Month: January 2013

Tangible ways followers of God can respond to the needs in their community

All throughout the world there are families in need. There are homes that don’t have food on the table every night.

Fully Equipped

Karl Elsener, a Swiss designer of surgical equipment in the 19th century, worked for years on perfecting a military knife. Today his Swiss Army Knife is associated with excellence in blades and a variety of utilities. One model includes knife blades, a saw, scissors, a magnifying glass, a can opener, a screwdriver, a ruler, a toothpick, a writing pen, and more—all in one knife! If you are out camping in the wild, this one item can certainly make you feel equipped for survival.

Personal experiences of God meeting us in our deepest need

Our economy is struggling. Jobs are scarce. Families are tightening their belts, trying to make ends meet. Perhaps you feel the pinch in your own home.

Just Entertainment?

By Dan Vander Lugt Today there are an astonishing number of movies in the genre of horror. A large proportion of the DVDs for rent in an average “family” video store are horror movies. The advance of computer-generated effects and digital photography has exponentially enhanced the ability of filmmakers to produce horrific special effects. But [...]

Just Entertainment?

By Dan Vander Lugt Today there are an astonishing number of movies in this genre. A large proportion of the DVDs for rent in an average “family” video store are horror movies. The advance of computer-generated effects and digital photography has exponentially enhanced the ability of filmmakers to produce horrific special effects. But what generates [...]

What Is That To You?

When you attend a children’s choir concert, you’re not surprised when the children look everywhere but at the director. They wiggle, squirm, and poke each other. They stand on tiptoes to search for parents in the audience. They raise their hands to wave when they see them. Oh, yes, and they occasionally sing. We smile at their antics.

Time Out

El Bulli restaurant, 2 hours north of Barcelona, is so popular that customers must reserve a table 6 months in advance. But noted Spanish chef Ferran Adrià decided to close the doors of his award-winning restaurant for 2 years so he and his staff could have time to think, plan, and innovate. Adrià told Hemispheres Magazine, “If we are winning all the prizes, why change? Working 15 hours a day leaves us very little time to create.” In the midst of great success, they took time out for what is most important to them.

Help Yourself

Recently, I saw a television ad for a restaurant chain that made a dramatic claim. At those restaurants, the ad said you could “Help Yourself to Happiness.” Wouldn’t it be nice if a helping of potatoes or meat or pasta or dessert would be all that was needed to provide happiness? Unfortunately, no restaurant can fulfill that promise.

Finding the implications of Jesus’ prayer, “Give us this day our daily bread”

It’s hard to imagine that the God of the universe cares about our smallest needs. Yet Scripture reminds us that not only does He care, but we can trust Him to provide!

Why Rape?

By Tracy Phua, Singapore On December 20, 2012, I read the news of a brutal and disgusting gang rape of a 23-year-old lady that took place in New Delhi, India. According to the news, the lady boarded a bus with a male friend at night after catching a movie and 6 men onboard the moving [...]

Why Rape?

By Tracy Phua, Singapore On December 20, 2012, I read the news of a brutal and disgusting gang rape of a 23-year-old lady that took place in New Delhi, India. According to the news, the lady boarded a bus with a male friend at night after catching a movie and 6 men onboard the moving [...]

Getting Along

I love being with people . . . most of the time. There is a special joy that resonates in our hearts when we are with people we enjoy. But unfortunately we are not always with those we like to be around. Sometimes people can be prickly, which may be why someone has said, “The more I get to know people, the more I love my dog!” When we don’t find joy in a relationship, we tend to blame the other person; then we excuse ourselves as we exit to be with people we like.

Discover that the Lord still cares about providing for His children today

When you read the biblical accounts of Jesus’ life, you witness His immense love for people, and His desire to provide for their basic needs.

T-Ball Faith

Whoever dreamed up T-ball is a genius: Every kid on the field gets a taste of the fun and joy of the game before they taste the disappointment of striking out.

In T-ball, a baseball is placed on a rubber tee about waist-high to the 5- and 6-year-old batters. Players swing until they hit the ball and then run.

Enjoy a musical theme to the Lord’s Prayer that brings Jesus’ words to life

Jesus’ instruction on prayer in Matthew chapter six has become an integral part of Christian teaching. But when the words become routine, their meaning can be lost.