Month: April 2014

“If You Are Willing”

Molly wanted her dad’s help, but she was afraid to ask. She knew that when he was working on his computer, he didn’t want to be interrupted. He might get upset at me, she thought, so she didn’t ask him.

The Spontaneity Of Love

Love suffereth long, and is kind . . . — 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Love is not premeditated, it is spontaneous, i.e., it bursts up in extraordinary ways. There is nothing of mathematical certainty in Paul’s category of love. …

Biblical encouragement for enduring under trials

What are you struggling with today? What burden are you longing to get off your back? Get an inspiring boost to keep going.

Too Late

It happens nearly every semester. I tell my freshman college writing class often that they need to keep up with the numerous writing assignments in order to pass the class. But nearly every semester some don’t believe me. They’re the ones who send me frantic emails after the last day of class and give me their reasons for not taking care of business. I hate to do it, but I have to tell them, “I’m sorry. It’s too late. You have failed the class.”

The Graciousness Of Uncertainty

It doth not yet appear what we shall be. — 1 John 3:2

Naturally, we are inclined to be so mathematical and calculating that we look upon uncertainty as a bad thing. We imagine that we have to …

Discover how to experience God’s kind of patience in our daily life

Life has a way of pushing our buttons. People, pressures, and overwhelming priorities can really stretch our patience! We’re looking at Second Peter chapter one.

Christ In The Storm

At the age of 27, Rembrandt painted the seascape Christ in the Storm on the Sea of Galilee based on the story in Mark 4. With its distinctive contrast of light and shadow, Rembrandt’s painting shows a small boat threatened with destruction in a furious storm. As the disciples struggle against the wind and waves, Jesus is undisturbed. The most unusual aspect, however, is the presence in the boat of a 13th disciple whom art experts say resembles Rembrandt himself.

Gaining more self-control in our lives through our personal relationship with God

You’ve taken the first step and given your life to Christ. But how does that really impact your daily life? Let’s continue a helpful discussion in Second Peter.

Probing Questions

While riding on a train a few years after the American Civil War, General Lew Wallace of the Union Army encountered a fellow officer, Colonel Robert Ingersoll. Ingersoll was one of the 19th century’s leading agnostics, and Wallace was a man of faith. As their conversation turned to their spiritual …

Learning To Love

When Hans Egede went to Greenland as a missionary in 1721, he didn’t know the Inuit language. His temperament was often overbearing, and he struggled to be kind to the people.

Down The Up Staircase

The video starts with a puppy at the top of the stairs afraid to go down. Despite much encouragement from people cheering at the bottom, Daisy can’t figure it out. She wants so badly to join them, but fear keeps her pacing the landing. Then a bigger dog comes to …

How does a follower of Jesus distinguish himself?

You don’t have to believe in God in order to be a good person. So how does a follower of Jesus distinguish himself or herself from everyone else who’s trying to do “the right thing”? Discover the answer in a chain of virtues from Second Peter chapter 1.

Fearful Fish

Managing a saltwater aquarium, I discovered, is no easy task. I had to run a portable chemical laboratory to monitor nitrate levels and ammonia content. I pumped in vitamins and antibiotics and sulfa drugs and enzymes. I filtered the water through glass fibers and charcoal.

A Man’s Got to Do What a Man’s Got to Do

He could feel his mouth going dry. It was as if his body was preparing itself for battle. His saliva must have drained all the way down to his fingertips. He rubbed his clammy hands against his pants. His whole body seemed to come to a stop, with just the thundering pulse […]

In Second Peter chapter one, discover the biblical prescription for a fruitful faith

It would be a terrible waste to accept God’s grace, yet live a barren life. So how can a Christian see more of Jesus active in their life?