“As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” – James 2:26 A story is told of the renowned artist Paul Gustave Doré, who lost his passport while traveling through Europe. So when he came to a border crossing, he explained his predicament to one of the guards. Doré hoped he […]
Read MoreHow to grow through adversity
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28 The Lodgepole Pine trees covering large parts of Yellowstone National Park offer a powerful lesson in adversity. The cones of the pine hang on the tree for years […]
Read MoreHow to keep your body and soul in good health
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” – Mark 12:30 Recent studies have shown that people who practice their faith regularly may be getting some health benefits: A study conducted by sociologists at Purdue University found that 4 percent […]
Read MoreThe importance of praying continually
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 One Sunday in a Midwest city, a little boy was acting up during the morning worship hour at church. The parents did their best to maintain some sense of order in the pew, […]
Read MoreFinding your true value as God’s image bearer
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. “ – Psalm 139:14 Our five senses give us some astonishing capabilities, don’t they? The human can see a candle’s flame 30 miles away on a dark, clear night and smell a single drop of perfume diffused […]
Read MoreRecognizing the Holy Spirit’s power in your life
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” – Acts 1:8 Author Jamie Buckingham once visited a dam on the Columbia River. He noted that he’d always thought that the […]
Read MoreHow to have faith in faith
“Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” – Luke 18:42 A survey conducted in the 1990s by the American Academy of Family Physicians showed that 99% of doctors believe that a relationship exists between faith and physical healing. This line of thinking was bolstered by a California study on the effect […]
Read MoreAccepting those whom the world rejects
“The king asked, “Is there no one still alive from the house of Saul to whom I can show God’s kindness?” Ziba answered the king, “There is still a son of Jonathan; he is lame in both feet.” – 2 Samuel 9:3 A true story is told of a British factory worker and his wife who […]
Read MoreLeaning on Christ in the midst of loneliness
“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18 A woman recognized the famous pastor F. B. Meyer one day in her neighborhood, and she ventured to share her burden with him. For years she had cared for a crippled daughter who brought great joy to her […]
Read MoreWhat does it mean to know God?
“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well.” – John 14:6-7 A kindergarten teacher once told her students to draw a picture of what was important to them. In the back of […]
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