The modern world is finally admitting what the ancients have known for millennia: we weren’t designed for nonstop lifestyles! Voices from widely different sectors are advocating for a weekly “time out” to recalibrate and rejuvenate us—a Sabbath. Some seek a weekly device-free Sabbath where digital technology is paused for 24 hours. Others seek a weekly […]
Based on Luke 15:11–32 The story of the Prodigal Son is one of Christ’s most beloved parables. We’ve all known prodigals. Maybe you’ve even been one yourself! I suspect, however, that few of us want to identify with the older brother. Yet if you’ve ever been tempted to resent those who disappear when the work […]
Living a life of radical faith doesn’t end with the stories in your Bible! There are men and women today who are practicing radical faith all over the world. Here’s one story that really touched me. A number of years ago, when Samar’s life was threatened by Al-Qaeda for sharing her faith, she and her […]
If God and the heavenly angels were the only source of supernatural activity in our world, we wouldn’t need to “try the spirits!” But John’s warning reminds us that we’re caught in a war between two opposing powers who’re seeking our allegiance. While God will only use truth, Satan uses deception. John also warns us […]
“Daddy, tell us the toaster story, please!” Long Romanian winter nights came with garlic toast, baked potatoes, peppermint tea, and stories. “When I married your mom, she couldn’t swim. On vacations, I would get bored swimming alone. One day I had a fantastic idea. ‘Honey, I’ll teach you how to swim. If you learn, I […]
For most of my childhood, I grew up with close neighbors. I remember the community buzz and excitement when a moving van with new neighbors arrived. The friendlier neighbors took food and introduced themselves. The cautious observed from a distance. Children on their bikes would gather around the van to size up the “new kids.” […]
Of the five children that my parents raised, I was the family sneak. And I was good at it! My personality probably enabled my vice. A pleaser, I couldn’t bear to be outwardly rebellious. So I lived my “other self” on the sly and appeared to be a good and compliant child. It wasn’t until […]
The topic of Creation isn’t just for science enthusiasts. It’s important for all of us. The Bible tells us that God “created all things through Jesus Christ.” Eph. 3:9, NKJV. Thinking of both God the Father and God the Son as being our Creator can deepen our appreciation of Them and enhance our life. I’d […]
When their boat capsized off the northeastern coast of Queensland, Australia on July 6, 2004, the Nonas, a Pacific Islander family of 6, weighed their options as they clung to their upturned boat. They saw a large rock in the distance, but the 3-year-old couldn’t swim, so the parents urged their three older children, ages […]
Everyone loves a hero! On December 22, 1950, thousands of Korean refugees fleeing the advancing Communist armies crowded into Hungnam Harbor with nowhere to go. Old men carried children; young mothers, with toddlers strapped to their backs, nursed infants. UN troops retreating south were loading onto ships along with their tanks and ammunition. What was […]