• Topic > Christian Beliefs > God >

    How embracing the pain can open us to more of God’s love and healing

    Has a broken relationship left a hole in your heart? Perhaps a recent hurt has crushed your defenses. Don’t miss this encouraging discussion.

    Waiting . . .

    Day after day for years Harry shared with the Lord his concern for his son-in-law John who had turned away from God. But then Harry died. A few months later, John turned back to God. When his mother-in-law Marsha told him that Harry had been praying for him every day, John replied, “I waited too long.” But Marsha joyfully shared: “The Lord is still answering the prayers Harry prayed during his earthly life.”

    How the fractured parts of our families bring us closer to God

    When a prized possession in our home shatters, we’re prone to simply throw away the pieces. Thankfully, that’s not what God does with broken things! Looking to put the pieces back together in your family?

    Who’s At The Center?

    Recently, I had what for me was a “Copernican moment”: I am not at the center of the universe. The world doesn’t revolve around me. It doesn’t move at my pace, in my terms, nor in accord with my preferences.

    Why God’s mercy is meant to flow from our lives into the lives of others

    A fresh water spring cannot quench our thirst if it accumulates in one spot. Instead it stagnates. And the same goes for God’s mercy.

    Misplaced Love

    Martin Lindstrom, an author and speaker, thinks that cellphones have become akin to a best friend for many owners. Lindstrom’s experiment using an MRI helped him discover why. When the subjects saw or heard their phone ringing, their brains fired off neurons in the area associated with feelings of love and compassion. Lindstrom said, “It was as if they were in the presence of a girlfriend, boyfriend, or family member.”

    Discover the two probing questions Jesus asked of those looking for mercy

    Jesus wants to shower you with His mercy. But first, He has some questions for you to answer. The two probing questions that Jesus asked of those looking for mercy reveal our faith and trust!

    Perspective From The Clouds

    In 1927 the silent film Wings, a World War I film about two American aviators, won the first Academy Award for Best Picture. When it was being filmed, production stopped for several days. Frustrated producers asked the director why. He responded: “All we have is blue sky. The conflict in the air will not be as visible without clouds. Clouds bring perspective.” He was right. Only by seeing aerial combat with clouds as a backdrop could the viewer see what was really going on.

    Don’t miss this compelling discussion on God’s mercy

    If we ever doubt God’s love, if we’re ever uncertain about His grace, if we’re ever unclear about His mercy, we need only look toward the cross! Jesus answered the most common prayer in the Bible, “Lord, have mercy.”

    Prone To Wander

    One of my favorite classic hymns is “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” which was written in 1757 by 22-year-old Robert Robinson. In the hymn’s lyrics is a line that always captures my attention and forces me to do some self-evaluation. The line says, “Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it. Prone to leave the God I love.” I feel that way sometimes. Too often I find myself distracted and drifting, instead of having my heart and mind focused on the Savior who loves me and gave Himself for me. Robert Robinson and I are not alone in this.

    Without Power

    In late October 2012, a hurricane-spawned superstorm struck the heavily populated northeastern US, leaving massive flooding and destruction in its wake. During the storm, more than 8 million customers lost electricity. Power outages alone caused shortages of food, fuel, and water, along with the chaos of gridlocked transportation. The howling winds and surging waters left many neighborhoods crushed, flooded, and choked with mountains of sand. Media coverage of the event reported: “Millions Without Power.”

    Discover how far the mercy of the Lord reaches

    Throughout Scripture, God declared that His mercy and love toward us has no limits. And He is willing to prove it! Let’s discuss the great extent of God’s mercy.

    Seeing God’s mercy in a whole new way

    Our world is a broken place. But there is an answer for the sin and failure we see in the world around us, and even in ourselves. Let’s explore God’s mercy, and find the abundant grace and hope we desperately need!

    Reflection: When God Isn’t Answering Your Prayer

    Most of us have been taught that prayer is the first thing to do when we are in trouble. While it is sound advice, there is a possible pitfall. When we view prayer as a problem-solving technique, we lose sight of God’s intended purpose of it—as an instrument of intimacy […]

    Boo!

    One of the early games that many parents play with their children involves a fake scare. Dad hides his face behind his hands and suddenly reveals himself while saying, “Boo!” The child giggles at this silliness.