Topic > Christian Beliefs
“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.
Covering Sinkholes
In late May 2010, tropical storm Agatha hit Central America, producing torrential rains and landslides. Once it finished its course, a 200-foot-deep sinkhole opened in downtown Guatemala City. This sinkhole caused the ground to collapse suddenly, sucking land, electrical poles, and a 3-story building into the depths of the earth.
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.
The Eleventh Hour
World War I has been ranked by many as one of the deadliest conflicts in human history. Millions lost their lives in the first global modern war. On November 11, 1918, a ceasefire was observed on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. During that historic moment, millions around the world observed moments of silence while they reflected upon the war’s terrible cost—the loss of life and suffering. It was hoped that “the Great War,” as it was called, would truly be “the war that would end all wars.”
Helpers Needed
To some people, the term helper carries with it second-class connotations. Classroom helpers assist trained teachers in their classes. Helpers assist trained electricians, plumbers, and lawyers on the job. Because they aren’t as skilled in the profession, they might be viewed as having less value. But everyone is needed to accomplish the task.
The apostle Paul had many helpers in his work of ministry. He listed them in his letter to Rome (ch.16). He made special reference to Phoebe, who “has been a helper of many and of myself also” (v.2). Priscilla and Aquila risked their own lives for Paul (vv.3-4). And Mary, Paul said, “labored much for us” (v.6).
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!
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.
