Naomi or Ruth?
The central character in the Old Testament Book of Ruth is . . . Ruth. Or is it? Today on Discover the Word, the group and guest Torrey Robinson weigh in on why they think this famous book of the Bible is actually more about Naomi than Ruth. Wrap up the week with longtime Discover […]
Living life at 96 miles per hour
When Major League Baseball Pitcher Dan Naulty’s team won the World Series, he wasn’t thinking of celebrating with his teammates—he was thinking of jumping off a bridge. That’s how empty he felt inside. Find out how Dan’s fluctuating morality led him to a crisis point and how God met him in the midst of his […]
Justification by Faith
If when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life —Romans 5:10
I am not saved by believing— I simply realize I am saved by believing. And it is not repentance that saves me— repentance is only …
The Gentle Way
A friend once wrote a letter to both bless me and draw me deeper into an honest, true life. My friend quoted lines from the novelist James Kavanaugh: “There are men,” Kavanaugh wrote, “who are too gentle to live among wolves.” My friend invited me, amid a violent and self-protective world, to live with a gentle posture, to refuse to grow hard or defensive. The letter contains words that are among the most powerful a friend has ever shared with me.
I Didn’t Choose to be Gay
I did not choose to be attracted to people of the same sex. I had an ordinary childhood in an ordinary home. My father and mother, along with my grandmother, loved me and did their best to provide and care for me.
Learning to Count
My son is learning to count from 1 to 10. He counts everything from toys to trees. He counts things I tend to overlook, like the wildflowers on his way to school or the toes on my feet.
My son is also teaching me to count again. Often I become so immersed in things I haven’t finished or things I don’t have that I fail to see all the good things around me. I have forgotten to count the new friends made this year and the answered prayers received, the tears of joy shed and the times of laughter with good…
The Method of Missions
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations . . . —Matthew 28:19
Jesus Christ did not say, “Go and save souls” (the salvation of souls is the supernatural work of God), but He said, “Go . . …
Is God at work in your mess?
Naomi’s story begins with a mess, but ends with a blessing. Today on Discover the Word, guest Torrey Robinson and the group assess the character of Boaz, Naomi, and Ruth. They weren’t perfect, but they were virtuous, notable standouts in a culture that had largely forgotten God. Is God at work in your mess? Listen […]
Fireworks and Mercy
Setting off fireworks after a home team hits a home run is nothing new in pro baseball stadiums, but igniting fireworks after the visiting team hits a homer? No way! But in a game between two major league baseball teams, after a player on the visiting team hit a baseball over the outfield fence for a home run, the fireworks guy mistakenly pushed a button that created a spectacular pyrotechnic display.
Stage by Stage
Numbers 33 is a chapter in the Bible we might pass by without reflection. It appears to be nothing more than a long list of places tracing Israel’s pilgrimage from Ramses in Egypt to their arrival in the plains of Moab. But it must be important because it’s the only section in Numbers that follows with the words: “At the Lord’s command Moses recorded . . .” (v. 2).
Why keep a record of this? Could it be that this list provides a framework upon which the Israelites emerging from the wilderness could retrace that forty-year journey in their thoughts and…
Don’t let your pain distort the goodness of God
At one time or another, we’ve all felt hurt, wounded or angry. And in the midst of our pain, it’s easy for our viewpoint to get distorted and lose sight of the goodness and greatness of God. Today on Discover the Word, the group along with guest Torrey Robinson explore Naomi’s lament, using her lack of […]
What is a Missionary?
Jesus said to them again, ’. . . As the Father has sent Me, I also send you’ —John 20:21
A missionary is someone sent by Jesus Christ just as He was sent by God. The great controlling factor is not the needs of people, …
Happy at You
My 3-year-old daughter caught me staring at her. “Mommy, why are you looking at me like that?” “Because I love you and delight in you,” I said. “God looks at you that way too.” “You mean, God looks happy at me?” she earnestly inquired. “Yes!” I said. “God always looks happy at you,” I emphasized. “Then I look happy at Jesus, at you, at daddy, and [my] sisters,” she concluded. When she finished, I think she could see me beaming with happiness. I want my three daughters to know deep down that God delights in them and loves them “with an…
