Topic > Christianity & Culture
Not Like Yesterday
When our grandson Jay was a child his parents gave him a new T-shirt for his birthday. He put it on right away and proudly wore it all day.
When he appeared the next morning in the shirt, his dad asked him, “Jay, does that shirt make you happy?”
“Not as much as yesterday,” Jay replied.
That’s the problem with material acquisition: Even the good things of life cannot give us the deep, lasting happiness we so ardently desire. Though we may have many possessions, we may still be unhappy.
The world offers happiness through material accumulation: new clothes, a new automobile, an update…
A Big Deal
A family member needed help with his December rent. To his family, the request felt like a burden—especially with their own unexpected expenses at year’s end. But they dug unto their savings, grateful for God’s provision—and blessed by their relative’s gratitude.
He handed them a thank-you card filled with grateful words. “There you go again . . . doing nice things, probably passing it off as no big deal.”
Helping others is a big deal, however, to God. The prophet Isaiah made that point to the nation of Israel. The people were fasting but still quarreling and fighting. Instead, said Isaiah: “Free…
Gleaning the Fields
A Tanzanian friend has a vision for redeeming a piece of desolate land in the capital city of Dodoma. Recognizing the needs of some local widows, Ruth wants to transform these dusty acres into a place to keep chickens and grow crops. Her vision to provide for those in need is rooted in her love for God, and was inspired by her biblical namesake, Ruth.
God’s laws allowed the poor or the foreigner to glean (harvest) from the edges of the fields (Leviticus 19:9–10). Ruth (in the Bible) was a foreigner, and was therefore allowed to work in the fields, gathering…
Generous Givers
After reviewing all God had already done throughout our church’s history, leaders presented the congregation with a proposal for a new gym to help us better serve our community. The leadership team announced they’d be the first to sign pledge notes to fund the construction. I initially prayed with a heart soured by selfishness, not wanting to offer more money than we had already committed to give. Still, my husband and I agreed to pray for the ongoing project. While considering all God continued providing for us, we eventually decided on a monthly offering. The combined gifts of our church…
The Gift of Time
I headed into the post office in a big hurry. I had a number of things on my “to do” list, but as I entered I was frustrated to find a long line backing up all the way to the door. “Hurry up and wait,” I muttered, glancing at my watch.
My hand was still on the door when an elderly stranger approached me. “I can’t get this copier to work,” he said, pointing to the machine behind us. “It took my money and I don’t know what to do.” Immediately I knew what God wanted me to do. I stepped out…
The Joy of Giving
It was a dreary week. I had been feeling lethargic and listless, although I couldn’t figure out why.
Near the end of the week, I found out that an aunt had kidney failure. I knew I had to visit her—but to be honest, I felt like postponing the visit. Still, I made my way to her place, where we had dinner, chatted, and prayed together. An hour later, I left her home feeling upbeat for the first time in days. Focusing on someone else rather than myself had somehow improved my mood.
Psychologists have found that the act of giving can produce…
Lavish Expressions of Love
On our wedding anniversary, my husband, Alan, gives me fresh flowers. When he lost his job during a corporate restructure, I didn’t expect this extravagant display of devotion to continue. But on our nineteenth anniversary, the color-splashed blossoms greeted me from their spot on our dining room table. Because he valued continuing this annual tradition, Alan saved some money each month to ensure he’d have enough for this personal show of affection.
My husband’s careful planning exhibited exuberant generosity, similar to what Paul encouraged when he addressed the Corinthian believers. The apostle complimented the church for their intentional and enthusiastic offerings…
Seeing And Believing
Today on Discover the Word, we conclude this week’s study titled, “Seeing and Unseeing.” Learn how the “cautious disciple” Philip was changed by a personal relationship with Jesus and discover how you can find new confidence in your faith! Listen to Discover the Word today!
Seeing The Full Picture
Today on Discover the Word, the team talks about jigsaw puzzles. When we first start out, individual pieces just look like little blobs of color with jagged edges. But the more pieces we get the clearer the real picture becomes. Discover how Jesus revealed Himself piece by piece when you listen today to Discover the Word!
When The Numbers Don’t Add Up
Two plus two equals four. Always. That’s the way the math works. But today on Discover the Word, the team will discuss “heavenly math” and how sometimes, when the numbers don’t seem to add up, we forgot to factor in God. Learn how your faith can grow when you listen today to Discover the Word!
Caution And Faith Working Together
As Christians, “stepping out in faith” is a part of our everyday language. But have you ever considered those who took the very first steps? Today on Discover the Word, we will help you get to know one of the very first people to respond to Jesus’s invitation, “follow Me.” How do caution and faith work together? […]
Philip The “Cautious Disciple”
Nothing ventured, nothing gained. That’s the lesson we’re learning today on Discover the Word. The team kicks off a new study on Jesus’s “cautious disciple,” Philip, and learns that when it comes to following Jesus, it’s worth taking some risks. Find the boldness to put your full trust in Christ when you listen today to Discover the Word!
Asking The Right Questions
Before a judge issues a verdict, all the evidence has to be considered! And today on Discover the Word, we consider the evidence that took Thomas, “The Disciple of Doubt” from skepticism to belief. Learn how your faith can grow when you start asking the right questions, today on Discover the Word!
Doubting Thomas Taking The Lead
Have you ever been in a situation where everyone was thinking the same thing, but no one was willing to say it? Today on Discover the Word, the team continues a study on Doubting Thomas, who took the lead and expressed the question on everyone’s mind. Learn how doubts can transform into faith when you listen today […]
The Spiritually Self-Seeking Church
Reconciliation means the restoring of the relationship between the entire human race and God, putting it back to what God designed it to be. This is what Jesus Christ did in redemption. The church ceases to be spiritual when it becomes self-seeking, only interested in the development of its own organization. The reconciliation of the human race according to His plan means realizing Him not only in our lives individually, but also in our lives collectively. Jesus Christ sent apostles and teachers for this very purpose— that the corporate Person of Christ and His church, made up of many members, might be brought into being and made known. We are not here to develop a spiritual life of our own, or to enjoy a quiet spiritual retreat. We are here to have the full realization of Jesus Christ, for the purpose of building His body.
