Topic > Christian Beliefs
Is God’s Law a standard that can’t be met, or a goal worth striving toward?
When it comes to understanding the role the Ten Commandments play in our lives, there are two distinct perspectives. Fresh perspective for your day.
To Be Continued
The fifth book of the New Testament, the Acts of the Apostles, records the beginnings of the Christian church under the leadership of the people Jesus had appointed. Some scholars have suggested that this book could also be called the Acts of the Holy Spirit, because the Spirit’s power supplied courage for the apostles in the face of every hardship.
God’s Strong Arm
My friend Joann had a strong desire to become a concert pianist and to travel and perform as either a soloist or as a piano accompanist. While majoring in piano performance in college, she developed tendinitis in her right arm, and it became too weak to perform the solo recital that was required.
No Loose Laces
One person’s actions can affect an entire group. This truth became clear to journalist Sebastian Junger as he followed a platoon of soldiers. Junger watched a soldier accost another soldier whose bootlaces were trailing on the ground. He didn’t confront him out of concern for his fashion. He confronted him because his loose laces put the entire platoon at risk—he couldn’t be counted on not to trip and fall at a crucial moment.
God’s commands are His way of protecting His children
Good parents know that rules are there to help our kids, not to hurt them. Those guidelines are evidence of parental love! A challenging study of the Ten Commandments.
Becoming
I grew up in a small town. No famous people. No busy streets. Not much to do. Yet I’ve always been thankful for my quiet, uncomplicated upbringing.
One evening when my husband and I were attending a business dinner, a new acquaintance asked me where I was from. When I told her, she said, “Aren’t you embarrassed to admit it?”
How a distorted view of the Law can impact our understanding of God
There are two ways we can view God’s law, either as a document declaring our freedom, or as a censure curbing our pleasure. Let's go back to the garden of Eden to reveal how a distorted view of the Law impacts our understanding of God.
Tulip Day
Several countries around the world celebrate Tulip Day to welcome the spring. When I think of tulips, I often think of the Netherlands, but commercial cultivation of the flower began in the Middle East. Today these colorful flowers span the globe. An estimated 109 species of tulips now grace parks, thoroughfares, and home gardens all around the world.
Discover Satan’s role in temptation, and how to avoid being drawn into his snare
Behind our political, economic, and social structures is another system at work in the world that has more control than we realize. It’s spiritual in nature and evil in purpose.
Yesterday, Today, And Tomorrow
Recently I realized that all of the photos and mementos in my office represent the past. I considered removing them, but wondered if those reminders of people, places, and events might serve some purpose beyond nostalgia.
Waiting To Cheer
In his very first Little League baseball game, a young player on the team I was coaching got hit in the face with a ball. He was not hurt but was understandably shaken. For the rest of the season, he was afraid of the ball. Game after game, he bravely tried, but he just couldn’t seem to hit the ball.
An eye-opening conversation about the Devil and his schemes
Temptation is often cloaked in goodness, enticing us to accept its siren call without regard to the consequences. Let's look at how Satan uses temptations to cause us to turn away from God.
“Don’t Worry, Dad!”
Last summer, my husband and I hosted a concert and fundraiser for childhood cancer research. We planned to have the event in our backyard, but weather forecasts were dismal. A few hours before the event, we began calling our 100+ guests to inform them of a change in venue. As our friends and family began feverishly toting food, decorations, and equipment from our house to our church gym, our daughter Rosie took a moment to give her dad a hug and remind him on behalf of the kids and grandkids that they were there for him: “Don’t worry, Dad! We’ve got your back.”
Discover how temptation is really a choice, to either love God or to go against Him
Cornered with an enticing temptation, and seeing no way out, it’s easy to believe that giving in is the only option. Another interesting study on the role of the Ten Commandments.
