Trying to Impress
When a college class went on a cultural field trip, the instructor almost didn’t recognize one of his star pupils. In the classroom she had concealed six-inch heels beneath her pant legs. But in her walking boots she was less than five feet tall. “My heels are how I want to be,” she laughed. “But my boots are how I really am.”
Thankfully, our physical appearance doesn’t define who we are. It’s our heart that matters. Jesus had strong words for those masters of appearances—the super-religious “Pharisees and teachers of the law.” They asked Jesus why His disciples didn’t wash their…
“Come, Follow Me”
Jesus called His disciples with this simple phrase, “Come, follow me.” And He extends that same invitation to us. Today on Discover the Word, we discuss the personal element in Jesus’s invitation and explore what it means for us to follow Him today. Another fascinating conversation, today on Discover the Word!
Always a Child of God
During a church service I attended with my parents, according to the usual practice we held hands while saying the Lord’s Prayer together. As I stood with one hand clasped to my mother’s and the other to my father’s, I was struck by the thought that I will always be their daughter. Although I’m firmly in my middle age, I can still be called “the child of Leo and Phyllis.” I reflected that not only am I their daughter but I will also always be a child of God.
The apostle Paul wanted the people in the church at Rome to…
Following Christ And What It Means To Be “Called”
Following Christ starts with answering His call. What could He be calling you to do? Today on Discover the Word, we look at what it means to be “called,” how Jesus called the first disciples and what the implications are for our lives today. Join us for the start of a new series titled, “Calling To and […]
Creation’s Song
Using acoustic astronomy, scientists can observe and listen to the sounds and pulses of space. They’ve found that stars don’t orbit in silence in the mysterious night sky, but rather generate music. Like humpback whale sounds, the resonance of stars exists at wavelengths or frequencies that may not be heard by the human ear. Yet, the music of stars and whales and other creatures combine to create a symphony that proclaims the greatness of God.
Psalm 19:1–4 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands; day after day they pour forth speech; night…
If God Is With Me, Why Do I Feel Depressed?
Depression is a mental illness that l live with every day. l was officially diagnosed with depression three years ago after l became burnout from my work as a teacher.
Where Are You Headed?
What determines our direction in life? I once heard an answer to that question in a surprising place: a motorcycle training course. Some friends and I wanted to ride, so we took a class to learn how. Part of our training dealt with something called target fixation.
“Eventually,” our instructor said, “you’re going to face an unexpected obstacle. If you stare at it—if you target fixate—you’ll steer right into it. But if you look above and past it to where you need to go, you can usually avoid it.” Then he added, “Where you’re looking is the direction you’re going to…
The Beauty of Love
The “Jarabe Tapatío,” also known as the Mexican hat dance, celebrates romance. During this upbeat dance, the man places his sombrero on the ground. At the very end, the woman grabs the hat and both hide behind it to seal their romance with a kiss.
This dance reminds me of the importance of faithfulness in marriage. In Proverbs 5, after talking about the high cost of immorality, we read that marriage is exclusive. “Drink water from your own cistern, running water from your own well” (v. 15). Even with ten couples dancing the Jarabe on stage, each person focuses on his…
Approaching Scripture As Discerning And Knowledgeable Readers
Just like any other book or document, context is important when reading the Bible. And today on Discover the Word, the team sits down with authors Randy Richards and Brandon O’Brien to discuss how we can approach Scripture as discerning and knowledgeable readers. Don’t miss the conclusion of our series called, “Misreading Paul” today on Discover the Word!
Worshiping with Questions
It’s not uncommon during a long (or short!) trip for someone in a group of travelers to ask, “Are we there yet?” or “How much longer?” Who hasn’t heard these universal queries coming from the lips of children and adults eager to arrive at their destination? But people of all ages are also prone to ask similar questions when wearied because of life challenges that never seem to cease.
Such was the case with David in Psalm 13. Four times in two verses, David—who felt forgotten, forsaken, and defeated—lamented “How long?” “How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long…
The #10YearChallenge: How Has God Worked In Your Life?
If you’ve been active on social media lately, you would’ve seen the #10YearChallenge hashtag, along with side-by-side photos of your friends from 10 years ago and now, dominating your Facebook and Instagram feeds.
Discerning When Scripture Is Meant To Be Universal And When It Is Not
Scripture is God-breathed. But that doesn’t necessarily mean we can apply a verse to every situation. Today on Discover the Word, we invite authors, Randy Richards, and Brandon O’Brien, to help us discern when Scripture’s application is meant to be universal, and when it’s meant to be limited. Our series is called, “Misreading Paul” . . . […]
What Can’t You Give Up?
“What’s one thing you can’t give up?” the radio host asked. Listeners called in with some interesting answers. Some mentioned their families, including a husband who shared memories of a deceased wife. Others shared they can’t give up on their dreams, such as making a living in music or becoming a mother. All of us have something we treasure dearly—a person, a passion, a possession—something we can’t give up.
In the book of Hosea, God tells us that He won’t give up on His chosen people Israel, His treasured possession. As Israel’s loving husband, God provided her with everything she needed:…
What Does Paul Have To Say About The Role Of Women In The Church?
When you read the Gospels, it seems obvious that Jesus intentionally includes women in his ministry, but other parts of Scripture seem less friendly toward women. Today on Discover the Word, we are joined at the table by authors Randy Richards and Brandon O’Brien, to wrestle with what Paul said about women’s role in the church. Join […]
Trusting God In Spite of My Fears
I have been taking swimming lessons in the open ocean for two summers, but I have not quite shaken off my fear of the deep, blue water.
My adventure with the open seas started three years ago when I toyed with the idea of joining my local surf lifesaving club.
