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Nozomi Hope
In 2011, a magnitude 9 earthquake and a resulting tsunami took nearly 19,000 lives and destroyed 230,000 homes in the region northeast of Tokyo. In its aftermath, The Nozomi Project, named for the Japanese word for “hope,” was born to provide sustainable income, community, dignity, and hope in a God who provides.
Nozomi women sift through the rubble of homes and furnishings to discover broken china shards that they sand and insert in fittings to form jewelry. The jewelry is sold around the world, providing a livelihood for the women while sharing symbols of their faith in Christ.
In New Testament times,…
Out of the Deep
I scanned the water intently, on alert for signs of trouble. During my six-hour shifts as a lifeguard, I watched from the side of the pool to ensure the safety of those swimming. Leaving my post, or even becoming lax in my attentiveness, could have grave consequences for those in the pool. If a swimmer was in danger of drowning due to injury or lack of skill, it was my responsibility to pluck them from the water and return them to safety on the pool deck.
After experiencing God’s aid in battle against the Philistines (2 Sam. 21:15–22), David likens his…
I Was Blind, But Now I See
It was six years ago that I lost the vision in my left eye. Today, after much struggle, I can finally see God’s purpose in it.
Mightier than All
Iguazu Falls on the border of Brazil and Argentina is a spectacular waterfall system of 275 falls along 2.7 km (1.67 miles) of the Iguazu River. Etched on a wall on the Brazilian side of the Falls are the words of Psalm 93:4, “Mightier than the thunders of many waters, mightier than the waves of the sea, the Lord on high is mighty!” (rsv). Below it are these words, “God is always greater than all of our troubles.”
The writer of Psalm 93, who penned its words during the time that kings reigned, knew that God is the ultimate King over…
Job & Jesus and puzzling questions
Today on Discover the Word, the team concludes the series titled, “Job and Jesus”! And as they come to the end of Job’s story, they come across a puzzling question you may not have thought about before. It’s about his children. Join the team today for a thought-provoking discussion about “Job and Jesus,” today on […]
Pondering some important questions about God
Today on Discover the Word, the group continues their study in the Old Testament book of Job. Join them at the table as they uncover how God’s questions are wiser than our best answers, and how pondering some important questions about God can encourage our growth. Pull up the fourth chair and listen today to […]
The story of Jesus found in the book of Job
Today on Discover the Word, we start the second week of a fascinating series titled, “Job and Jesus.” Join the group to find the story the whole Bible is telling—the story of Jesus—is found even in the ancient story of Job. Listen to Discover the Word today!
Is God a “brand” you can trust?
Different brands bring different things to mind! And we all have brands we trust. But today on Discover the Word, the group describe God’s brand, and how Job and you, can make it your brand. So is God “on brand” or “off brand” in the story of Job? Find out how God’s brand was also […]
Where is God when times get tough?
When times get tough, it’s easy to think that God has abandoned you. Sometimes when we need Him most, He seems absent from our lives, or at best silent. But is that the case? Today on Discover the Word, we continue the series on the book of Job titled, “Job and Jesus.” It’s a relatable […]
Is God testing me?
Does God sometimes test us? Today on Discover the Word, the team dives back into the book of Job, the oldest book in the Bible, to answer one of the oldest questions people have asked about God. “Is God testing me?” Listen today to Discover the Word!
What is your view of God?
Today on Discover the Word, the group has their second conversation in a series titled, “Job and Jesus.” They’re talking about our view of God. As you read Job, do you see God as detached, keeping Job at arm’s length? Or is He present in surprisingly intimate ways? Don’t miss it! Listen today to Discover […]
Job and Jesus
Have you ever been out of town, and suddenly you encounter a familiar face? It can sometimes be a little startling, but it’s usually fun to run into old friends in unexpected places. And today on Discover the Word, we uncover a surprise cameo appearance in the Old Testament book of Job. Don’t miss the […]
Singing with Violet
An elderly woman named Violet sat on her bed in a Jamaican infirmary and smiled as some teenagers stopped to visit with her. The hot, sticky, midday air came into her little group home unabated, but she didn’t complain. Instead, she began wracking her mind for a song to sing. Then a huge smile appeared and she sang, “I am running, skipping, jumping, praising the Lord!” As she sang, she swung her arms back and forth as if she were running. Tears came to those around her, for Violet had no legs. She was singing because, she said, “Jesus loves…
Bring your loss to Jesus
Have you ever lost someone or something and worried that nothing would ever fill the hole left behind? Today, Discover the Word team members discuss how Jesus comforts us in the midst of our loss and grief. It’s a comforting truth coming to you today on Discover the Word!
Questions for God
What would you do if the Lord showed up in the middle of your workday with a message of encouragement? This happened to Gideon, one of the ancient Israelites. “The angel of the Lord suddenly appeared and said, ‘Mighty hero, the Lord is with you!’ ” Gideon could have responded with a wordless nod and gulp, but instead he said, “If the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us?” (Judg. 6:12–13 nlt). Gideon wanted to know why it seemed as if God had abandoned His people.
God didn’t answer that question. After Gideon had endured seven years…
