Month: September 2013

Choices, Choices and, Yes, More Choices!

By Sean Tong, UK Pizza or chips? Neighbors or Home and Away? The Beatles or The Rolling Stones? We live in an ever-growing world of choices. We can take eons of time scrolling through our iPods to decide which song to play, flick through endless satellite TV channels, and can choose from a vast array [...]

The Good And The Bad

Recently, I began studying the kings of the Old Testament with some friends. I noticed on the chart that we were using that a few of the leaders of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah are labeled good, but most of them are labeled bad, mostly bad, extra bad, and the worst.

A Prize For Peace

Alfred Nobel made a fortune from the invention of dynamite, which changed the course of warfare. Perhaps because of the horrors that wars inflicted with the use of dynamite, he made a provision in his will for a prize to be given annually to those who work to promote peace. Today it’s called the Nobel Peace Prize.

A Difficult Place

When a sudden change in technology made his job obsolete, a highly trained scientist found himself working in a fast-food restaurant. One evening after our Bible study he described the situation as difficult and humbling. He said, “One good thing I can say is that the young people there seem very interested in my faith.” A member of the group responded, “I admire you for being humble. I know your faith must have something to do with it.”

What does it mean to seek God’s will for our lives?

As followers of Christ, we’re called to pursue God’s righteousness. But what does that really mean? See how reflecting God’s righteousness makes a lasting impact on the world around you.

When Troubles Surround Us

By Dr.U.Jasmine Packia Priya, India We read of the story of Hagar and her child in Genesis 21: 15–19. Hagar, with Abraham’s child, was sent away and left to wander in the desert, helpless and overwhelmed with grief. She had used up all the water she had for herself and her child. And now, her [...]

Time For A Change

Many believers long to spend daily time with God, praying and reading His Word. Ironically, they are often distracted by a busy schedule. Frustrations mount as busyness seems to crowd out an opening in their schedule.

The End?

Everything in this world eventually comes to an end, which at times can be disheartening. It’s the feeling you get when you read a book that’s so good you don’t want it to end. Or when you watch a movie that you wish would go on a little while longer.

God Had Other Plans

My friend Linda grew up planning to become a medical missionary. She loves the Lord and wanted to serve Him as a doctor by taking the gospel to sick people in parts of the world where medical care is hard to find. But God had other plans. Linda has indeed become a medical missionary, but not the way she expected.

A timely lesson on priorities from the Sermon on the Mount

Every day we juggle the responsibilities of work, church, family, and friends. And at times, it’s difficult to know how best to prioritize! Let's explore Jesus’ charge to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.”

Instead of Me

By Samjhana Ranabhat, 25, Nepal It was the month of April. My sister had made urgent plans to return home from college because of a sudden illness. I had asked her to take a couple of days off classes and just stay home to rest but she did not get better; in fact her pain [...]

Seeing God In Familiar Places

Because of where I live, I’m treated to spectacular displays of the magnificent, creative glory of God. Recently, on a drive through the woods, I was struck with a breath-taking display of deep rich reds and a variety of yellows that decorated the trees of autumn—all artfully arranged against the backdrop of a brilliant blue sky.

What are the boundaries of God’s promise to supply?

Are there limits to God’s provision? The answer may surprise you! Let's turn once again to Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.

God’s Will

We’re often looking for God’s will—especially when we’re in a difficult situation. We wonder, What will happen to me here? Should I stay or does God want me somewhere else? The only way to know for sure is to do what He asks you to do right now—the duty of the present moment—and wait for God to reveal the next step.

Learn how to respond in faith in times of adversity

Whether it’s the loss of a job or a crushing diagnosis, bad news comes to both Christians and non-Christians alike. Yet, followers of Christ are called to respond to difficulties, well, differently.