Sunday review: August 29—September 3
For those who strive to BE godly and not just LOOK like a “good Christian,” this week’s posts offer hope and help. Choose one to read again and share with a friend.
Service or self-absorption? The connections can be complicated
The service I’ve chosen brings me satisfaction. Is that wrong? And if not, when might serving be more about me than those I’m serving?
Why submitting to authorities is a mandate, not just a nice idea
I have always been perplexed by the mixed responses from followers of Christ to the various instructions in scripture about submitting to rulers and authorities. It seems we tend to claim these verses when we like the elected official and ignore or explain away the instruction when we don’t.
How to embrace our role as an influencer for God—no matter our age
Paul gives some valuable instruction about roles in the church we may not discuss enough. What should older men and women do to keep a church healthy?
What I learned about spiritual restoration by refinishing furniture
As much as we like to think we can figure life out by ourselves and fix the broken pieces in us on our own, time and time again we fail. We are all in need of restoration.
Power, stones, and disciples laying down their coats. What do they mean?
Although both the Pharisees and the disciples wanted to see Jesus accomplish the same end, none of them understood the real reason for his coming.
How the ‘Great Commission’ is for more than overseas missionaries
We tend to think of this instruction of Jesus as applying most to those who serve far away where we can’t go. But every believer has the responsibility to be a disciple-maker in every area of their everyday life,
Sunday review: August 22-27 needs settings
Had a rough week? Look around, and you’ll see you’re not alone. This week’s posts acknowledge the fact that Christians suffer—but God is faithful. Read, reflect, and rekindle your trust in him as you consider again these quotes.
I’m coming to terms with totally new definitions for success
“How do I measure the worth of my life?” Writing now from a caregiver’s point of view, I’m coming to terms with new answers to that question.
Why we need not wait for some ‘big moment’ for God to use us
We remember Esther’s big “for-such-a-time-as-this” moment. But we need to think about all the less noted moments before that, moments that made this one possible.
Jesus may not do what we want and when we want it, but he will prevail
Jesus was not the hero wanted and expected by those who first encountered him. But he accomplished his purpose in ways no one would have anticipated.
Have you reached maturity? Read this before you give your answer
We all probably want the ones we love and, frankly, ourselves to be among the mature, because maturity brings the best chance at a healthy and purposeful life.
Paul’s encouragement to Timothy sets the path for our discipleship
Timothy would soon be without his mentor Paul. He would also be facing new and more difficult challenges in his ministry, and his older and wiser mentor was trying to prepare him for the journey yet to come.
Fear: the enemy’s tactic to discourage and distract us from God’s work
Just as Nehemiah’s detractors used fear to try to stop his work, fear may distract us from the work God has for us to do.
Sunday review: August 15-20
Every Sunday we bring you this quick taste of the previous week’s posts. Skim this week’s list to remember ones you missed or want to read again.
I couldn’t have finished without my encouragers, and neither can you
All of us need encouragement, none more than I on that race . . . and this race . . . and every race!
Three verses support my commitment and ability not to be afraid
I don’t know exactly when I started repeating and praying these three verses. But for at least 15 years, they have been a part of my daily routine. They have reminded me why I don’t need to be afraid.
Turn to Proverbs to discover the very best prevention for burnout
Experts say the problem is increasing, but Solomon’s ancient wisdom can help those trapped by burnout today.
How to embrace the calling that comes to you as a follower of Christ
I have tried to live in such a way that I heard the nudge from God telling me what to do next. I’m noticing today that Paul’s words to Timothy can help me figure that out in the future.
To discover contentment is a ‘great gain’ for everyone who trusts God
I think I’m experiencing contentment, and then some struggle falls into my lap or lands on my shoulders. But I can’t deny the good that comes with godliness with contentment.