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What Do You Expect?
In C. S. Lewis’ book God in the Dock, he wrote: “Imagine a set of people all living in the same building. Half of them think it is a hotel, the other half think it is a prison. Those who think it a hotel might regard it as quite intolerable, and those who thought it was a prison might decide that it was really surprisingly comfortable.” Lewis cleverly used this contrast between a hotel and a prison to illustrate how we view life based on our expectations. He says, “If you think of this world as a place intended simply…
Learn To Wait On God
Cha Sa-soon, a 69-year-old Korean woman, finally received her driving license after 3 years of trying to pass the written test. She wanted the license so she could take her grandchildren to the zoo.
A powerful way to share the gospel, without even saying a word
It’s been said, “Preach the gospel always. If necessary, use words.” We’re talking about shining the light of Jesus.
How to live for an audience and approval of One
Though we may deny it at times, most of us care what people think of us. Our self-image is often wrapped up in the opinions of others! It’s a lesson learned from a Roman centurion.
Five Reasons to Rejoice in Suffering
With the trials and sufferings that life throws at us, facing these hurdles often makes dealing with life itself wearisome. Whether they are bearable or devastating, each of the struggles has its lessons that are intended by God. So, instead of simply going through the motion or even seeking quick escape, […]
A Picture Of Humility
During the Easter season, my wife and I attended a church service where the participants sought to model the events that Jesus and His disciples experienced on the night before He was crucified. As part of the service, the church staff members washed the feet of some of the church volunteers. As I watched, I wondered which was more humbling in our day—to wash another person’s feet or to have someone else wash yours. Both those who were serving and those being served were presenting distinct pictures of humility.
Discover how to reclaim a sense of biblical peace!
Life can reach a frenetic pace sometimes. Caught up in the craziness and hurry-up lifestyle, we can feel pushed and pulled in every direction. It’s a look at God’s call to “be still.”
Example That Encourages
The story is told that in the late 1800s a group of European pastors attended D. L. Moody’s Bible conference in Massachusetts. Following their custom, they put their shoes outside their room before they slept, expecting them to be cleaned by hotel workers. When Moody saw the shoes, he mentioned the …
Difficult People
In the book God in the Dock, author C. S. Lewis describes the kind of people we have trouble getting along with. Selfishness, anger, jealousy, or other quirks often sabotage our relationship with them. We sometimes think, Life would be much easier if we didn’t have to contend with such difficult people.
“No Grace”
I have nicknamed our car “No Grace.” Sunday mornings are the worst. I load the car with all the stuff I need for church, get myself in my seat, close the door, and Jay starts backing out of the garage. While I am still getting settled, the seat belt warning starts buzzing. “Please,” I say to it, “all I need is another minute.” The answer, apparently, is no, because it continues buzzing until I am buckled in.
Why inner strength is a wise quality for both men and women
It’s common to view “strength” as a manly characteristic. But Proverbs 31 tells us that women can be just as “mighty”! Our series on Proverbs 31 continues.
Uncertain Times
During a major economic downturn several years ago, many people lost their jobs. Sadly, my brother-in-law was one of them. Writing to me about their situation, my sister shared that although there were uncertainties, they had peace because they knew that God would care for them.
Teaching By Example
While waiting for an eye examination, I was struck by a statement I saw in the optometrist’s office: “Eighty percent of everything children learn in their first 12 years is through their eyes.” I began thinking of all that children visually process through reading, television, film, events, surroundings, and observing the behavior of others, especially their families. On this Father’s Day, we often think about the powerful influence of a dad.
An eye-opening discussion about becoming dispensers of grace
In order to offer grace to others, we first need to receive that same grace ourselves! Let’s study the interactions Jesus had with people to show how He extended grace to those who seemed to deserve it the least.
How to be an advocate for peace
Caught up in a fight, it’s tempting to throw out accusations in order to win. But to bring a peaceful resolution, we really need to become advocates! Concluding our series on Abigail, and reflecting on how she prevented a deadly disagreement.
