Slack Tide
I find it fascinating to consider the pull of the moon on our great oceans, which creates high and low tides. At the changing of the tide, there is a brief period of time called “slack tide” when the water is neither high nor low. According to scientists, this is when the water is “unstressed.” It is a quiet pause before the surging of tidal flow begins again.
Contained But Not Extinguished
In June 2012, the Waldo Canyon fire destroyed 346 homes in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and burned more than 18,000 acres of mountain forest. The fire was declared 100-percent contained when perimeter lines had been built around the entire area of the blaze.
Of Crunchy Pupae, Sore Buttocks, and Salty Anteaters
By Shearn Sya, Malaysia On January 24, 2013, I went on my first ever bona fide mission trip to Sibu, Malaysia. I kept my expectations as low as possible, in keeping with my tendency when it comes to anything I am unfamiliar with. The first longhouse we visited when we arrived at Sibu was only [...]
Wrapping up our study about Christian unity from Romans 14
When studying Scripture, you can spend so much time examining the details that you lose sight of the bigger picture. Let's review the overarching, top priorities in the life of a follower of Christ.
Of Crunchy Pupae, Sore Buttocks, and Salty Anteaters
By Shearn Sya, Malaysia On January 24, 2013, I went on my first ever bona fide mission trip to Sibu, Malaysia. I kept my expectations as low as possible, in keeping with my tendency when it comes to anything I am unfamiliar with. The first longhouse we visited when we arrived at Sibu was only [...]
The Anchor Of Our Hope
Frank, Ted, and I were fishing for bluegill on Rice Lake in Ontario, Canada. We were on a pontoon boat, and the fish were really biting. Busy baiting and hooking, we slowly became aware that the action had slacked off. Then we realized why: The boat was no longer sitting where we had put it. A strong wind had come up and pushed it across the water. The anchor could not hold us and was sliding across the lake bottom. We hauled it up, returned to our hot spot, and re-anchored. We were moved away again. After a third try, we went back to shore. We could not get our anchor to grab and stick.
Separating the important issues from the peripheral ones
We all have strong opinions on the gray areas of our faith. But it’s when we start making our convictions mandatory for other believers that we run into problems!
The Joy Of Disappointment
While in Bible college, I auditioned for one of the school’s traveling musical teams. I was excited about the thought of being able to be involved in that ministry, but was crushed when I failed to make the team. In my disappointment, I could only trust that God’s purposes were greater than mine.
Practical application for the principles on unity from Romans 14
Instructions may look simple on paper, but following them can be a lot harder than expected! Let's take the principles from Romans 14 on unity, and examine how to put them into practice.
A Self-righteous Mind-set
“Now his older son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and because he has received him safe and sound, your father has killed the fatted calf.’
Reevaluating the customs we hold dear
There are times when the traditions we cling to are actually the barriers to love and grace entering the church! Another timely message on unity.
The Blessed Hope
So many predictions of the end of the world have come and gone. Those predictions are unsettling and often fill people with fear. Yet the Bible does refer to a time called “the day of the Lord” when He will return. It will happen, but only God knows when.
It’s All Worth It
By Hannah, 16, USA YMI note: Hannah wrote this article on her way to (place)*. She was reminiscing on the time spent with her old friends in the United States, while getting ready to make new ones. The song “With Everything” by Hillsongs United came on the car stereo and she started thinking about all [...]
Looking at Romans 14 from a parenting perspective
The latest clothing fashion or music trends can send parents into a tailspin. When it comes to raising kids, what things are allowable and what are off limits? Don't miss this important discussion with special guest Jeff Manion.
“I’m . . . Uh . . . Sorry”
The news is quick to report all the details of famous people’s wrongdoings and their subsequent confessions. Perhaps it’s an athlete who was arrested for driving while drunk. Or it could be a politician caught in an indiscretion. Only God knows the heart, but when we hear a stuttered “I’m . . . uh . . . sorry,” we may wonder if they are truly repentant or just sorry they got caught
