Topic > Relationships
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…
A Blessing Bowl
The familiar bing of an arriving email caught my attention while I wrote at my computer. Usually I try to resist the temptation to check every email but the subject line was too enticing: “You are a blessing.”
Eagerly, I opened it to discover a faraway friend telling me she was praying for my family. Each week, she displays one Christmas card photo in her kitchen table “Blessing Bowl” and prays for that family. She wrote, “I thank God every time I remember you” (Philippians 1:3) and then highlighted our efforts to share God’s love with others—our “partnership” in the gospel.
Through…
Setting Our Love Into Action
Whether they’re next door, across the street, or around the world, we all have a lot of neighbors! But with so much need all around us, how do we love others the way Jesus loves? Today on Discover the Word, the team will talk about the spark that sets our love into action. It’s an […]
Unlikely Friends
My Facebook friends often post endearing videos of unlikely animal friendships, such as a recent video I watched of an inseparable pup and pig, another of a deer and cat, and yet another of an orangutan mothering several tiger cubs.
When I view such heartwarmingly unusual friendships, it reminds me of the description of the garden of Eden. In this setting, Adam and Eve lived in harmony with God and each other. And because God gave them plants for food, I imagine even the animals lived peacefully together (Genesis 1:30). But this idyllic scene was disrupted when Adam and Eve sinned…
The Good Samaritan!
Honest Abe, Doubting Thomas, the Good Samaritan! These monikers bring to mind some powerful testimonies. Today on Discover the Word, the team will gather to discuss a story we’re so familiar with, it’s become a part of our language. But is there something we’ve missed in the Good Samaritan story? Tune in today to Discover […]
How to Change a Life
Sometimes our lives can change in a moment through the powerful impact of others. For rock ‘n’ roll legend Bruce Springsteen, it was the work of musical artists that helped him through a difficult childhood and a persistent struggle with depression. He found meaning in his own work through the truth he’d experienced firsthand, that “You can change someone’s life in three minutes with the right song.”
Like a compelling song, others’ well-chosen words can also give us hope, even change the course of our lives. I’m sure most of us could share stories of a conversation that forever impacted our…
“A Mighty Fortress”
Do you have a favorite hymn? Well, for hundreds of years, Martin Luther’s classic hymn, “A Mighty Fortress” has served as a favorite for many. And today on Discover the Word, the team wraps up a weeklong discussion on Psalm 46, the psalm that inspired this powerful, and beautiful song. Find the protection and comfort […]
Seeing God As Your Mighty Fortress
“A mighty fortress is our God.” The words of Martin Luther’s classic hymn ring through the ages, as a reminder of God’s love and protection. And today on Discover the Word, we’ll dig into the psalm that inspired Luther’s famous hymn. Learn to see how God is your “Mighty Fortress” when you listen today to […]
Discover How You Can Experience True Peace
What does it mean for there to be “peace”? Today on Discover the Word, the team will show us that peace isn’t just a lack of conflict, but a filling of God’s presence. Find out how you can experience true peace when you tune in today, to Discover the Word.
Discovering Your Safe Refuge . . . In The Midst Of Life’s Storms
In the midst of life’s storms, we have a safe refuge, “A Mighty Fortress.” Today on Discover the Word, the team will take us back to Psalm 46, to study one of the most comforting songs in the history of the world. I hope you’ll join us today for Discover the Word!
Discover How God Conquers Hearts
Armies have always used weapons to fuel their conquests. But today on Discover the Word, we’ll see how God conquers hearts with His love. God’s “weapons” and ways are different than our ways, and that’s always for the better. Join us for the start of a new series in Psalm 46, “A Mighty Fortress,” when […]
How Could Someone So Persecute Jesus!
Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? —Acts 26:14
Are you determined to have your own way in living for God? We will never be free from this trap until we are brought into the experience of the baptism of “the Holy Spirit and fire” (Matthew 3:11). Stubbornness and self-will will always stab Jesus Christ. It may hurt no…
Are We Idolizing Our Relationships?
“My life is incomplete. I’m still waiting until my knight in shining armor swings by on his horse, scoops me up in his arms, and takes me away in the distant sunset! And then, I’ll feel complete.”
Why Do We Confess Our Sins To God, But Not To One Another?
Christian friendship is arguably the most important kind of human-to-human relationship needed in the life of every Christian, yet seldom talked about—unlike marriage.
What My Obedience to God Costs Other People
If we obey God, it is going to cost other people more than it costs us, and that is where the pain begins. If we are in love with our Lord, obedience does not cost us anything— it is a delight. But to those who do not love Him, our obedience does cost a great deal. If we obey God, it will mean that other people’s plans are upset. They will ridicule us as if to say, “You call this Christianity?” We could prevent the suffering, but not if we are obedient to God. We must let the cost be paid.
