Easily Entangled
Soldiers fighting in a sweltering jungle many years ago encountered a frustrating problem. Without warning and mimicking the strength of a thick rope, a pervasive prickly vine would attach itself to the soldiers’ bodies and gear, causing them to be trapped. As they struggled to get free, even more of the plant’s tentacles seemed to entangle them. The soldiers dubbed the weed the “wait-a-minute” vine because, once entwined and unable to move forward, they were forced to shout out to other members of their team, “Hey, wait a minute, I’m stuck!”
In a similar way, it’s hard for followers of Jesus…
Dad, Where Are You?
“Dad! Where are you?”
I was pulling into our driveway when my daughter, panicking, called me on my cell. I’d needed to be home by 6:00 to get her to play practice; I was on time. My daughter’s voice, however, betrayed her lack of trust. Reflexively, I responded: “I’m here. Why don’t you trust me?”
But as I spoke those words, I wondered, How often could my heavenly Father ask that of me? In stressful moments, I too am impatient. I too struggle to trust, to believe God will keep His promises. So I cry out: “Father, where are you?”
Amid stress and…
Aiming for the Prize
In the 1994 fictional movie Forrest Gump, Forrest becomes famous for running. What began as a jog “to the end of the road” continued for three years, two months, fourteen days, and sixteen hours. Each time he arrived at his destination, he set another one and continued to run, zig-zagging across the United States, until one day when he no longer felt like it. “Feeling like it” was the way his running began. Forrest says, “That day, for no particular reason, I decided to go for a little run.”
In contrast to Forrest’s seemingly whimsical running, the apostle Paul asks his readers…
5 Things You May Not Know about Our Daily Bread
You’re probably familiar with Our Daily Bread for its inspiring stories that draw on the life-changing wisdom of God’s Word. But do you know about how and when this popular devotional started, and how it has evolved over the years? Rick DeHaan, the former President of Our Daily Bread Ministries, tells us a little more about how this little booklet…
Dying Well
Thanks Giving
dadasdff
CHRISTIAN VALUES IN A CELEBRITY CULTURE - PAGE 6
Cont'd...
I want to end this article with an appeal to younger Christians. When you think of significance and greatness, don’t let the celebrity ideals of society spoil your vision. God may give some Christians those privileges and perks. But they are not a big deal. The big deal is doing God’s will. Whether you end up famous or not, guard…
CHRISTIAN VALUES IN A CELEBRITY CULTURE - PAGE 5
Cont'd...
Wrong Measures of Success
Sadly, many young workers today measure their success in ministry by earthly criteria, like the vehicle they drive, the house they live in and the position they have in their church or organisation. A student told a Seminary teacher friend of mine that God has not blessed him because he rides a motorcycle rather than a car.…
CHRISTIAN VALUES IN A CELEBRITY CULTURE - PAGE 4
Cont'd...
The Evidence of History
It is significant that some of the greatest and most influential heroes of God’s people lived simple lives without the trappings of celebrity success. Indeed, there were some godly people in the Bible who were very wealthy, like David, Josiah and the other righteous kings. Some Old Testament heroes in so-called “secular work,” like Daniel and…
CHRISTIAN VALUES IN A CELEBRITY CULTURE - PAGE 3
Cont'd...
The Need for Accountability
One of the best ways to overcome the problems of fame is having good friendship and accountability structures. Friends have an amazing way of filling up what is lacking in our lives and preventing us from crashing (see Eccles. 4:9-12). They help give us a security that helps us avoid the pitfalls related to our own insecurity.
Fame…
CHRISTIAN VALUES IN A CELEBRITY CULTURE - PAGE 2
Cont'd...
Perils of the Celebrity Lifestyle
Prominence has come to be regarded as equal to success in both society and the church. Usually along with prominence comes the privileges enjoyed by a successful person in society, such as adoring devotees, bodyguards, time saving gadgets, fancy cars, luxurious houses, opportunities for up-market leisure activities and vacations, and material wealth. Many celebrities have serious…
CHRISTIAN VALUES IN A CELEBRITY CULTURE
By Dr Ajith Fernando
Some years ago, a survey was conducted among young people about what achievement they desired most. They were given various options to choose from. The most popular option emerged as “a…
“Love You—Whole World”
My three-year old niece, Jenna, has an expression that never fails to melt my heart. When she loves something (really loves it), be it banana cream pie, jumping on the trampoline, or playing Frisbee, she’ll proclaim, “I love it—whole world!” (“whole world” accompanied with a dramatic sweep of her arms).
Never Give Up Hope
When my friend received a diagnosis of cancer, the doctor advised her to get her affairs in order. She called me, sobbing, worried about her husband and young children. I shared her urgent prayer request with our mutual friends. We rejoiced when a second doctor encouraged her to never give up hope and confirmed his team would do all they could…
