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    A loving perspective on God’s expectations for you

    She did what she could. Five simple words from the mouth of Jesus that contain a wealth of encouragement and insight for us today! Let's reveal the freedom contained in this brief verse in Mark 14.

    Hyperseeing

    Sculptors have a term for the artist’s ability to look at a rough piece of stone and see it in its final, perfected form. It is called “hyperseeing.”

    Gutzon Borglum (1867–1941) is the sculptor who created many well-known public works of art. Probably the most famous is Mt. Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota. Borglum’s housekeeper captured the concept of hyperseeing when she gazed up at the massive faces of the four US presidents on Mt. Rushmore for the first time. “Mr. Borglum,” she gasped, “how did you know Mr. Lincoln was in that rock?”

    Finding freedom in doing what we can to love God

    She wasn’t a leader, a politician, or even a person of power. Yet, by acting on the love of Jesus, Mary of Bethany influenced the world. How we can follow her example?

    Unintentional

    When I was returning our grandson Alex to his family after a visit, the traffic seemed especially challenging. Fast-maneuvering cars blocked me from the correct toll lane, forcing me to go through a lane where only cars with a prepaid pass are permitted, which I didn’t have. Alex told me that my license plate would be photographed and a ticket might be mailed to me. I was frustrated because a penalty would have to be paid even though my infraction was unintentional.

    Who’s That Hero?

    Reading the book of Judges, with its battles and mighty warriors, can sometimes feel like reading about comic book superheroes. We have Deborah, Barak, Gideon, and Samson. However, in the line of judges (or deliverers), we also find Othniel.

    The account of his life is brief and straightforward (Judges 3:7-11).

    Before And After

    What changes take place in a life of faith after severe testing? I thought of this as I read the tragic story of a Jamaican dad who accidentally shot and killed his 18-year-old daughter while trying to protect his family from intruders.

    How God’s silence may be part of a bigger and better purpose

    Ever feel like your prayers never make it past the ceiling? Maybe you’re wondering if God is even paying attention when you try to talk with Him. More from our study in Matthew chapter 15.

    An Important Command

    When asked by a lawyer to identify the most important rule in life, Jesus replied, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength” (Mark 12:30). In those words, Jesus summed up what God most desires from us.

    Heard By God

    After reading several children’s books with my daughter, I told her that I was going to read a grown-up book for a while and then we would look at books together again. I opened the cover and began to read in silence. A few minutes later, she looked at me doubtfully and said, “Mommy, you aren’t really reading.” She assumed that since I wasn’t speaking, I wasn’t processing the words.

    Closing one chapter, and beginning a new adventure

    It’s always sad to reach the end of certain chapters in life. Yet, with God, we know there’s a bright future in store! Let's enjoy a special conversation with lead teacher, Haddon Robinson, one last time. You won't want to miss this moving message.

    God’s faithfulness and new friends

    For years Bill Crowder has been a contributing author to “Our Daily Bread” and longtime friend to RBC Ministries. Let's introduce Bill to the “Discover the Word” family as our newest team member. Celebrating God’s faithfulness and meeting new friends.

    To see the special chapel where Haddon and Alice were honored, click on the "read more" link.

    Better Than Planned

    Interruptions are nothing new. Rarely does a day go by as planned.

    Life is filled with inconveniences. Our plans are constantly thwarted by forces beyond our control. The list is long and ever-changing: Sickness. Conflict. Traffic jams. Forgetfulness. Appliance malfunctions. Rudeness. Laziness. Impatience. Incompetence.

    Load Line

    In the 19th century, ships were often recklessly overloaded, resulting in those ships going down and the crews being lost at sea. In 1875, to remedy this negligent practice, British politician Samuel Plimsoll led the charge for legislation to create a line on the side of a ship to show if it was carrying too much cargo. That “load line” became known as the Plimsoll Line, and it continues to mark the hulls of ships today.

    Bricks Without Straw

    Many of us face the challenge of working with limited resources. Equipped with less money, less time, dwindling energy, and fewer helpers, our workload may remain the same. Sometimes, it even increases. There’s a saying that sums up this predicament: “More bricks, less straw.”

    All Spruced Up

    Getting our children to look good for church was always a challenge. Ten minutes after arriving at church all spruced up, our little Matthew would look like he didn’t have parents. I’d see him running down the hall with his shirt half untucked, glasses cockeyed, shoes scuffed up, and cookie crumbs decorating his clothes. Left to himself, he was a mess.

    I wonder if that is how we look sometimes.