Author: Rev. David Gray

Introduction Most people know “The 12 Days of Christmas” as a fun, repetitive carol about partridges, turtle doves, and lords a-leaping. But did you know this beloved Christmas song has deep Christian roots and was possibly used to teach biblical truths during times of persecution? The Gospel version makes the Christian symbolism explicit, turning what seems like a silly counting song into a powerful declaration of faith. Whether you’re singing this with your family, your church, or just learning it for the first time, understanding the meaning behind each gift adds rich spiritual depth to this Christmas tradition. History and…

On September 10, 2025, the unthinkable happened. Charlie Kirk, 31-year-old conservative Christian activist and founder of Turning Point USA, was assassinated while speaking at Utah Valley University. Moreover, a single shot to the neck ended the life of one of America’s most prominent Christian voices. Subsequently, the nation watched in horror as the reality sank in: persecution isn’t just “over there” anymore—it’s here, in the West, and it’s escalating. Furthermore, Kirk’s murder represents just the tip of the iceberg. Indeed, Christians across Western nations—America, UK, Europe, Canada, and Australia—face unprecedented levels of hostility, violence, and systematic persecution. Additionally, while mainstream…

Brothers and sisters, we need to talk about something the mainstream media often ignores: Christians are being persecuted worldwide at unprecedented levels. Furthermore, this isn’t just happening in far-off countries we can’t pronounce—it’s escalating rapidly across multiple continents. As I write this, believers in over 70 countries face imprisonment, torture, and death simply for following Jesus Christ. Moreover, hundreds of millions of Christians live under severe restrictions on their faith. Consequently, many worship in secret, hide their Bibles, and risk everything to gather in Jesus’ name. Now, before you think this is just another depressing news article, let me tell…

Introduction I need to tell you something that might make you uncomfortable: you can love Jesus, love ministry, and still burn out. In fact, the very qualities that make you a good pastor—compassion, availability, dedication, selflessness—are the same qualities that can drive you into the ground if you’re not careful. I’ve watched too many gifted pastors flame out. Good men and women who started strong, passionate, full of vision—and ended up broken, cynical, and walking away from ministry altogether. Some left the pastorate. Some left their marriages. A few even left their faith. Here’s the hard truth: ministry will take…

Introduction Let me shoot straight with you, pastor: you’re exhausted. Between hospital visits, counseling sessions, administrative meetings, family responsibilities, and trying to have some semblance of a personal life, sermon preparation often gets squeezed into whatever time is left. Which is usually not much. I’ve been there. After over 40 years of preaching—starting at age 15—I’ve prepared sermons in every circumstance imaginable. In coffee shops at 6am. On airplanes. In hospital waiting rooms. Even once in my car in a parking lot 30 minutes before the service (not recommended, by the way). Here’s what I’ve learned: you don’t need 20…

Introduction Let me tell you something I’ve learned in over 40 years of ministry and raising 10 children (yes, you read that right—TEN!): life doesn’t always feel like a Sunday morning worship service. Sometimes it feels more like Monday morning traffic—frustrating, slow-moving, and you’re not sure you’ll ever get where you’re going. But here’s the beautiful mystery I’ve discovered: worship isn’t just for the mountaintop moments. In fact, some of the most powerful worship happens in the valley. When you’re going through the hardest season of your life and you choose to lift your voice in praise anyway—that’s when breakthrough…

Introduction Worship isn’t confined to Sunday morning services or musical performances. True biblical worship is a lifestyle—a daily, moment-by-moment response to God’s goodness, presence, and love. If you’ve ever wondered how to worship God daily beyond singing songs at church, this comprehensive guide will show you practical, life-changing ways to make worship the foundation of your everyday life. Romans 12:1 calls us to this kind of worship: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” What Does…

Introduction Are you looking for biblical marriage advice that actually works? Whether you’re newlyweds, celebrating decades together, or navigating rough waters, God’s Word provides timeless wisdom for building a strong, Christ-centered marriage. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover seven powerful biblical principles that can transform your marriage and deepen your connection as husband and wife. These aren’t just theories—they’re practical, actionable steps rooted in Scripture that thousands of Christian couples have used to strengthen their relationships. The Biblical Foundation of Marriage God’s Design for Marriage Marriage isn’t just a human institution—it’s a divine creation. Genesis 2:24 establishes the foundation: “That…

Introduction If you’re struggling with anxiety, you’re not alone. Millions of Christians battle anxious thoughts, worry, and fear daily. The good news? God’s Word offers powerful, practical solutions for finding lasting peace through faith in Jesus Christ. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover biblical principles and actionable steps to overcome anxiety and experience the peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). Understanding Anxiety from a Biblical Perspective What Does the Bible Say About Anxiety? The Bible addresses anxiety directly and compassionately. Jesus himself told us in Matthew 6:34, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.…