Isn’t it the heart that counts with God? “We knew that the biblical tithe is 10 percent, but we thought God would be fine with a few dollars here and there, as we thought suitable.” This is how Violet and Jarrod, like many other Christians, viewed returning tithe to God. After all, God knows how tight our […]
The Bible describes those who obey and delight in God’s commandments as trees—beautiful, strong, and productive. “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” Ps. 1:3. I found two modern-day trees […]
The words “permanent return” held a bittersweet taste. After two years of service in Uganda, my husband’s responsibilities were ending and we were going home. We were tired enough of rats, bats, malaria, contaminated water, and a host of other “missionary issues.” My three high-school-aged children were more than anxious to attend a “real” school. […]
Throughout Scripture we catch frequent glimpses of angels, tireless in their ministry to man. At times, they appeared in a form that is visible to the natural eye; but more often they were seen in visions or dreams. Sometimes, they came in the guise of men so that, as the apostle says, men entertaining strangers […]
“This is crazy! Are you sure you know what you’re doing?” my brothers asked when they realized I was determined to move deep into the mountains of Colombia with my children. “I’m not crazy,” I replied. “Okay. We will see; but we are sure you’ll regret this decision and soon return,” they said, turning their […]
My name is Jan Haugg, and I am a third-year student at Bogenhofen Theological Seminary in Austria, preparing to become a minister. I am passionate about God and about sharing my faith with others. But only a few years ago, I was a die-hard atheist. Here is my journey to faith. I was born in […]
I lay on my bed reflecting hopelessly on my situation. I was trapped, struggling to cope, with no quick way out. I longed for peace and a refuge from it all. The details aren’t important. It was years ago, but it’s a scenario many of us know too well. I randomly opened the Bible—a new […]
When You Are Afraid and Anxious
“Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; […]
Prologue: This story is a reminder that God still answers prayers and walks with His people even amid the worst of situations. It is a summary of a larger story from the book Preaching from the Grave, which shares how God protected His own during one of the most widespread slaughters of all time—the Rwandan […]
My ten-year journey through astrology began with the purchase of a cheap horoscope magazine. It led me to try tarot (fortuneteller cards), numerology (the occult use of numbers), palm reading, tea leaves, ESP, and the Ouija board. I tremble to think where I would be now if God hadn’t pulled me out of the occult […]