Numbered Days
In the aftermath of a devastating tornado, a man stood outside what was left of his home. Scattered somewhere among the rubble inside were his wife’s jewelry and his own valuable collectibles. But the man had no intention of going inside the unstable house to search for them. “It’s not worth dying for,” he said.
Discover how to sincerely offer grace when faced with deep hurt
When others hurt us by their words or actions, it’s easier to hang on to bitterness and resentment than to pursue forgiveness. Discover practical steps towards transforming our perspective.
Is It A Serious Mistake For Two People To Marry Without Sharing The Same Faith?
By Allison Stevens In 2 Corinthians 6:14 the apostle Paul wrote: Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? Imagine being in a relationship with someone you love and care for deeply. You take long walks together, talk till dawn, share [...]
Greek Fire
Greek fire was a chemical solution that was used in ancient warfare by the Byzantine Empire against its enemies. According to one online source, it was developed around ad 672 and was used with devastating effect, especially in sea warfare because it could burn on water. What was Greek fire? Its actual chemical composition remains a mystery.
A Full Life
By C. P. Hia During the celebration of the Chinese New Year, it is customary to use certain words in print and conversation. One word is often used by itself. It is the word full, meaning “abundance of” and is used to wish someone material prosperity for the year ahead. Moses told the Israelites about [...]
Divine Diversions
I tend to get stuck in my ways, so anything that diverts me from my routines and plans can be very annoying. Worse yet, life’s diversions are sometimes unsettling and painful. But God, who said, “My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways” (Isa. 55:8), knows that He often needs to divert us in order to make more of our lives than we would have if we had stuck to our original plans.
Think of Joseph. God diverted him to Egypt to prepare him to rescue God’s chosen people from starvation. Or of Moses, who was diverted from the luxurious lifestyle of Pharaoh’s house to meet God in the wilderness in preparation to lead God’s people toward the Promised Land. Or of Joseph and Mary to whom the angel announced the most significant diversion of all. Mary would be with child, and this child would be called “Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (Matt. 1:21). Joseph believed in the bigger purpose that God had for him, surrendered to the diversion, and obediently “called His name Jesus” (v.25). The rest is wonderful history!
We can trust God’s greater plans as He does His far better work in the history of our lives.
Mysterious Truth
Sometimes when the infinite God conveys His thoughts to finite man, mystery is the result. For example, there’s a profound verse in the book of Psalms that seems to present more questions than answers: “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His faithful servants” (116:15 niv).
Looking at the dangers of an unforgiving attitude
When a grudge is allowed to take root in our heart, it can push out the very grace we need ourselves! Be sure to listen in as the team continues a study on the Lord’s Prayer.
Why Is It Wrong For Two People Of The Same Sex To Marry?
By Dan Vander Lugt In most places, law prohibits the marriage of two persons of the same gender. Many years of cultural wisdom are the foundation of these laws. Even more significantly, same-sex marriage violates God’s natural order. Jesus added His own emphasis to the law of Moses when He said that marriage is a [...]
Stranded
Traveling by bus from Memphis, Tennessee, to St. Louis, Missouri, typically takes about 6 hours—unless the bus driver leaves you stranded at a gas station. This happened to 45 passengers aboard a bus who waited 8 hours overnight for a replacement driver after the original driver abandoned them. They must have felt frustrated by the delay, anxious about the outcome, and impatient for rescue.
Finding peace by living the Lord’s Prayer
In the middle of bitter disputes with others, we often draw the battle lines and try to fight it out! Let's examine how living the Lord’s Prayer requires peace between combatants. We are learning to pray “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.”
An eye-opening discussion on forgiveness
Are there conditions to God’s forgiveness? Does our acceptance of grace mean we owe God something in return? Let's study the model Jesus gave for prayer, “Forgive us our debts as we forgive those indebted to us.”
By Our Deeds
One night a clergyman was walking to church when a thief pulled a gun on him and demanded his money or his life. When he reached in his pocket to hand over his wallet, the robber saw his clerical collar and said: “I see you are a priest. Never mind, you can go.” The clergyman, surprised by the robber’s unexpected act of piety, offered him a candy bar. The robber said, “No thank you. I don’t eat candy during Lent.”
The man had given up candy as a supposed sacrifice for Lent, but his lifestyle of stealing showed his real character! According to the writer of Proverbs, conduct is the best indicator of character. If someone says he is a godly person, his words can only be proven by consistent actions (20:11). This was true of the religious leaders in Jesus’ day as well. He condemned the Pharisees and exposed their sham for professing godliness but denying that profession with sin in their lives (Matt. 23:13-36). Appearances and words are deceiving; behavior is the best judge of character. This applies to all of us.
As followers of Jesus, we demonstrate our love for Him by what we do, not just by what we say. May our devotion to God, because of His love for us, be revealed in our actions today.
Prayer of a 21st Century Young Adult
By Megan Low, Singapore Using the five fingers as a prayer guide. (Thumb—those closest to us) Father, I thank You for those who support me, Who keep me strong in my weaknesses. For my family and friends I pray: Grant them peace in this day and age. Help me grow into the spouse I was [...]
Prayer of a 21st Century Young Adult
By Megan Low, Singapore Using the five fingers as a prayer guide. (Thumb—those closest to us) Father, I thank You for those who support me, Who keep me strong in my weaknesses. For my family and friends I pray: Grant them peace in this day and age. Help me grow into the spouse I was [...]
