One spring day, I sat in my backyard with my friend Suzy and our kids. While we relaxed in lawn chairs, sipping lemonade, a few of the children played on the swing set. The rest sat at our bright yellow children’s picnic table, purchased just days earlier. They were happily creating masterpieces on the pages…
What Would Jesus Say on Social Media?
If you play the fool and exalt yourself, or if you plan evil, clap your hand over your mouth! – Proverbs 30:32 Here it is, translated for social media: “If you are tempted to slam someone online or brag on Facebook or send off a nasty tweet, turn off the screen and walk away!” That’s it in a nutshell,…
Laced with Grace
Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. — Proverbs 16:24 I am such a Bible nerd. Not only do I love to learn the meaning behind the Hebrew or Greek words in Scripture, but I like to study certain English words that pop up at me, pogo-stick style,…
How to Lose Control and Keep the Faith
Cue the Queen Esther is the scriptural role model for how to control what you should and trust God with what you can’t. And, more importantly, how to decide which is which! Esther was a stunningly beautiful Jewish orphan who became the replacement for Queen Vashti, the wife of King Xerxes. She had a…
Squabbles, Spats, and Such: 8 Cues from the Life of Joseph
Just what can we learn from this tale of drama lifted right off the pages of the Old Testament? What cues can we take from Joseph about how we should — and should not — use our words when dealing with family, friends, and other necessary people in our lives? First… 1. Beware of Bragging…
Nourishing Words
The lips of the righteous nourish many. — Proverbs 10:21 There was once a monk who, like many followers of Jesus at the time, was looking for a deeper walk with God. This monk, Abbot Agatho, fled to the desert. The story goes that Abbot Agatho, aware of his temptation to sin with his words,…
Talking: Taming the Tongue
The apostle James has more good advice about the tongue. My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. — James 1:19-20 Even if you don’t consider yourself a major…
Finding Your Big “Why?”
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven. — Matthew 5:16 Video: Finding Your Big “Why?” Play the video teaching segment for session one. As you watch, record any thoughts or concepts that stand out to you in the outline…
Answering Our Own Prayers
Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” — Luke 11:1 ESV A group of teenagers and I sat cross-legged on the church lawn, soaking in the warm summer sunshine. One of the girls…
Keep It Shut Bible Study
Sparks, Squabbles, Spats, and Such: Our Words Matter Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. – Proverbs 18:21 Editor’s Note: Words are one of the most powerful weapons we have. They can be a sharp sword or a soothing salve, both having the ability…