Month: December 2014

Discover the friendship Christ offers us

Sheep need a shepherd. Without him, the flock is defenseless, helpless, and hopeless! Just like sheep need a shepherd, so we need Jesus.

Breaking Free from the Smoke

One of my neighbors—a middle-aged woman—was diagnosed with pneumonia. She had been smoking for half of her life, puffing on more than a pack of cigarettes a day. You could see her at almost all times of the day standing on her balcony, enveloped in a cloud […]

Our Life Is A Primer

The New England Primer was published in the late 1600s. Throughout the colonies that would later become the United States, the book became a widely used resource.

Discover what friendship with Christ looks like

God’s Word describes Jesus as our King, our Judge, and our Lord. But Jesus also wants us to know Him as our friend. We’ll catch a glimpse in our study of Matthew chapter 9.

Christmas, My Favorite Time of the Year

Christmas has always been my favorite time of the year. The celebratory atmosphere, the songs sung, and the joy that emanates from people during this period was to me—a boy of seven then—a magical and wonderful time. One of my fondest memories of those times were of my […]

Stones Cry Out

Every year it seems that Christmas becomes more and more commercialized. Even in nations where the majority of people call themselves “Christian,” the season has become more about shopping than worshiping. The pressure to buy gifts and plan elaborate parties makes it increasingly difficult to stay focused on the real meaning of the holiday—the birth of Jesus, God’s only Son, the Savior of the world.

Johnny’s Race

When 19-year-old Johnny Agar finished the 5k race, he had a lot of people behind him—family members and friends who were celebrating his accomplishment.

Better Than Before

As infants, my children had nearly perfect skin. Their flesh was soft—they had no dry elbows or rough patches on their feet. Smooth and new, it contrasted with mine, which was marked by years of various scars and callouses.

Let’s take one final look at the blind man in John chapter 9, from the perspective of Jesus

In the dark, it’s hard to see anything clearly. It’s only when the light is turned on that everything comes into focus. Let’s take one final look at the blind man in John chapter 9, from the perspective of Jesus, the Light of the World. See this passage with new eyes.

Human Chess

Chess is an ancient game of strategy. Each player begins with 16 pieces on the chessboard with the goal of cornering his opponent’s king. It has taken different forms over the years. One form is human chess, which was introduced around ad 735 by Charles Martel, duke of Austrasia. Martel would play the game on giant boards with real people as the pieces. The human pieces were costumed to reflect their status on the board and moved at the whim of the players—manipulating them to their own ends.

Out of the Ashes

During hardship and trouble, tough questions often arise: Where is God? How do I respond to difficulties? Is God both good and all-powerful? In the Discovery Series booklet Out of the Ashes by Bill Crowder, you’ll explore Job’s struggle with the problem of suffering. Through Job’s story, discover how you can trust God despite unanswered...

Discover how fear can change the way we view those in need

Parents are supposed to want the best for their children. Let’s study a mom and dad who weren’t exactly happy about their son’s miraculous healing!

The Free Gift with No Strings Attached

I’m probably not the only one who is taken in by the Buy 1 Get 1 Free promotions that many shops offer, especially at this time of the year when all of us are busy shopping for Christmas gifts! But after being “cheated” numerous times, I’ve learned not […]

Called By Name

At the beginning of the academic year, a school principal in our city pledged to learn the names of all 600 students in her school. Anyone who doubted her ability or resolve could look at her track record. During the previous year she had learned the names of 700 students, and prior to that, 400 children in a different school. Think of what it must have meant to these students to be recognized and greeted by name.

A challenge to change our perspective on those in need

Some saw him as a culprit to blame. Others viewed him as a mystery to solve. But the religious leaders saw the blind man in John chapter 9 as a problem to avoid! Do we view them as people to love or interruptions to ignore?