Topic > Christian Beliefs > God >
Dependence Day
In the US, the Fourth of July is a national holiday when outdoor grills are heated up; beaches are packed; and cities and towns have parades and fireworks displays, picnics, and patriotic celebrations. All of this is in remembrance of July 4, 1776, when the 13 American colonies declared their independence.
Continuing our series on Jacob, and discovering how God is for us!
Ever felt like you and the Lord were going toe-to-toe over an issue in your life? Let’s study Genesis chapter 32 and Jacob’s wrestling match with God. We’ll discover that God is not against us, but rather, He’s for us!
Discover who God chooses to be part of His family
The more we discover who the Old Testament character of Jacob was, the more we may wonder why God would ever want to be associated with such a person, let alone have a relationship with him! We’re getting to know “The God of Jacob.”
Managing our inner struggles with the Lord
It was the most lopsided fight in human history. Did Jacob actually believe he had a chance against the God of the universe? Let’s talk about wrestling with God. We’ll learn from Jacob’s example how to manage our own inner struggles with the Lord.
Let’s lean on the promise of mercy
The Bible warns us, “You reap what you sow.” The Old Testament character, Jacob, planted quite a few destructive seeds within his family. The result of which should have been a harvest of pain. Discover how Jacob received what he didn’t deserve, an outpouring of God’s grace!
Catch a glimpse of God’s greater plan for our lives
Stuck in the moment, it can be difficult to see what God is doing in our lives. But if we widen our perspective, we may catch a glimpse of God’s greater plan! Let’s look at the bigger picture in the life of Jacob. In the midst of chaos, God was building his future.
Courage
Fear is what draws us back most of the time. When we intend to step out from our comfort zone, when we are facing our greatest fear, when we are trying to change—fear is that one thing that draws our feet back to the door. Bamp! You shut the door; breathe in […]
Roadside Assistance
An acquaintance of mine was hunting with friends near Balmoral, the country estate of the queen of England. As they walked, he twisted his ankle so badly that he couldn’t go on, so he told his friends to continue and he would wait by the side of the road.
Let’s take a closer look at Jacob’s life-transforming vision
Exhausted from running from his lies and deceit, Jacob finally fell asleep. And the dream God gave him turned his entire life around! Have you had a moment that changed your life?
Find out how God uses flawed families
Does your family fight and bicker? Perhaps there are a few skeletons in your family’s closet. Don’t worry; you’re not alone! Let’s reveal the decades-old feud that took place in Jacob’s family, and how God’s mercy showed up in the midst of domestic conflict.
Find out how to avoid making the mistake of missing a potential blessing
Have you ever misconstrued a conversation? It can happen when we hear only what we want to hear. Discover how Jacob’s family misinterpreted a God-given prediction, and almost missed the potential blessing! Learn how to avoid making the same mistake.
The Day My Dad Met Jesus
My grandfather, my father, and his brothers were all tough men who, understandably, didn’t appreciate people who “got up in their faces about faith.” When my father, Howard, was diagnosed with a rapid and deadly cancer, I was so concerned that I took every opportunity to talk to him about Jesus’ love. Inevitably he would end the discussion with a polite but firm: “I know what I need to know.”
World’s Fastest Walkers
According to a study measuring the pace of life of cities in 32 countries, people in the biggest hurry live here in Singapore. We walk 60 feet in 10:55 seconds, compared to 12:00 seconds for New Yorkers and 31:60 seconds for those living in the African city of Blantyre, Malawi.
Forgotten Memories
Recently, a friend from my youth emailed me a picture of our junior high track team. The grainy black-and-white snapshot showed a vaguely familiar group of teens with our two coaches. I was instantly swept back in time to happy memories of running the mile and the half-mile in track meets. Yet even as I enjoyed remembering those days, I found myself thinking about how easily I had forgotten them and moved on to other things.
A psalm of my own, as inspired by Psalm 23
Psalm 23:1-6 The Lord is my Shepherd, my High Priest, and King. He supplies all that I need—everything. (Psalm 23:1) He makes me lie down and rest in safe places. He leads me to calm and reviving spaces. (Psalm 23:2) My soul is refreshed and restored to its whole. For His name’s […]
