Topic > Christian Living
Walking on Water
During an especially cold winter, I ventured out to Lake Michigan, the fifth largest lake in the world, to see it frozen over. Bundled up on the beach where I usually enjoy soaking up the sun, the view was breathtaking. The water was actually frozen in waves creating an icy masterpiece.
Because the water was frozen solid next to the shore, I had the opportunity to ”walk on water.” Even with the knowledge that the ice was thick enough to support me, I took the first few steps tentatively. I was fearful the ice wouldn’t continue to hold me. As I…
Friendship with God
Shall I hide from Abraham what I am doing…? —Genesis 18:17
The Delights of His Friendship. Genesis 18 brings out the delight of true friendship with God, as compared with simply feeling His presence occasionally in prayer. This friendship means being so intimately in touch with God that you never even need to ask Him to show you His will. It is…
A Good Season
Today is the first day of spring in the northern half of the world. If you live in Australia, it’s the first day of autumn—the vernal equinox in the northern hemisphere and the autumnal equinox in the southern hemisphere. Today, the sun shines directly on the equator, and the hours of daylight and nighttime are nearly equal around the world.
New seasons are important for many people. Some count down the day because of what they hope the new season will bring. Perhaps you’ve been marking off a calendar for spring in Wisconsin to signal the end of another winter. Or…
The Art of a Grateful Heart
On our wedding day, Martie and I gladly vowed to be faithful “in good times as well as in bad, in sickness as well as in health, for richer or for poorer.” In a way it may seem strange to include vows about the bleak reality of bad times, sickness, and poverty on a cheerful wedding day. But it underscores the fact that life often has “bad” times.
So what are we to do when we face life’s inevitable difficulties? Paul urges us on behalf of Christ to “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). As difficult as that may…
Letters Home
Far from home and training for World War II, American recruits in basic training turned to humor and correspondence to cope with the challenges they faced. In one letter home a young man described the vaccination process with wonderful exaggeration: “Two medical officers chased us with harpoons. They grabbed us and pinned us to the floor and stuck one in each arm.”
Yet one soldier began to realize that humor could only take him so far. Then he received a Bible. “I enjoy it very much and I read it every night,” he wrote. “I never realized you could learn so…
Whispering Words
The young man fidgeted as he sat down for his flight. His eyes darted back and forth to the aircraft windows. Then he closed his eyes and breathed deeply, trying to calm himself—but it didn’t work. As the plane took off, he slowly rocked back and forth. An older woman across the aisle from him put her hand on his arm and gently engaged him in conversation to divert his attention from his stress. “What’s your name?” “Where are you from?” “We’re going to be okay,” and “You’re doing well” were a few things she whispered. She could have been…
Become The Beacon Of Hope To Those Who Have No Hope
Today on Discover the Word, the group concludes a week of conversations with author and psychologist Karen Mason. Karen explains how you can become a beacon of hope to those who have lost the will to live. It’s a conversation about what to do, and what not to do, when someone is contemplating suicide. Don’t miss […]
The Gospel And Our Faith In Christ Offer Hope
Today on Discover the Word, we continue the discussion with psychologist and seminary professor Karen Mason. Learn how the gospel and our faith in Christ offer hope for preventing suicide. While the topic can seem daunting, Karen offers clarity and calm that can save a life. Join us today for Discover the Word!
The Discipline of Dismay
As they followed they were afraid. —Mark 10:32
At the beginning of our life with Jesus Christ, we were sure we knew all there was to know about following Him. It was a delight to forsake everything else and to throw ourselves before Him in a fearless statement of love. But now we are not quite so sure.…
The Hope Of Christ
Depression and mental health issues aren’t just something that happen outside the church. Within churches, people are silently suffering, often alone. But today, psychologist Karen Mason joins the Discover the Word team for a conversation that explains how to offer the hope of Christ to those who feel alone in the darkness. Be part of […]
Giving the Gift of Prayer
“I didn’t realize what a gift prayer was until my brother was sick and you all prayed for him. I cannot tell you what a comfort your prayers were!”
Laura had tears in her eyes as she thanked me for our prayers of the people in our church for her brother, who was facing a cancer diagnosis. She continued, “Your prayers have strengthened him in this difficult time and have been an encouragement to our entire family.”
One of the best ways to love others is to pray for them. Jesus is our ultimate example in this. The New Testament tells us…
“Reasons To Live”
Today on Discover the Word, psychologist and author Karen Mason rejoins the team for another discussion on assisting those struggling with depression and mental health issues. Gain an informed and compassionate perspective for walking alongside those in the grip of depression. Don’t miss the next conversation in our series “Reasons to Live” today on Discover […]
Pulling Together
Why do more than five million people a year pay money to run several miles over an obstacle course where they must ascend vertical walls, slog through mud, and climb up inside a vertical pipe with water pouring down on them? Some see it as a personal challenge to push their limit of endurance or conquer their fears. For others, the attraction is teamwork where competitors help and support each other. One person called it “a no-judgment zone” where people who are strangers will reach out to help each other finish the race (Stephanie Kanowitz, The Washington Post).
The Bible urges…
Pulling Together
Why do more than five million people a year pay money to run several miles over an obstacle course where they must ascend vertical walls, slog through mud, and climb up inside a vertical pipe with water pouring down on them? Some see it as a personal challenge to push their limit of endurance or conquer their fears. For others, the attraction is teamwork where competitors help and support each other. One person called it “a no-judgment zone” where people who are strangers will reach out to help each other finish the race (Stephanie Kanowitz, The Washington Post).
The Bible urges…
Discover How Hope Can Help Alleviate Despair
Today, the Discover the Word team welcomes seminary professor and psychologist Karen Mason to the table for a discussion about preventing suicide. This honest discussion will give you insight and encouragement to address this issue that has in some way touched us all. Discover how hope can help alleviate despair in their series “Reasons to […]
