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Borrowed Blessings
As we bowed our heads over lunch, my friend Jeff prayed: “Father, thank you for letting us breathe your air and eat your food.” Jeff had just been through a difficult job loss, so his heartfelt trust in God and recognition that everything belongs to the Lord profoundly moved me. I found myself asking: Do I honestly understand that even the most basic, everyday things in my life are really God’s, and He’s just letting me use them?
When King David received offerings from the people of Israel for building the temple in Jerusalem, he prayed, “But who am I, and who…
No Comparison
“One of these days I’m going to put it all on Facebook—not just the good stuff!”
My friend Sue’s comment—made casually over lunch with her husband—caused me to laugh out loud and also to think. Social media can be a good thing, helping us stay in touch with and pray for friends across the years and miles. But if we’re not careful, it can also create an unrealistic outlook on life. When much of what we see posted is a “highlight reel” of “the good stuff,” we can be misled into thinking others’ lives are without trouble, and wonder where our…
In Abundance or Affliction
Ann Voskamp’s book One Thousand Gifts encourages readers to search their lives daily for what the Lord has done for them. In it, she daily notes God’s abundant generosity to her in gifts both large and small, ranging from the simple beauty of iridescent bubbles in the dish sink to the incomparable salvation of sinners like herself (and the rest of us!). Ann contends that gratitude is the key to seeing God in even the most troubling of life’s moments.
Job is famous for a life of such “troubling” moments. Indeed, his losses were deep and many. Just moments after losing all…
Mosaic of Beauty
Sitting in the courtyard of the Church of the Visitation in Ein Karem, Israel, I was overwhelmed with the beautiful display of 67 mosaics containing the words of Luke 1:46–55 in as many languages. Traditionally known as the Magnificat from the Latin “to magnify,” these verses are Mary’s joyous response to the announcement that she will be the mother of the Messiah.
Each plaque contains Mary’s words, including: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my savior. . . . For the Mighty One has done great things for me” (vv. 46–49). The biblical hymn etched in the…
“My Rainbow in the Cloud”
I set My rainbow in the cloud, and it shall be for the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth. —Genesis 9:13
It is the will of God that human beings should get into a right-standing relationship with Him, and His covenants are designed for this purpose. Why doesn’t God save me? He has accomplished and provided for my salvation, but I have not yet entered into a relationship with Him. Why…
Thanks for Being You!
When I served as my mom’s live-in caregiver at a cancer center, I got to know Lori, another caregiver who lived down the hallway from us with her husband, Frank. I would chat, laugh, vent, cry, and pray with Lori in the shared living areas. We enjoyed supporting each other as we cared for our loved ones.
One day, I missed the free shuttle that took residents to buy groceries. Lori offered to drive me to the store later that evening. With grateful tears, I accepted her offer. “Thanks for being you,” I said. I truly appreciated her for who she…
Honoring The Sabbath And Restoring The Soul
Most days, we pack our schedules so tight there’s barely enough time to eat. Yet, God urges us to set aside intentional time for rest and relaxation. Today on Discover the Word, the team, and special guest Jeff Manion explore how honoring the principle of Sabbath can help us live a faithful life. Join us […]
Where Do We Start, With So Much Need In The World?
With so much need in the world, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Where do you start, and where do you stop? Today on Discover the Word, the team, and special guest Jeff Manion argue that we can still please God and serve Him faithfully, even if we don’t accomplish everything. Make plans to join us today […]
Community And Life-Giving Friendships
Since the Garden of Eden, we’ve known that it’s not good to be alone. And the value of a deep relationship—whether it’s with a spouse or a longtime friend—is truly immeasurable. And next time on Discover the Word, the team, and special guest Jeff Manion talk about how community contributes to living a faithful life. […]
Staying Faithful In The Daily Routine Of Life
In sports, we all love watching the highlights of the slam dunks and the long touchdown passes. You don’t see many highlights of stretching and lay-up lines. But today on Discover the Word, the team and special guest Jeff Manion challenge us to stay focused and faithful in the mundane routine of life. It’s important! […]
Serving God In The Ordinary
When you look at stories like Daniel in the lions’ den or David and Goliath, it’s easy to feel like your life is dull in comparison. But today on Discover the Word, the team and special guest Jeff Manion remind us that we can still serve God faithfully, even when life feels ordinary. In fact, […]
Learning The Power Of Gratitude
Do you tend to see life from a glass-half-full perspective? Or a glass-half-empty? Today on Discover the Word, the team, and special guest Jeff Manion challenge us to be grateful for the little things in life, and in the process hand our anxieties over to God. Take your seat at the table today on Discover […]
Even The Most Repetitive Tasks Can Make A Big Impact
Ever feel like life is so repetitive? The days turn to weeks, the weeks to months, the months to years. Well, today on Discover the Word, the team, and special guest Jeff Manion discuss the idea of “holy redundancy” and suggest that even the most repetitive tasks can make a lasting impact. Don’t miss the […]
Impacting Your Community With Day-To-Day Routines
We all long to make a difference with our life. But often, we view our daily responsibilities as insignificant. Today on Discover the Word, the team, and special guest Jeff Manion look at one woman in the Bible who made a big impact in her community by doing seemingly insignificant tasks. Discover how greatness is often […]
“Dream Big, Think Small”
When you follow the same routine day in and day out, it’s not long before life starts to feel boring and not very significant. But today on Discover the Word, the team, and special guest Jeff Manion argue that we can lead extraordinary lives by faithfully doing ordinary things over and over and over. Learn […]
