Christina Fox, Author at Women.pcacdm.org

Using a Bible Reading Plan

BARBARANNE KELLY | CONTRIBUTOR Sitting in the glow of our Christmas tree, I turn in my Bible to the book of Job to read three chapters, then I read a psalm, and then I turn to the book of Revelation for one chapter. These are the familiar passages of Scripture with which I close each year: the greatness and majesty of our God, the joy of praising him, and his final victory in the culmination of his covenantal plan for his Bride, the Church. After spending the year reading through the Bible with all of humanity’s ups and downs—mostly downs—and the steadfast love and faithfulness of the Lord on display throughout, my heart overflows. The first week of January I’ll turn back to the opening chapters of Genesis and begin again. As idyllic as that may sound, I assure you that the discipline to follow through with a Bible reading plan does not come easily for me. January is often my best month. But as responsibilities with family and ministry mount, and the occasional vacation or unexpected life-event happen, it’s easy for the reading to fall off schedule. That’s often the case, isn’t it? Time in God’s Word is so easily neglected, pushed out by the urgencies of the moments of our days, and especially when we need it most! Why Read the Bible? I used to think that those Christians who read their entire Bible through in a year must be super-saints. I expected pastors to do that sort of reading as it’s their job to know the Scriptures inside-out. But for normal believers like myself, I figured that kind of immersion in Scripture was an unreasonable expectation and out of reach. The Lord has held me fast for many decades since I thought this way, and whether it’s from wisdom or experience or a bit of both, I’ve learned that super-saints are few and far between. Normal, quietly faithful, saints-without-capes, however, fill the pews in our churches and humbly pursue the disciplines of grace as they walk with the Lord. And one of those disciplines of grace is time spent daily in God’s Word. Reading through the Bible in a year (or so) is an attainable goal. There are many resources to help, some of which I’ll link to at the end of this article. But why should you set such a goal for yourself? I’ll allow the Apostle Paul to answer: . . . from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Tim. 3:15–17)...

Using a Bible Reading PlanChristina Fox2024-01-28T01:31:47+00:00

The Quest for Peace

JESSICA ROAN | GUEST Lately, it seems as though I am on an endless quest for peace. I find myself attempting to recreate my most peaceful experiences, like the summer I worked at Yellowstone Lake or the visits our family took to our local park when our town was still small and less populated than it is now. What exactly am I searching for? The dictionary defines “peace” as “freedom from disturbance; tranquility.” Is that what I’m seeking? Absolutely. Now, I know that retreating to these beloved places will not rid my world of “disturbances,” but watching the virgin crystal blue waves or visiting the spot where my once little boys played brings a sense of calm in an otherwise disturbing world. Whether it is challenging personal relationships, an ever-rising crime rate, pervasive government corruption, or endless wars and rumors of wars, the world is full of anything but peace. Peace is Biblical I must ask myself: Is it wrong for me to want peace in my life? After John the Baptist was beheaded, Jesus “withdrew” to a “desolate” place (Matt. 14:13). In Mark 3 and Luke 9, he “withdrew” with his disciples. Apparently, Jesus sought peace amidst his busy ministry of preaching, teaching, and healing. When Jesus taught about prayer, he encouraged the disciples to “go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you” (Matt. 6:6). Psalm 46:10 commands us to “Be still, and know that I am God” Searching for peace can’t be all wrong, then, can it? If God wants us to retreat to pray and “be still,” the quest for solitude can have a purpose. But what is that purpose? God’s Peace is Different from the World’s While it is difficult for me to imagine a place more peaceful than Yellowstone Lake at midnight, or the Beartooth Mountains once the summer visitors have left, God’s peace transcends even the most peaceful places in his creation. While trying to explain to his disciples how he had to leave them and send his Holy Spirit, he comforts them by saying, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (Luke 14:27). Similarly, as Paul instructs the church at Philippi, he includes, “. . . do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6-7). No matter how hard we try, we can’t replicate the peace of God. It does not come from the physical solitude we crave or an absence of screaming children, endless chores, long hours at work, or the challenge of being in relationships with other sinful people. It comes from God alone and can occur on a hike in the mountains or even in the chaos of a busy life...

The Quest for PeaceChristina Fox2023-12-18T15:09:37+00:00

A Glorious Inheritance

NIKKI BONHAM | GUEST Our family is in the middle of a move. Again. But only across town this time. The house we’ve been living in had been sitting empty for years when we moved in, and it had major maintenance issues, which we won’t miss. The new house was recently built, so I’m thankful to leave behind the leaky pipes, mold, and broken floors. But my favorite part of the new place is the view. It overlooks the Colombian countryside, and I am convinced that a few minutes on the back porch with a strong cup of Colombian coffee will cure almost anything that ails you. But apart from the view, the biggest difference between the two has been the shift from living in a house that had been left empty and deteriorating to one where every detail of the construction and maintenance has been painstakingly considered. Our previous landlord had been ready to rid himself of the burden for years. Our new landlord built the house himself and put his literal blood, sweat, and tears into its completion. The difference is striking. And there’s only one reason for it; the new landlord is guarding and maintaining his own inheritance. Someone Else’s Inheritance On our first visit to the house, the owner proudly pointed out each tiny detail. My husband commented, “I can tell that your whole heart has gone into this project.” “Well, it’s my father’s land,” the owner told us, “But he let me build on it now. He’s already promised me this portion. I’ve given all I have to this house. But it’s our future, so it’s worth it.” Moving into a home that is someone else’s literal inheritance comes with a little extra pressure, especially with a house full of boys. Every day I think, “There is no way we are giving this house back in the same condition we received it.” But mostly, it feels like yet another gospel image the Lord has built around me for me to live in (literally, this time!) that lifts my eyes to the greater reality of what He is doing on an eternal scale. As I sit on this porch and drink my coffee in someone else’s future inheritance, I am reminded of the covenant promises of inheritance that are already mine in Christ...

A Glorious InheritanceChristina Fox2023-12-18T15:03:59+00:00

Hanging up the Hustle Culture to Embrace Eternal Investment

KAREN HODGE | CONTRIBUTOR Pressure like a grip, grip, grip, and it won't let go, whoa. Pressure like a tick, tick, tick, 'til it's ready to blow, whoa-oh-oh. Give it to your sister and never wonder. If the same pressure would've pulled you under. Who am I if I can't fall or fail? I have a reputation for crying in my popcorn in movie theaters. Sometimes, I cry because of sentimentality, and other times it happens when the truth hits a bit too close to home. While watching the movie, Encanto, the scene where the older sister Luisa sings the lines from Surface Pressure, I cried the tears of a recovering older sister, workaholic, and perfectionist who has bowed to the idol of productivity for over 30 years. In the scene, she is carrying the load of her family, including the embodiment of her woe, on pack mules up a steep hill. Her song laments the insatiable drive to please others and the vacuum of the "not-enough-ness" of human limitations. Maybe you are not crying like me, but instead, you are almost giddy with the potential of productive days ahead in 2024 as you clutch your brand-new bullet journal. Ah, the possibilities seem endless! But whether it is the lines in our journal or the rings closing on our smart watch, we are always searching for ways to measure and account for how we spend our time. Time is an economic affair. Just take a listen to those around you. "There are not enough hours in the day." "I am sick of wasting time." "Let's kill some time." "I am living on borrowed time." "I wish I could turn back the hands of time." By now, optimism may be reduced to realism. We rush from here to there with little regard for rest. We live in a hustle culture— an environment that intensely focuses on productivity, ambition, and success at all costs. The idol of toxic productivity is a cruel taskmaster. If I see my value as being measured by how much I accomplish in each day, then doing will always trump being. Thinking biblically about productivity includes remembering my identity is rooted in the finished work of Jesus Christ on my behalf rather than in finding my worth in how many things I have checked off my to-do list. In this tension, we may tend towards two extremes...

Hanging up the Hustle Culture to Embrace Eternal InvestmentChristina Fox2024-01-02T17:15:32+00:00

Hallmark, the Gospel, and the New Year

KIM BARNES | CONTRIBUTOR I have a confession to make. I like Hallmark Movies. Now, perhaps you don’t see that as something to confess, but I’m someone who used to mercilessly mock Hallmark-type movies and those who liked them. I viewed such movies as silly and predictable and the folks who enjoyed those movies as shallow, undiscerning media consumers. I was wrong. Now, I’m not saying that Hallmark movies are high art, just that they have value that I previously did not appreciate. In case you’re unfamiliar, most Hallmark movies have a similar plot. In the first few minutes a woman experiencing some sort of disappointing life change or crisis meets or reconnects with a man who she initially finds unappealing. Circumstances cause the two to have to work together on some project or event. Miraculously they successfully complete the project—that would normally take months to complete—in a week or two. Sparks fly and romance is kindled. Despite obvious attraction, the couple experiences conflict and misunderstanding leading them to believe that they’re not meant to be together. But this belief is short-lived and the movie crescendos with the couple professing their love, sealed with a kiss. The Beauty of Simplicity Why do millions of people (mostly women) enjoy these predictable, unrealistic, formulaic movies? During a particularly stressful season in my life, I discovered Hallmark movies and found the predictability comforting. At first, I thought my enjoyment was nothing more than a little escape from reality. But what if it’s the opposite? What if the reason I was drawn to these movies is that they are supremely realistic? Perhaps the predictable plots and simplistic stories remind us of the beautiful simplicity of the Gospel story and point us to the reality of life with Christ? As lost sinners we look for meaning. Uncertainty fills our lives. When we are introduced to Jesus, we may think He’s not the answer we’re looking for. We may resist submitting to His Lordship. But He woos us, and we become smitten with Him. He does the seemingly impossible. He saves and changes a sinner. Along the way, sin interferes. We sometimes think there’s another way. We make choices that complicate our life on earth and our relationship with Jesus. Sometimes staying the course with Christ seems unimaginable. But in the end, we can be sure that we will be together. Everything will be made right, and we will enjoy an eternity in the presence of Christ. This is the kind of predictability we long for and it’s the kind of predictability we can count on as we embark on a new year. Exhaustion is what many of feel at the end of the year. The holiday season, though filled with joy and fun, is also tiring. For some of us, grief and sadness hover over the season. We may lack enthusiasm as we move into the new year. Hope may not be in the forefront. Believe it or not, I think Hallmark movies can help us here. Remembering the Faithfulness of God A common theme in Hallmark movies is the main character re-connecting with his or her roots or uncovering an important story from the past. The connection to the past inspires and empowers the character to move forward. Like the comfort food that fills our holiday tables and reminds us of our gatherings in years past, the comfort-flicks, of Hallmark remind us to remember joyful times. Such remembering offers a taste of the comfort that comes from the true Comforter...

Hallmark, the Gospel, and the New YearChristina Fox2024-01-05T18:36:44+00:00

Merry Christmas!

CHRISTINA FOX | EDITOR Merry Christmas to you and yours from all of us at enCourage! "And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger'” (Luke 2:10-12). Photo by Laura Nyhuis on Unsplash

Merry Christmas!Christina Fox2023-12-01T14:56:36+00:00

Advent Devotional: Isaiah 9:2

STEPHANIE FORMENTI | CONTRIBUTOR Christmas is a season of light. We have lights on our houses, lights wrapped around our trees, candles in our windows, and fires in the hearth. It makes sense when we consider how the days are short and the nights are long and cold during winter (at least in the Northern Hemisphere). Imagine Christmas without lights. It would be so dark and cold. This is especially true when darkness seems particularly overwhelming, deep, and oppressive. The beauty of light is most noticeable in years marked by significant loss or disappointment. The brightness of a flame is most poignant in moments of sadness, despair, hopelessness, and worry. Often, it is when we understand the oppression of darkness that we truly understand the power of light. This was true for the Old Testament people of God. In Isaiah 9:2 we read, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.” The prophet is referring to Israel’s history of exile and homelessness. Their own disobedience landed them in a place of oppression by their enemies, enshrouded in spiritual darkness. Notice the verbs: “walked” and “dwelt.” This was no passing darkness and no temporary shadow. They were existing in darkness. It was their home. But Isaiah’s prophecy is one of hope; they will not wander around in darkness forever. Rather, a great light will burst onto the scene and make the darkness flee. And this light will bring joy (Isaiah 9:3), peace (9:4), and righteousness (9:7)....

Advent Devotional: Isaiah 9:2Christina Fox2023-12-04T14:30:28+00:00

Fine Dining, the Titanic, and the Wrath of the Lamb

HEATHER MOLENDYK | CONTRIBUTOR If you were to observe my children while we discuss things like family vacations, clothing accessories, or entertainment activities, you would think their faces belong on posters for Compassion International. As many American families can attest, the current economic climate puts the squeeze on how far each dollar will go. In fact, a dollar usually needs to bring along a friend (or seven) in order to have any fun at the cash register. All that to say, when my husband was treated to a gift card for a posh restaurant, we were thrilled. As we parked our compact car between the luxury vehicles and navigated tables occupied by chic diners, my mood took a turn. I became about as delightful as a cat getting a belly rub during bath time. Excusing myself to wash up before lunch and to try to salvage my sour attitude, the Holy Spirit flicked me between the eyes and revealed the sin in my heart. I was coveting money. What is money? Money is a token that is traded for something that is needed or wanted. Its value is derived from the desire of another person to possess it. For example, if I need a gallon of milk and a box of cereal more than the five-dollar bill in my wallet, I will happily surrender my money to Walmart so that I can leave the store with items to feed my family breakfast. If my family desires to see the latest movie, we will eagerly put on a garage sale to trade some household goods for money to spend at the local movie theater. There have been times in history when money has absolutely no value to anyone. Remember the Titanic? As the ship was sinking into the dark, icy ocean, people of all levels of society were scrambling to climb into the lifeboats. Because there were not enough boats to save all the passengers, choices were made. In that sort of situation, no one in their right mind would have traded their seat on a lifeboat for any amount of money. Getting out of the lifeboat was a death sentence. Money would not save them...

Fine Dining, the Titanic, and the Wrath of the LambChristina Fox2023-12-01T14:41:45+00:00

Advent Devotional: Micah 5:2

BARBARANNE KELLY | CONTRIBUTOR But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days. — Micah 5:2 Do you ever get lost while traveling, and need to stop to ask for directions? It’s tempting to read the journey of the wise men in the Gospel of Matthew in terms of the logistics of pre-modern travel. The wise men’s astronomical GPS (the star) led them to the region of Judea, but to find their specific destination they needed to ask the local folks—road signs and maps to the birthplace of the Messiah not yet in existence. However, when Micah prophesied the birthplace of the Messiah centuries before the fact, the Lord was revealing far more than a location on a map for the sake of future travelers. Micah 5:2, speaks a word of hope to despairing people lost in their sins. This word of hope is a single signpost among many for lost and weary sinners, pointing the way to the birth of Christ. And the road to Bethlehem, joining other roads to become a highway of God’s covenant faithfulness, began in God’s covenant promise to David, a promise of peace and rest that would be achieved by the son of David whose kingdom would be established forever (2 Sam. 7:12–13). Though there were good kings among the sons of David, even the best of them were only fallen men. The few who were faithful could not undo the wickedness of those who had been unfaithful. Of all the kings of Judah, not one lived up to the promise of David’s greater son (1 Chron. 17:1–14). By Micah’s day, the judgment of the Lord was poised to strike because of the faithlessness of God’s people; they would soon be overcome by their enemies and hauled off to exile in a foreign country. And yet, even as prophecies of fearsome destruction flow from his lips, Micah breaks to speak of one who will be born in Bethlehem “who is to be ruler in Israel.” Who could this be but the promised son of David? When he says this ruler’s “coming forth is from of old, from ancient days,” he is certainly recalling the multitude of prophecies already made concerning David’s greater son, for this ruler “shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord,” (4; cf. 2 Sam. 5:2)...

Advent Devotional: Micah 5:2Christina Fox2023-12-01T14:34:57+00:00

What Psalm 46 Says to the Chaos of Life

KRISTI MCCOWN | GUEST How many of us when we are asked the question, "How are you, what's been going on in your life?" the answer is, "I'm just so busy." I know that feeling as a mother of five, it’s one I’ve felt often. My husband and I are in the scattering phase of parenting where our children have begun leaving home one by one. We are down to just one child left at home and yet it is still busy! In the chaos and busyness of life, I want to turn to God’s Word for comfort and truth to guide me. Yet, for years I approached the Bible as a list of rules—the do's and don'ts of life—and believed that I just needed to do what it said; I need to “be good.” Of course, I couldn’t be good enough and so I often felt defeated. More than that, I treated the Bible like my own personal self-help manual. When I felt anxious, I searched for a verse that talked about anxiety. I did the same when I felt angry or jealous or unhappy. While the Bible does touch on every emotion I feel, the theme of the Bible is not about what I’m going through. I’ve since learned that God's Word is not about me at all; it’s about Jesus. It’s the story of God rescuing sinful man through the life and death of His Son, Jesus Christ. However, God does welcome me into His story and when I learn about who He is and what He has done through Christ, it shapes my own story. So, when I am struggling and reach for God's Word looking for an explanation for the chaos of life and how to find rest in all the busyness, I turn to what I’ve learned about the Bible. The first question I ask when I approach any passage is: What does this tell me about God? Who is He? What has He done? And when it comes to finding rest in the chaos of life, the Holy Spirit reminds me of Psalm 46...

What Psalm 46 Says to the Chaos of LifeChristina Fox2023-11-25T16:34:49+00:00

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