Topic > Christian Living
Elisha and the two bears
Here’s a bedtime story you probably wouldn’t read to your kids, the story of Elisha and the two bears. After a gang of young men mocked the prophet Elisha, two bears suddenly showed up and mauled forty-two of them. Well, today on “Discover the Word,” we’ll talk about this strange and disturbing event. Is it possible there’s more to this story than meets the eye? Join us today for “Discover the Word”!
The Perfect Gift
Every year our local botanical garden hosts a celebration of Christmas around the world. My favorite display is a French nativity. Instead of the traditional scene showing shepherds and wise men with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh gathered around the manger, it shows French villagers bringing their gifts to baby Jesus. They bring bread, wine, cheese, flowers, and other items that God has given them the ability to produce. This reminds me of the Old Testament command to bring the firstfruits of our labor to the house of the Lord (Ex. 23:16-19). This depiction of the nativity illustrates that…
Elijah’s last miracle became Elisha’s first
Today on “Discover the Word,” we will continue the series on “The Miraculous Life of Elisha” by talking about Elisha’s transition from Elijah’s assistant, to his successor. Elijah was gone and so, it seemed, was Israel’s main spiritual defense. But now it was Elisha’s turn. And interestingly, Elijah’s last miracle became Elisha’s first. A fascinating twist to the conversation today on “Discover the Word”!
Worry-Free
Trying to stay aware of current events has its downside because bad news sells better than good news. It’s easy to become overly concerned about the criminal acts of individuals, crowds, or governments over whom we have no control.
Psalm 37 gives perspective to the daily news. David begins by saying, “Do not fret because of those who are evil” (v. 1). Then he proceeds to outline for us some alternatives to becoming overly anxious. In essence, David suggests a better way of thinking about negative news in our world.
What would happen if, instead of worrying about events beyond our control,…
Discover how Elisha fills the shoes of his mentor
Today on “Discover the Word,” we will uncover another “Left Behind” story in the Bible. When the prophet Elijah was taken to heaven, caught up in a whirlwind, he left a very distressed Elisha. Elijah was his mentor, his friend, and his father in the faith. How could Elisha fill those shoes? Be part of the conversation today on “Discover the Word”!
When Not to Rejoice
The Akan people of Ghana have a proverb: “The lizard is not as mad with the boys who threw stones at it as with the boys who stood by and rejoiced over its fate!” Rejoicing at someone’s downfall is like participating in the cause of that downfall or even wishing more evil on the person.
That was the attitude of the Ammonites who maliciously rejoiced when the temple in Jerusalem “was desecrated and over the land of Israel when it was laid waste and over the people of Judah when they went into exile” (Ezek. 25:3). For spitefully celebrating Israel’s misfortunes,…
How Should We Respond to Illness?
As a medical social worker, I provide support to people who have suffered the loss of physical ability, mental capacity, or both. In my course of work, I’ve come across many patients and family members who face difficult circumstances because of their illnesses.
Elisha, revealing the kinder, gentler side of God
Many husbands refer to their wives as their “better half.” And Elisha the prophet could have been called that too. Today on “Discover the Word,” we’ll discuss that although Elisha was a servant to his mentor, Elijah, he would do twice as many miracles, ones that revealed a “kinder and gentler” side of God. “The Miraculous Life of Elisha” continues today on “Discover the Word”!
Seeing Ourselves
Long ago, before the invention of mirrors or polished surfaces, people rarely saw themselves. Puddles of water, streams, and rivers were one of the few ways they could see their own reflection. But mirrors changed that. And the invention of cameras took fascination with our looks to a whole new level. We now have lasting images of ourselves from any given time throughout our entire life. This is good for making scrapbooks and keeping family histories, but it can be detrimental to our spiritual well-being. The fun of seeing ourselves on camera can keep us focused on outward appearance and…
Responding to the One who gave us everything
Today on “Discover the Word,” we conclude the two-week discussion about doing what we can for Jesus with what we’ve been given. Through Mary of Bethany’s courageous act of passionate devotion to Jesus, we’re invited to become part of the ongoing story. Mary is our example of how the world could change if each of us gave what we had in response to the One who gave us everything.
Real-world problems? Sometimes, they start at home
Peter*, 13, has a growth in his brain that will cause major problems if it is not removed. Already, it causes him some discomfort; the young boy keeps rubbing his forehead. Doctors fear that it will start to press on his brain, causing complications, or even result in a fatal stroke if it cuts off blood supply to his brain.
Help from the Outside
On a business trip, my husband had just settled into his hotel room when he heard an unusual noise. He stepped into the hall to investigate and heard someone yelling from a nearby room. With the help of a hotel worker, he discovered that a man had become trapped in the bathroom. The lock on the bathroom door had malfunctioned and the man trapped inside started to panic. He felt like he couldn’t breathe and began yelling for help.
Sometimes in life we feel trapped. We are banging on the door, pulling on the handle, but we can’t get free. We…
Ever feel like you’re on the outside looking in?
Today on “Discover the Word,” we continue to peel back the layers of the story of Mary of Bethany and the alabaster jar. What we discover is that Mary wasn’t the only outsider in that room full of religious men. Simon the Leper had been an outcast before Jesus healed him. Ever feel like you’re on the outside looking in? Then be part of the group today right here on “Discover the Word”!
Can’t. Get. No. Satisfaction.
Scrolling through my Facebook newsfeed one day, I see a picture of a man leaving a store with several large bags—clothing store H&M had just launched its new Balmain X H&M collection, with the latest fashion designer clothing worth hundreds of dollars.
