Slacker?
While studying the book of Proverbs in my small-group Bible study, our leader suggested that we change the description of a lazy person from a sluggard to a slacker (6:6,9). Ah, now he was speaking my lingo. I immediately started thinking of all the people I consider to be slackers.
God of Joy, God of Pain
On December 26, 2004, a crushing tsunami struck the small island nation of Sri Lanka, killing over 40,000 people and devastating the lives of thousands more. This catastrophe begs the question, “If there is a God who controls the universe, how could He allow such horrible events like this to happen?” From his homeland of Sri Lanka, author and speaker, Ajith Fernando shares how he and others have found comfort in a God who shares their pain.
Inspiring stories of transformed lives
Across the centuries, men and women have left their old way of life in order to follow Christ. And it’s no different for us today. There’s a common thread woven through every personal narrative.
Making a difference for God
Often the major changes in our lives are precipitated by outside influences. And those influences don’t always guide us down the right path! Join the conversation as the team invites us to consider the changes that take us in the right direction.
Fresh And Flourishing
In Psalm 92, the poet begins with a commendation of praise: “It is good to give thanks to the Lord.” Good for what? Good for you and me. It does our soul a world of good to turn from anxious thoughts and fill our days with prayerful praise; good to greet each morning with songs of thanksgiving, for such praise makes us glad.
A Word From The Lord
Noted preacher and theologian Helmut Thielicke (1908–1986) endured great opposition from the Nazi regime in Germany during the 1930s and 1940s. Yet he remained committed to proclaiming God’s presence and power in Jesus Christ during a difficult and perplexing time. Scholar Robert Smith said that as Thielicke addressed modern issues and problems in his sermons, “he sought to answer the question, ‘Is there any word from the Lord?’”
Invite Questions
When I teach, I sometimes use the motto “Question Authority” to get the attention of my students. I am not inviting them to challenge my authority; I am encouraging them to ask me questions. Some education experts say that more learning takes place when teachers answer questions than when they impart information. By nature, we all place a higher value on what we want to know than on what someone wants to tell us.
Looking ahead to our permanent home in heaven
Friday, February 17, 2012, Part 4
Idea: Faith doesn’t make us comfortable; in fact, it can cause us great pain.
Purpose: To help listeners understand that it’s better to suffer for something than to live for nothing.
Side By Side
In my family scrapbook is a picture of my daughter at age 4 working next to me, using a toy hammer to repair the siding on the house. Side by side we worked that day; she imitated my every action, absolutely convinced that she too was fixing the house. Rarely have I enjoyed a chore more. In the picture, it’s obvious that she’s enjoying it too.
Looking forward to the reward awaiting us in heaven!
Thursday, February 16, 2012, Part 3
Idea: Faith doesn’t make us comfortable; in fact, it can cause us great pain.
Purpose: To help listeners understand that it’s better to suffer for something than to live for nothing.
Knocked Off Your Feet?
Because I’ve written many articles and a book about dealing with life’s losses, I have the privilege of being introduced to a number of fellow strugglers along life’s journey. One of my new friends is a mom whose 21-year-old daughter died suddenly in 2009, which sent her reeling. She told me, “I feel like an outcast from the normal world. I feel crushed and my soul is in so much pain.”
How we can live differently because we know there is more to come beyond this life!
Wednesday, February 15, 2012, Part 2
Idea: Faith doesn’t make us comfortable; in fact, it can cause us great pain.
Purpose: To help listeners understand that it’s better to suffer for something than to live for nothing.
More, More, More
Now that my daughter is learning to talk, she has adopted a favorite word: more. She will say “more” and point to toast with jam. She held out her palm and said “More!” when my husband gave her some coins for her piggy bank. She even exclaimed, “More Daddy!” one morning after her father left for work.
The most important thing to consider when making decisions
Tuesday, February 14, 2012, Part 1
Idea: Faith doesn’t make us comfortable; in fact, it can cause us great pain.
Purpose: To help listeners understand that it’s better to suffer for something than to live for nothing.
Benefits Of Friendship
Cicero was one of the greatest thinkers of the Roman Empire. He was a skilled orator, lawyer, politician, linguist, and writer. Still today he is quoted for his clear prose and practical wisdom.
For instance, of having friends he wrote: “Friendship improves happiness and abates misery, by the doubling of our joy and the dividing of our grief.” He understood the double benefits of friendship along life’s journey.
