By Dr. Scott Rodin | This is the final in our four-week series on Advent as we look at four warning signs that our hearts are under spiritual attack, and how we can break free and experience a heart at peace in our own Advent journey to see the King. I am playing off the four major signs of a physical heart attack, 1) tightness in the chest, 2) shortness of breath, 3) pain in the left arm, and 4) nausea. Just as our physical heart can be attacked, throughout Scripture we are warned about the attack on our spiritual heart. This attack also has warning signs that must be heeded, and immediate action taken. Just as with our physical hearts, this attack is a matter of life and death. We’ve considered the warning signs of a tightness in our perspective, a shortness of breadth in our love, and a sharp pain in our wallet. We will now turn to the fourth and most challenging sign that we are experiencing a spiritual heart attack. Warning Sign #4 – A Sickness in our Spirit

By Dr. Scott Rodin | I am using the four weeks of Advent to look at four warning signs that our hearts are under spiritual attack, and how we can break free and experience a heart at peace in our own Advent journey to see the King. I am playing off the four major signs of a physical heart attack, 1) tightness in the chest, 2) shortness of breath, 3) pain in the left arm, and 4) nausea. Just as our physical heart can be attacked, throughout Scripture we are warned about the attack on our spiritual heart. This attack also has warning signs that must be heeded, and immediate action taken. Just as with our physical hearts, this attack, too, is a matter of life and death. Warning Sign #3 – Pain in the Wallet One of the most significant warning signs of a physical heart attack is sharp pain usually in the left side of the body. It can be in the jaw, the shoulder or the back. Sharp pain is always an indicator that something is very wrong. The same is true in a spiritual heart attack. While this pain may come in many forms, in this Advent season I want to focus on one particular pain many of us may feel; a sharp pain in our wallet. Here are a few ways we may feel that pain...

By Dr. Scott Rodin | I am using the four weeks of Advent to look at four warning signs that our hearts are under spiritual attack, and how we can break free and experience a heart at peace in our own Advent journey to see the King. I am playing off the four major signs of a physical heart attack, 1) tightness in the chest, 2) shortness of breath, 3) pain in the left arm, and 4) nausea. Just as our physical heart can be attacked, throughout Scripture we are warned about the attack on our spiritual heart. This attack also has warning signs that must be heeded, and immediate action taken. Just as with our physical hearts, this attack, too, is a matter of life and death. Warning Sign #2 – Shortness of ‘Breadth’ When our physical heart is under attack our breathing becomes shallow and we find it hard to take a deep breath. When our spiritual heart is under attack our ability to love becomes shallow and we find it hard to experience God's deep peace.

By Dr. Scott Rodin | It’s likely we all know the four major signs of a heart attack. According to the American Heart Association they are: 1) tightness in the chest, 2) shortness of breath, 3) pain in the left arm, and 4) nausea. If you experience these symptoms you must call 911 or get to a hospital immediately. It’s a matter of life and death. Throughout Scripture we are warned about another kind of heart attack – the attack on our spiritual heart. This attack also has warning signs that must be heeded and immediate action taken. This attack is also a matter of life and death. Over the four weeks of Advent we will look at four warning signs that our hearts are under spiritual attack, and how we can break free and experience a heart at peace in our own Advent journey to see the King.

By Dr. Scott Rodin | Remember the last time you faced a day with back-to-back meetings, and then someone canceled? It was as if you were given a gift of an hour, a precious 60-minute oasis in the middle of the fast-moving stream of life. Perhaps you paused to consider the things you could do with that gift. Go on a walk? Call that friend that you’d forgotten about. Read that article that’s been on your desk for a month. Take a nap? Or did you fill it up with more work? Regardless of how you spent it, for one moment, you relished the possibilities afforded you by this precious offering.

By Dr. Brian Simmons | Photo by Megan Watson on Unsplash 1  Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! 2      Worship the Lord with gladness.    Come before him, singing with joy. 3  Acknowledge that the Lord is God!    He made us, and we are his.[a]    We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. ... read on

By Dr. Scott Rodin | Just prior to the election last week I wrote two blogs. The fact that you are reading this one means that Donald Trump was elected the 47th president of the United States. Whether you voted for him or not, his election calls us as the body of Christ to steward the opportunities and speak into the challenges his administration will bring. As stewards of the life God has gifted to us, we seek His vision for the future regardless of who is leading. We are also called to be wise, to understand the times we are in, and to discern the Spirit’s leading for the way forward. I suggest we have been given a moment in time to live out our steward calling as the body of Christ by responding in seven ways...

By Dr. Brian Simmons | What Difference Does a Nu Heart Make? In times like these, I am reminded of the difference a NU heart can make. As we continue to experience the emotions leading up to and following a presidential election, I have questions about the state of our ... read on

By Dr. Scott Rodin | One week from today we will vote for our next president. For many of us, we are faced with what seems like a no-win situation. This blog is not written to tell you how to vote or to suggest that one candidate and party carries ... read on

By Dr. Scott Rodin | In the animated series, ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’, Prince Zuko‘s uncle confronts him at the pivotal moment in the movie. His question to the young prince is penetrating, “I’m begging you, Prince Zuko. It’s time for you to look inward and begin asking yourself the ... read on