the Antichrist isn’t just some future villain, but influences and teachers already at work in our world today? Are we too busy looking for the wrong things? John’s message in 1 John 2 reminds us to focus on what’s right in front of us. Join us as we explore how to live with hope, stay grounded in the true gospel, and resist the subtle ways our faith is challenged in everyday life.

Would you know if you were eating imitation guinea pig? How about if you consumed false teachings? In 2 Peter, believers are warned about deceptive teachings that twist Scripture, appeal to sinful desires, and undermine Christ's authority. Christians must discern truth from error to stay grounded in their faith. Learn the signs and remain vigilant.

Do you know how to play Chopsticks? And beyond that—a couple of songs? Or have you truly mastered the piano? In 2 Peter 1:1-21, knowing the basics is insufficient—actual growth requires continuous effort, practice, and dedication. Don’t settle for spiritual stagnation; keep growing in your faith to experience the fullness of life in Christ. Discover the difference between dabbling and dedication.

They don’t deserve your respect until they earn it! Have you ever said that? Discover what respect truly means through the lens of 1 Peter. From Rodney Dangerfield’s classic humor to the deep challenges posed by early Christian teachings, this article explores how Christ-like respect challenges societal norms, and calls us to see the image of God in every person, even in the toughest situations.

Do you really need the message of Peter in his two letters? Or is reading them just a chance to nod along, celebrating doctrines you already hold dear? All that talk about harassment, job loss, getting booted from your social circle at work or school—does that even hit close to home? Did your life and faith last month look more like those followers of Jesus who stayed comfortable in Jerusalem, never forced to flee? Or do you find yourself more in step with the scattered ones throughout Asia Minor, those who were thirsty for Peter’s words—people who knew what it meant to be ostracized, to stand on the outside of Rome’s popular culture, clinging to the hope those letters carried?

Are you, like the disciples, shocked and confused by the call of Jesus to serve selflessly? Are you stuck in the mindset of “I don’t have enough time”? Is your schedule packed with things that build your own life but leave little room for serving? What can you clear out to make space for acts of kindness and opportunities to share Jesus? Are you holding on to an attitude of self-preservation, worried about giving too much? How can you step out in faith and trust that God will provide? What will it look like for you to embrace a life of selfless serving?

"God works in mysterious ways." Jesus never said it, and it's not in the Bible. How do we use this phrase to avoid personal responsibility and as a spiritual pacifier in times of tragedy? Explore its deeper implications and discover why we hide behind these words during tough times. Unpack the true message of faith in God from Isaiah 55:8-9 and understand the fundamental role of faith in challenging times in this insightful article/video.

In American vernacular, "happy" refers to that fleeting feeling based on current circumstances. It’s the chase after that chemical dump: Ice Cream, wins, influxes of wealth, sexual escapades, promotions, and entertainment, just to name a few. In the Bible, however, happiness is deeper, aligning with being "blessed" or experiencing lasting "joy" that isn't dependent on external factors. John 16:16-24

There is an insidious notion in our secular culture that says, "If you teach your kids your beliefs and encourage them to adopt them, you are indoctrinating them and hindering their ability to discover their own truth.” We want our faith in Jesus to be lived out by our children, yet this cultural narrative is constantly warning us against influencing our children with our Christian beliefs. We find ourselves navigating these waters, wanting to share our faith without alienating those around us or being perceived as religious zealots. How can we lovingly and effectively guide our children without falling into the trap of a culture that seeks to indoctrinate them to reject God, redefine morality, and deconstruct all truth?

Discover the profound transformation from spiritual neglect to divine favor in this gripping exploration of God's unconditional love. Uncover how the raw imagery of abandonment in Ezekiel 16 contrasts dramatically with the lavish adoption narrative in Ephesians 1. This article reveals the truth behind the oft-misquoted "God helps those who help themselves." Perfect for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of God's boundless love.

Discover the profound transformation from spiritual neglect to divine favor in this gripping exploration of God's unconditional love. Uncover how the raw imagery of abandonment in Ezekiel 16 contrasts dramatically with the lavish adoption narrative in Ephesians 1. This article reveals the truth behind the oft-misquoted "God helps those who help themselves." Perfect for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of God's boundless love.