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Instant Gratification
When the Polaroid SX-70 camera was introduced in 1972, it revolutionized photography. An article by Owen Edward in Smithsonian magazine described the camera as “a miracle of physics, optics and electronics.” When a photo was snapped, “a blank square would emerge from the front of the camera and develop before our eyes.” People were sold on speedy, immediate results.
Jesus’ Love For All
It was a bit unusual, but three times in one day I heard the same song. In the early afternoon, I attended a hymnsing at a home for the elderly. As part of her prayer at the end of our time together, Willie, one of the residents, said, “Sing with me, ‘Jesus Loves Me.’” In the evening, I attended a gathering with young people who sang it while pounding out the beat with their hands and feet. Later that evening, I received a text message on my phone with an audio recording of my 2 1/2-year-old grandniece with a sweet little voice, singing, “I am weak, but He is strong.” People in their nineties, teenagers, and a toddler all sang that song that day.
Consider The Lilies
I enjoy nature and giving praise to its Creator, but I sometimes wrongly feel guilty for admiring it too much. Then I remember that Jesus used nature as a teaching tool. To encourage people not to worry, He used simple wildflowers as an example. “Consider the lilies,” He said, and then reminded people that even though flowers do no work at all, God dresses them in splendor. His conclusion? If God clothes something temporary in such glory, He surely will do much more for us (Matt. 6:28-34).
Discover how God often works outside the box of predictability
Are you a person of routine? Do you find stability in established processes? More from our study in Mark chapter 8.
“Lie Down”
Our golden retriever can get so overly excited that he will go into a seizure. To prevent that from happening, we try to calm him. We stroke him, speak to him in a soothing voice, and tell him to lie down. But when he hears “lie down,” he avoids eye contact with us and starts complaining. Finally, with a dramatic sigh of resignation, he gives in and plops to the floor.
Discover the comfort of the Savior in the midst of your struggle
Pain is an isolating emotion. When we hurt, it often feels like we hurt all alone. Let’s begin a new study that offers biblical encouragement in times of distress
Empty Fort Strategy
In the Chinese historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms, author Luo Guanzhong describes the “Empty Fort Strategy,” a use of reverse psychology to deceive the enemy. When 150,000 troops from the Wei Kingdom reached Xicheng, which had less than 2,500 soldiers, they found the city gate wide open and the famous military tactician Zhuge Liang calmly playing the zither with two children beside him. The Wei general, baffled by the scene and believing it was an ambush, ordered a full retreat.
Limitless Love
Recently, a friend sent me the history of a hymn that I often heard in church when I was a boy:
Tell It On The Mountain
I was surprised to see a nationally distributed news article commending a group of teenage snowboarders who hold weekly church services on a Colorado ski slope. In the Summit Daily News, Kimberly Nicoletti’s story captured a wide audience with her account of teens who love to snowboard and to tell how Jesus changed their lives. Undergirding the teenagers is a Christian youth organization equipping them to demonstrate God’s love.
Why we should continue to express our love for God, even when it’s not popular
Have you ever been criticized, maligned, or rejected because of your love for the Lord? The same thing happened to Mary of Bethany! A motivating discussion about Mark 14.
How small acts of love can have a big impact
We may never eradicate homelessness, feed the world’s hungry, or care for all the orphans of the world. But through simple actions, we can effect eternal change! Let’s explore Mary’s encounter with Jesus in Mark 14.
Discover how God’s love frees us from the guilt of our past and allows us to make the most of the present
Have you ever looked back with regret on missed opportunities—those the things you should have done, or words you should have said? We’re talking about Mark 14.
Why doing what we can is all that we’re asked to do
We read about the heroic actions of faithful men and women in Scripture and think, “There’s no way I could do what they did!” Another insightful discussion with the group
The Great Creator-Healer
A few years ago, I had a rather serious skiing accident and severely tore the muscles in one of my legs. In fact, my doctor told me that the tear caused excessive bleeding. The healing process was slow, but during that time of waiting I found myself in awe of our great Creator (see Col. 1:16).
How embracing God’s love can radically change how we live
We may have heard the extent of God’s love for us. But to truly accept the awesome fact that we are loved by the God of the universe can be a stretch!
