Hope For A “Mudder”
When my husband built a covered porch on the front of our house, he anticipated that someday a bird might try to build a nest there. So he built the top of the corner post on a slant. Later we laughed smugly when we saw robins trying their best to claim squatting rights to a new home. Piles of grass on the porch revealed their wasted efforts. But after 2 days of steady rain, we saw that a nest had indeed appeared in the very spot we thought was impossible. Because of the rain, Mrs. Robin was able to mix up a batch of mud mortar. Weaving it with twigs and grass, our determined feathered friend had built herself a new nest. She had persevered.
Discerning God’s Plan
By Julian Abraham, 19, Singapore Does God have a plan for me? Do I know what His plans might be? These are questions that many of us think little about. There’s always good excuse for not thinking about such matters for our lives are crowded with so many activities. We’re loaded with work, studies, and [...]
Run To The Cross
Whenever a tsunami warning is given on the northern coastline of Maui, Hawaii, the people living in Hana rush up the side of a mountain to a high place of safety. Nearby is a tall wooden cross. For their physical safety, people run to the area where the cross is located.
Too Helpful?
Is it possible to be too helpful? Can our helpfulness actually make life more difficult for others? Yes, if we’re being bothersome, intrusive, smothering, manipulative, or controlling. If the help we are giving is driven only by our own anxiety, we may be just trying to help ourselves.
Let’s reflect on the event that changed history and can change your story forever
From the days I sat in my mother’s lap and listened to her stories until today, I’ve enjoyed stories. I love to hear them and I like to tell them. In fact, I’d like to write a novel sometime. Everyone probably has one great story inside that’s worth telling. We won’t ever write that story, though. We don’t have the skill - or the time - or the confidence. But I’ll bet you have a story that you might enjoy telling and others would love to hear.
Day 4: No Greater Love
Bill and his wife were driving through the Rocky Mountains when a near-miss with a truck caused their car to swerve off the road and plunge into the Colorado River. After scrambling out of their sinking vehicle, they frantically treaded water in the swift current. A truckdriver, who had seen the accident, ran ahead along the shore and threw a…
No Greater Love
Bill and his wife were driving through the Rocky Mountains when a near-miss with a truck caused their car to swerve off the road and plunge into the Colorado River. After scrambling out of their sinking vehicle, they frantically treaded water in the swift current. A truckdriver, who had seen the accident, ran ahead along the shore and threw a rope to them. Bill swam behind his wife and pushed her to where she could grab the rope—and the man pulled her out. Bill, however, was carried downstream and didn’t survive. He had given his life for the woman he loved.
How do we respond when Jesus says to do good without expecting any reward?
Thursday, April 5, 2012
“Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven” (Matthew 6:1).
IDEA: Christians should be seen doing good works (Matthew 5:16), but they must not do good works in order to be seen (Matthew 6:1).
PURPOSE: To help listeners see the powerful witness of good works done to please God and that are seen by people.
World’s Longest Table
On Sunday, July 18, 2010, one of the busiest highways in Europe became what some called “the longest table in the world.” Officials closed a 60-kilometer (37-mile) section of the A40 Autobahn in Germany’s Ruhr region so people could walk and bicycle or sit at one of 20,000 tables set up on the roadway. An estimated 2 million people came to enjoy an event the director hoped would connect people from many cultures, generations, and nations.
An eye-opening discussion on motive
Wednesday, April 4, 2012, Part 3
“Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven” (Matthew 6:1).
IDEA: Christ values what we do for His approval.
PURPOSE: To help listeners think about their religious actions and what they want them to accomplish.
Have you ever done any “righteous deed” because people would be impressed with your devotion to God?
If you have done that, how did it happen? Why did you do it?
Hawks And Lions
One morning, I watched a rabbit nibble grass in my backyard. He was on the small side, with brown flecked fur and a cotton-puff tail. Suddenly, a hawk sliced through the air as fast and precise as lightning. With talons outstretched, he snatched for his prey. But the rabbit recognized the approaching danger and sped to safety, just inches ahead of the hawk.
How motivation impacts the ways we serve
Tuesday, April 3, 2012, Part 2
“Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven” (Matthew 6:1).
IDEA: Christ values what we do for His approval.
PURPOSE: To help listeners think about their religious actions and what they want them to accomplish.
The Name
What is it about a name that makes it so special to us? I began thinking about this after talking to a teenager as we stood outside her church in Black River, Jamaica, one Sunday morning. She asked, “Would you mention my name in Our Daily Bread?” I asked her if she had a story to tell, and she said, “No, just mention my name.”
Can God Trust Us?
By Oluwaseun Fayemiwo, Nigeria “Because of the miraculous signs Jesus performed at the Passover celebration, many began to trust in Him. But Jesus didn’t trust them, because He knew human nature. No one needed to tell Him what mankind is really like.” —John 2:23-25 Is it possible to enjoy a relationship with someone where there [...]
An insightful look at what motivates us
Monday, April 2, 2012, Part 1
“Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven” (Matthew 6:1).
IDEA: Christ values what we do for His approval.
PURPOSE: To help listeners think about their religious actions and what they want them to accomplish.
