I’m a self-professed choir nerd. Or I used to be. The melodies of a choral ensemble warming up before state competitions are the most memorable soundtracks of my high school years. Show choir, girls’ pop, quartet — you name the combination, I wanted to sing in it. Rarely a stand-alone soloist, I was at…
Where Is God When I’m Grieving?
The Goodness of God Can you truly say that God is good? “One of the worst things you can do as a Christian is to go around with this plasticized mask on saying, ‘I love God, and He’s so good,’ when your heart is breaking inside,” says Dr. Joseph Stowell. “Sometimes you may say, ‘God…
It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way Week 6 — Kingdom Minded. Eternally Focused.
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him. — James 1:12 The pain we’re walking through… It isn’t for nothing. ~ Lysa Welcome to our last week of the It’s Not Supposed…
Take Courage
Editor’s note: Bear Grylls is a survivor. You’ve likely seen him on one of his many survival and adventure TV shows, such as Man Vs. Wild, You Vs. Wild, The Island, and Running Wild with Bear Grylls. In his life, Bear has served with British special forces, climbed Everest, crossed the north Atlantic unassisted,…
Prayer Is a Peace-Giving Gift
Many decades ago, one of my college friends gave me a small picture that has meant a great deal to me. There is nothing remarkable about it from an artistic standpoint, but it has given me great comfort during some important times nonetheless. In fact, not long ago, I asked the Lord for direction…
A Beautiful Ending
The emperor of China had a problem. Something was destroying his mulberry trees. So he did what any brilliant man does when faced with a problem he can’t handle: he turned it over to his wife! When Empress Ce Ling Shee looked at the trees, she noticed a moth laying eggs on the mulberry…
Relinquishing Control
When you can’t sleep, don’t count sheep — read Scripture. Distinguish between God’s voice and the voice of fear. Worry takes a look at catastrophes and groans, “It’s all coming unraveled.” God says, Every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good. — Romans 8:28 MSG Worry claims, “The world…
3 Scriptures That Will Help Draw You Near to God
This is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him. — 1 John 5:14-15 Have you ever shared something deeply…
Who Is This Giver of Prayer?
The first privilege of having an intimate relationship with God through prayer is that you get to know God. Consider what a great and awesome honor that is — to know the One who not only created all that exists but also directs it from His mighty throne. This is an amazing thought when you…
Nothing Wasted: God Doesn’t Waste Your Life
This is a great week to read chapters 1–3 in the book! Introduction (5 MINUTES) Leader, please read aloud to group: Predestined = {a course of events determined in advance by divine will} — Merriam Webster Dictionary As humans, we tend to want to settle most matters of life in terms of “either-or.” But with…