The Heavenly Manifest
At the Kenya Airways check-in counter, I presented my passport for verification. When the agents searched for my name on their manifest—the document that lists names of passengers—my name was missing. The problem? Overbooking and lack of confirmation. My hope of reaching home that day was shattered.
The episode reminded me of another kind of manifest—the Book of Life. In Luke 10, Jesus sent His disciples on an evangelistic mission. On their return, they happily reported their success. But Jesus told them: “Do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven” (v.…
The Low Point
C. S. Lewis and his older brother, Warren (Warnie), endured several terms at Wynyard, an English boarding school for boys. The headmaster was a cruel man who made life unbearable for everyone there. Decades later, Warnie wrote in his understated dry wit, “I am now sixty-four and a bit, and have never yet been in a situation in which I have not had the consolation of reflecting that at any rate I was better off than I was at Wynyard.” Most of us can recall a similar dark and difficult time in our lives and be grateful that we’re better…
Seeing Ourselves
Long ago, before the invention of mirrors or polished surfaces, people rarely saw themselves. Puddles of water, streams, and rivers were one of the few ways they could see their own reflection. But mirrors changed that. And the invention of cameras took fascination with our looks to a whole new level. We now have lasting images of ourselves from any given time throughout our entire life. This is good for making scrapbooks and keeping family histories, but it can be detrimental to our spiritual well-being. The fun of seeing ourselves on camera can keep us focused on outward appearance and…
Responding to the One who gave us everything
Today on “Discover the Word,” we conclude the two-week discussion about doing what we can for Jesus with what we’ve been given. Through Mary of Bethany’s courageous act of passionate devotion to Jesus, we’re invited to become part of the ongoing story. Mary is our example of how the world could change if each of us gave what we had in response to the One who gave us everything.
Real-world problems? Sometimes, they start at home
Peter*, 13, has a growth in his brain that will cause major problems if it is not removed. Already, it causes him some discomfort; the young boy keeps rubbing his forehead. Doctors fear that it will start to press on his brain, causing complications, or even result in a fatal stroke if it cuts off blood supply to his brain.
Help from the Outside
On a business trip, my husband had just settled into his hotel room when he heard an unusual noise. He stepped into the hall to investigate and heard someone yelling from a nearby room. With the help of a hotel worker, he discovered that a man had become trapped in the bathroom. The lock on the bathroom door had malfunctioned and the man trapped inside started to panic. He felt like he couldn’t breathe and began yelling for help.
Sometimes in life we feel trapped. We are banging on the door, pulling on the handle, but we can’t get free. We…
Ever feel like you’re on the outside looking in?
Today on “Discover the Word,” we continue to peel back the layers of the story of Mary of Bethany and the alabaster jar. What we discover is that Mary wasn’t the only outsider in that room full of religious men. Simon the Leper had been an outcast before Jesus healed him. Ever feel like you’re on the outside looking in? Then be part of the group today right here on “Discover the Word”!
Can’t. Get. No. Satisfaction.
Scrolling through my Facebook newsfeed one day, I see a picture of a man leaving a store with several large bags—clothing store H&M had just launched its new Balmain X H&M collection, with the latest fashion designer clothing worth hundreds of dollars.
No Peas!
When our kids were young, one of them bluntly said “no” when we passed him some peas for dinner. To which we replied, “No what?” We hoped he would say, “No, thank you.” Instead he said, “No peas!” That led to a discussion about the importance of good manners. In fact, we had similar discussions on numerous occasions.
Beyond good manners—which are external—our Lord reminds us that we are to have a heart of gratitude. Scripture contains dozens of reminders that expressing gratitude is of primary importance in our relationship with God. Psalm 118 begins and ends with the exhortation to…
A friend introduced Nkosi to the gospel. And because his friend was persistent in pursuing him with the message of salvation, Nkosi has a passion for sharing God’s love with the teenagers in his country. After two friends who served with him in ministry passed away, God cemented in Nkosi’s heart the desire to serve God above all else. Even when tempted by a lucrative job offer, Nkosi held fast to his first love. He asked himself, “Would I want to go out in victory or would I want to go out sitting on the leather couch really not doing…
What if . . . I did what I could today?
Today on “Discover the Word,” the group asks themselves a question they’d like you to ask yourself. “What if?” “What if” I did what I could? “What if” I didn’t just think about acting, but actually acted? “What if” I didn’t let others act for me? “What if” I didn’t wait to be invited? “What if” I didn’t just wonder about what difference I could make, but actually took a step? “What if” . . . I did what I could, today? A life-shaping question frames today’s “Discover the Word.”
3 Steps to Take When You Face a Problem
“Why is the bus taking so long to arrive?” “Why didn’t I charge my phone last night?” Have you ever noticed how we can get so bothered by the smallest of problems?
