Month: January 2019

Free from Frostbite

On a winter day, my children begged to go sledding. The temperature hovered near zero degrees Fahrenheit. Snowflakes raced by our windows. I thought it over and said yes, but asked them to bundle up, stay together, and come inside after fifteen minutes.

Out of love, I created those rules so my children could play freely without suffering frostbite. I think the author of Psalm 119 recognized the same good intent in God as he penned two consecutive verses that might seem contradictory: “I will always obey your law” and “I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought…

A Letter to Those Seeking to Live Beyond Themselves

Dear friend,

I’m struggling to know how to begin. Maybe it’s because I still have so much to learn about what it means to tell others about anything, let alone something really important.

The Gift Of Salvation Is For All Who Accept It

Jesus’s gift of salvation isn’t just for “good” or “religious” people, it’s for anyone willing to accept it. Today on Discover the Word, we look at how Jesus went out of His way to invite the “sinners” and the outcasts of His day into a relationship with Him. Another thought-provoking discussion, today on Discover the Word!

The Wide Shot

During the television coverage of the inauguration of the first African- American president, the camera showed a panoramic view of the enormous crowd of the nearly two million people who had gathered to witness the historic event. CBS News correspondent Bob Schieffer remarked, “The star of this show is the wide shot.” Nothing else could capture the multitude stretching from the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol.

Scripture gives us a glimpse of an even larger throng, united by their faith in Jesus Christ: “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation . . . that you may declare…

3 Things I Learned From Reading Through the Bible in A Year

Ever since I became a Christian, I have intended to read the entire Bible in a year. But I was always preoccupied with school activities and felt that I didn’t have enough time to finish reading the Bible.

I Will Make You Fishers Of Men

Simon Peter and Andrew were just your average fishermen. That is until Jesus offered to make them fishers of people. Today on Discover the Word, we explore what it means to “fish for people” and why Jesus would give His disciples such unusual instruction. Pull up a chair to the table, today for Discover the Word!  

A Big Deal

A family member needed help with his December rent. To his family, the request felt like a burden—especially with their own unexpected expenses at year’s end. But they dug unto their savings, grateful for God’s provision—and blessed by their relative’s gratitude.

He handed them a thank-you card filled with grateful words. “There you go again . . . doing nice things, probably passing it off as no big deal.”

Helping others is a big deal, however, to God. The prophet Isaiah made that point to the nation of Israel. The people were fasting but still quarreling and fighting. Instead, said Isaiah: “Free…

How Decluttering Changed My Spiritual Life

A year ago, before Marie Kondo made her star appearance on Netflix, two books changed my life— Goodbye, Things by Fumio Sasaki and of course, the currently-trending Spark Joy by Marie Kondo.

Fulfillment In Marriage

The key question when our marriage has hit a rough spot is, “Now what? What are we going to do about it?” The man’s and woman’s commitment to work through and resolve the issues creating the disillusionment is vitally important. It can lead to the kind of reconciliation and acceptance that makes marriage worth it for life.

Some of us have…

Disillusionment In Marriage

It might begin as early as the honeymoon. The suspicion, the shadow that might already have been cast on the back edge of his or her thinking or emotions. A little smudge has appeared on her halo; a little tarnish on his suit of shining armor.

She ignores it. But it keeps coming back. He’s not the gentleman she thought he…

Covenant Of Marriage

The relatives and friends are seated. The organ is playing softly while candles flicker in the background. The attendants are standing in place. The father has said, “Her mother and I.” The soloist has just finished.
The audience is silent. The minister speaks. “Please join hands and repeat after me. I, James, take you, Susan . . .”

Expectation moves into reality…

Expectations In Marriage

So what’s in it for me?” It’s a question worth asking about marriage, and not without reason.

  • To the high school girl, it’s her wedding day, a white gown, four beautiful bridesmaids, candles, flowers, and a friend-filled reception.
  • To the newlyweds, it’s shared vows, intimacy, friendship, and adventure.
  • To the couple married 15 years, it’s children, companionship, and building.
  • To those married 35 years,…

Jesus Invites Us To “Come And See”

Some people say they want to believe in God, but they can’t see Him working in their lives or in the world around them. Well, today on Discover the Word, the team helps us to open our eyes, so we can respond to Jesus’s invitation to “come and see.” Don’t miss Discover the Word today!

Marie Kondo Didn’t Make Me Want to Declutter

I have a confession: Netflix’s “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo” left me with very little desire to declutter my home.

In fact, it got me wondering what sort of home would I be living in if it didn’t have at least some sort of clutter—like stacks of books piled on my coffee table, or a pile of fresh laundry in the corner, waiting to be folded—lying around.