Topic > Christian Living
Goodbye
When Max Lucado participated in a half-Ironman triathlon, he experienced the negative power of complaint. He said, “After the 1.2-mile swim and the 56-mile bike ride, I didn’t have much energy left for the 13.1-mile run. Neither did the fellow jogging next to me. He said, ‘This stinks. This race is the dumbest decision I’ve ever made.’ I said, ‘Goodbye.’” Max knew that if he listened too long, he would start agreeing with him. So he said goodbye and kept running.
Discover how God’s Word can kindle our faith into an unquenchable fire
In order to build a fire that offers light and warmth, we first need fuel to ignite the flame!
Rooted Love
When I think of all the wonders of God’s magnificent creation, I am especially awed by the giant sequoia tree. These amazing behemoths of the forest can grow to around 300 feet tall with a diameter that exceeds 20 feet. They can live over 3,000 years and are even fire resistant. In fact, forest fires pop the sequoia cones open, distributing their seeds on the forest floor that has been fertilized by the ashes. Perhaps the most amazing fact is that these trees can grow in just 3 feet of soil and withstand high winds. Their strength lies in the…
How life’s fiery trials can initiate the deepest growth in our faith
The seed of a giant redwood tree will lie dormant until it’s been burned by flames. These pinecones need to feel the fires of adversity if they are to grow!
lottery winner
Upon winning $314 million in a 2002 lottery, a happy business owner expressed noble desires. He wanted to start a charitable foundation, put laid-off workers back on the job, and do nice things for his family. Already wealthy, he told reporters the big win wouldn’t change him.
Discover how to have unquenchable faith in God
When we’re going through a fiery ordeal and our faith feels like it’s going to go out, how do we keep our passion for God alive? Discover the importance of remembering our past in order to survive our present trials.
Heartbreak And Hope
When American country singer George Jones died at the age of 81, his fans remembered his remarkable voice and his hard life and personal struggles. While many of his songs reflected his own despair and longing, it was the way he sang them that touched people deeply. Chicago Tribune music critic Greg Kot said, “His voice was made for conveying heartbreak.”
A personal story of loss, pain, and renewed faith from special guest, Carol Kent
As a popular speaker, author, and Bible teacher, Carol’s faith was on fire. But then a trial came that threatened to extinguish her flame.
Why Should We Give Thanks?
Recently, I was searching the Bible for verses relating to giving thanks and thanksgiving and at least 200 verses showed up. In the Old Testament, we read of the Israelites offering sacrifices and praises of thanksgiving for God’s faithfulness, protection, deliverance, providence, etc. In the New Testament, we read […]
In the Dark of the Night
I don’t know why I am awake at this hour (0430 hours) again. The same thing happened on Monday. God and I both know what I managed to accomplish on that day and how long I lasted. I’m thankful for all those who prayed for me. Am I going […]
Stories and insights on how to measure the intensity of our faith
What’s your faith look like right now? Is it a small, flickering flame? Or a roaring wildfire? It’s the beginning of a brand-new study, “Unquenchable.”
The Honor Of Following
While visiting Jerusalem, a friend of mine saw an old rabbi walking past the Wailing Wall. The interesting thing about the aged rabbi was the five young men walking behind him. They too were walking bent over, limping—just like their rabbi. An Orthodox Jew watching them would know exactly why they were imitating their teacher. They were “followers.”
Oranges Or Milk?
When I told my young daughter that a 3-month-old baby boy was coming to our house for a visit, she was delighted. With a child’s sense of hospitality, she suggested that we share some of our food with the baby; she thought he might enjoy a juicy orange from the bowl on our kitchen counter. I explained that the baby could drink only milk, but that he might like oranges when he was older.
The conclusion of our study in the book of Job with a message of hope
Job’s story has a bittersweet ending. While he wound up with more than he had before, could his new blessings ever replace all that he had lost?
How to gain wisdom when handling both victories and losses with grace
No matter how smart we are, we won’t win every argument. So how can we be humble when we win and gracious when we lose? Let’s study the book of Job.
