The pandemic, PTSD, and hope from God for every believer’s stress
The pandemic has created stress for everyone, and for some it has been severe. But stress occurred before COVID-19, centuries ago, as we discover in the lament of the prophet.
Sooner or later, everyone prays, ‘Out of the depths I cry out to you’
Maybe you got yourself into this mess. Or maybe it washed over you through no fault of your own, and you’re overwhelmed with confusion about how to get out of it. Whatever the case, God will hear your cry for help.
What we can do if we have not yet made service second nature
Sliding into the base was natural for me. After many years of playing ball, it was my common practice. But not so much for the team I had just joined.
All-in or just a head nod? The size of the gift is not the issue
Jesus gives an illustration of a truth to challenge every believer: The amount of the gift is not nearly as significant as the heart of the giver.
Sunday review: November 8-13
It’s what’s inside that counts! This week’s posts help each reader do a helpful self-inventory. Which of these has helped you most? Which would bring the largest blessing to someone you know?
The procrastinator’s remedy I most need to apply: “Just one hour”
A friend’s tactic will help me tackle the projects all around me I’d rather just put off till tomorrow.
What to remember when life seems hardest and the days are darkest
Neither Jeremiah nor Jesus promised us that life would be comfortable. But both did promise the dark will not last forever.
We cannot overlook the necessity of building on a firm foundation
The preaching of Jesus, the song of the psalmist, the writer of Proverbs, and the science of building all lead us to the same conclusion.
Even with eternity on his mind, Jesus noticed the people in his today
If Jesus always noticed and always took time for the people he met each day, why do I think my mission is so important I can ignore the people who fill mine?
“Like a cup of cold water”—it’s a wonderful experience to share
Sharing good news refreshed me as much as it did the person I called. The life-giving phone call motivates me to make more of them!
A challenging story, but a simple choice: we can have only one master
It’s a passage the commentators struggle to explain. But we can come to at least one powerful conclusion about what Jesus wants after thinking about it a while.
Sunday review: November 1-6, 2021
We received an email this week from a government representative telling us how that day’s post gave him courage to keep doing the right thing. Maybe you’ll find courage—and share some!—as you look again at this week’s posts.
This secular observer’s social media advice sounds like the Bible
She speaks as a best-selling author on the subject of relationships in digital culture, not a Christian blogger. Yet her point echoes a plea all Christian social media users need to remember.
The two words can be troubling, but God uses them to bring hope
“What if?” Just two little words, but they can bring a lot of torment. They can paralyze both mind and body when they are permitted to linger long in your thoughts. And without a counterbalance, they often create chaos, especially in times of difficulty and stress.
Jesus said true discipleship is actually a costly proposition
There will be moments when you have to decide whether you want to be a fan of Jesus or become his disciple. According to Jesus, there is a big difference and choosing requires careful consideration.
The seating chart, the invitation list, and who I really see
Jesus was full of stories about dinnertime, but they make me think about much more than whom I’m inviting to eat with me this weekend.
Light and darkness, leaven for evil or good: every believer’s choice
In a fascinating series of statements, Jesus contrasts the hypocrite and the true believer using the same simple analogy.
Have an enemy? Here’s how God’s Word can help you even with that
Many of us can quote Scripture, maybe even these verses that talk about dealing with enemies. But how many actually live by this advice?
Sunday review: October 25-30
Remember. Read again. And share! This week’s posts offer encouragement, help, and challenge.
In a fracturing church, maybe it’s time to focus on a basic remedy
Church watchers and church leaders everywhere are seeing a decline in church health today. Could it be that one small church in a tiny town has come up with a remedy?