Topic > Christian Living
No Peas!
When our kids were young, one of them bluntly said “no” when we passed him some peas for dinner. To which we replied, “No what?” We hoped he would say, “No, thank you.” Instead he said, “No peas!” That led to a discussion about the importance of good manners. In fact, we had similar discussions on numerous occasions.
Beyond good manners—which are external—our Lord reminds us that we are to have a heart of gratitude. Scripture contains dozens of reminders that expressing gratitude is of primary importance in our relationship with God. Psalm 118 begins and ends with the exhortation to…
A friend introduced Nkosi to the gospel. And because his friend was persistent in pursuing him with the message of salvation, Nkosi has a passion for sharing God’s love with…
WatchWhat if . . . I did what I could today?
Today on “Discover the Word,” the group asks themselves a question they’d like you to ask yourself. “What if?” “What if” I did what I could? “What if” I didn’t just think about acting, but actually acted? “What if” I didn’t let others act for me? “What if” I didn’t wait to be invited? “What if” I didn’t just wonder about what difference I could make, but actually took a step? “What if” . . . I did what I could, today? A life-shaping question frames today’s “Discover the Word.”
3 Steps to Take When You Face a Problem
“Why is the bus taking so long to arrive?” “Why didn’t I charge my phone last night?” Have you ever noticed how we can get so bothered by the smallest of problems?
Reaching out to others
We all have our reasons for not doing what we can to help others. And yet we’re still plagued with guilt when we don’t do anything. Today on “Discover the Word,” we’ll discuss excuses we give for not reaching out to others. Excuses like “What if I’m rejected?” or “What difference could I make?”
Doing what we can with what we’ve been given
Today on “Discover the Word,” we conclude week one of the discussion on doing what we can for Jesus with what we’ve been given. Today’s discussion contrasts the two women whose act of passionate devotion for Jesus led them both to anoint Him with perfume. One woman, Mary of Bethany, did this out of love with the purpose of preparing Jesus’ body for burial. The other woman anointed her Savior in grateful response to having been forgiven.
Me and My First World Problems
I was leading the high life in one of the world’s coolest cities. Serving a three-month internship as a copy-editor in Beijing, China, in the online arm of a national newspaper, I enjoyed a life of luxury.
Our Main Concern
Peer pressure is part of everyday life. Sometimes we base our decisions on what other people will think or say rather than on our convictions and on what will please God. We’re worried that we’ll be judged or made fun of.
The apostle Paul experienced his fair share of peer pressure. Some Jewish Christians believed that Gentiles should be circumcised to be truly saved (Gal. 1:7; see 6:12-15). However, Paul stood his ground. He continued to preach that salvation is by grace through faith alone; no further works are required. And for that he was accused of being a self-appointed apostle.…
An extravagant act of devotion
Today on “Discover the Word,” we discuss Mary of Bethany’s extravagant act of devotion in anointing Jesus with expensive perfume. Knowingly or unknowingly, she was preparing Jesus’ body for burial. It was a risky and appropriate act of love. Mary used what she had to invest in His life when He needed it the most. And that should be an example to each of us. The “what” of “She Did What She Could,” today on “Discover the Word”!
Living loved
How often do we talk about doing good for others, but then never act on it? Today on “Discover the Word,” we will talk about how Mary of Bethany was a woman who “lived loved.” As a result she found the courage to step up at a pivotal moment in Christ’s life, giving Him comfort when He needed it the most. She did. “She Did What She Could” continues today on “Discover the Word”!
After Such Horrific Attacks, what Hope is there?
It’s hard to keep track of everything that has been said about Paris, Beirut, terrorism, and the state of our world in the past few days. So many perspectives have been raised, and so many emotions evoked.
Reflecting the Son
Due to its location among sheer mountains and its northern latitude, Rjukan, Norway, does not see natural sunlight from October to March. To lighten up the town, the citizens installed large mirrors on the mountainside to reflect the sunrays and beam sunlight into the town square. The continuous glow is made possible because the giant mirrors rotate with the rising and setting sun.
I like to think of the Christian life as a similar scenario. Jesus said His followers are “the light of the world” (Matt. 5:14). John the disciple wrote that Christ the true light “shines in the darkness” (John…
A passionate worshiper
Mary of Bethany was an ordinary woman. But there was nothing ordinary about any woman in the male-dominated culture of that day sitting at the feet of a Jewish rabbi! Today on “Discover the Word,” we discuss the extraordinary decision by God to “pick a girl” as a person that history would hold up as an example of a passionate worshiper of Jesus. Join us today on “Discover the Word”!
Shared Struggles
Struggles are a part of life. But that doesn’t mean we have to face them alone. God tells us to “share each other’s burdens” because He knows that helps. So find your strength in God and the people He brings into your life to ease the load.
Mary of Bethany: she did what she could
In the story of Mary and the alabaster jar in Mark 14, Jesus says, “She did what she could.” It’s a story about an act of devotion that was actually reasonable in light of Mary’s deep love for Jesus. You’re invited to join the group on “Discover the Word” as we begin the discussion on Mary of Bethany and how her life speaks to us today.
