ARCHIVES 2015

How much peace does it take to balance out the anxiety in our lives?

If you were to compare each of God’s prophets to a musical instrument, Isaiah had a voice like a trumpet.

May we always remember we are, like Adam, only dust. But also, like Christ, we are sons of God and co-heirs of a grand kingdom.

Nothing frees you to walk the tightrope of life—to perform daring feats outside your comfort zone—like knowing you’re safe in your heavenly Father’s care.

We live in a hungry world. Thirsty too. And as people eat the dust of this world and drink its acrid waters, they become increasingly dissatisfied.

If we are honest, most of us have been guilty of a forceful, rude blast of pride.

In His providence, God will bring about His intended result, and He will do it at the perfect time.

Some time ago, I attended the funeral of an older gentleman. As I sat with his friends, co-workers, and family members in the chapel, I listened as one by one they took turns saying a few words in tribute.

Tim was born with cerebral palsy. He approached me as I walked off the stage after a concert in Georgia, and we struck up a conversation.

New York Times bestselling author, Melissa Michaels, will inspire you to make your house a well-loved home. Her relatable style, unique voice, and practical decorating ideas have made her highly respected blog, The Inspired Room, a haven for fans of real-life style.

Whatever Jesus is doing in your life, he’s doing it not primarily to satisfy you but to glorify God.

We need not hunger, nor fear, nor feel unloved. We need only to partake of our daily Bread of life.

Many struggles in your life can become emotional strongholds, holding you hostage and keeping you from wholeheartedly serving and trusting God and experiencing the abundant life He has promised.

The Lord is strong and secure. Satan and his demons cannot scale His fortress.

Jeff Kinley (ThM, Dallas Theological Seminary) empowers people with vintage truth. Jeff is the author of over 20 books, including As It Was in the Days of Noah and Wake the Bride, and he speaks all over the country.

From the authors of the Christy Award–winning The Amish Midwife comes an epic story of two women, centuries apart, each discovering her own hidden bravery.

Have you ever had difficulty with the Scripture passage, “Be holy, because I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16)? Because most people think being holy is synonymous with being sinless, they think, Who could possibly be holy? It’s unattainable…unimaginable!

What is God’s brand? It isn’t people carrying Bibles underneath their arms. Neither is it “Christianese”—language designed to make some people sound holier or more spiritual than others.

We all know what it is like to feel small. As we look around us, it is easy to see people who are performing with peak proficiency, people who are being accomplished with quickness and creativity. In comparison, we often feel small and feel that we are inadequate, incapable, even inept.

True love forgives regardless of the infraction because it transcends mistreatment.

What is your standard for forgiveness?

Jennifer Rothschild is an author and speaker who has written 11 books, including bestsellers Lessons I Learned in the Dark and Self Talk, Soul Talk and Bible studies such as Hosea: Unfailing Love Changes Everything.

The preacher thought, “She’s so disheveled, and she smells like she’s been cleaning toilets.

Wondering what to do? Don’t try to ...

Wise people invite instruction. They understand that correction and rebuke are necessary if they are to grow in wisdom and righteous behavior.

You’ll feel as if you’re on the scene as the big events from the Bible unfold in this unique visual guide.

Something most people don’t know about me is that...

I want to be like Christ. But honestly, I want to be like the Christ who turned the water into wine, not the Christ who thirsted on a cross.

The Pelicano was once the most unwelcome ship in the world. For more than two years it sailed the open seas—the Flying Dutchman of the twentieth century.

Dr. Tony Evans is founder and senior pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, founder and president of The Urban Alternative, chaplain of the...

In the midst of confusion, you need the mind of Christ. In the midst of conflict, when criticism is caustic and when advice is adversarial, you need the mind of Christ. As long as you live, there will always be those who are mentally and emotionally on the attack.

What does it mean to pursue righteousness? We know how to pursue happiness or financial security. We may pursue a husband or wife, but what is the pursuit of righteousness?

Before a thrilled Olympic audience in 1976, Dorothy Hamill created a sensation as she skated to victory with her “Hamill camel.” Yet even more amazing was the fashion sensation she created with a haircut known as “the wedge,” later called the “Hamill haircut.”

Do you ever struggle with stamina? Do you sometimes need extra motivation to keep showing up at work, to continue being truly present in relationships, and to maintain your commitment to serve?

David Chadwick has been a pastor for almost 40 years.  He played basketball at and graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill, then joined a professional basketball league for three years in Europe. He has MDiv and DMin degrees from Columbia Theological Seminary.

As we walk among the ruins of our lives, can we hope that they will ever be rebuilt?

The only reason to fear or worry is if the Lord had said…

As you were growing up, what kind of “signs” did your father wear? Was he labeled approachable…available…accessible?

Dear God, today grant me what You promised:

Have you ever wrestled with a difficult relationship, trying to make things work but to no avail?

Why are we quick to recommend doctors who heal us physically but sometimes reluctant to recommend the One who offers spiritual healing?

How will I ever get through this? That’s the question we often ask ourselves when faced with a trial that overwhelms us. 

Confidence is not based on you having all the resources needed to take care of yourself. True confidence is based on the truth that God is faithful.

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Psalm 51:1

You stand before God right now in a place of complete innocence. It may sound too good to be true, but the Bible explains why this is so.

If you’ve ever wished you could clear out your clutter and simplify your space, Kathi Lipp’s new book has just the solutions you need...

"This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it,” says Psalm 118:24 (NLT). These words resonate with us some days more than others. Do you agree?

The cross is the defining portrait of Christ; it is, in fact, how He defined Himself because He said that He came into the world to die. He was born to give His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45).

The Lord of hosts has sworn saying, “Surely, just as I have intended so it has happened, and just as I have planned so it will stand.” Isaiah 14:24

When British heiress Amanda Dunn meets American patriot Nathaniel Cooper in North Carolina, her desire to quickly return home changes. But they come from different worlds. And though they both believe they are on God’s path, how will their feelings about indenture and slavery affect those around them?

Melissa Michaels is the creator of the popular blog The Inspired Room and the Better Homes and Gardens Readers’ Choice Decorating Blog winner in 2014. With creative, simple ideas and a friendly style, she inspires nearly half a million women each month to love their homes and lives.

Being confident in life is fundamentally an issue of faith. Faith relates to all of life. “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).

Have you ever longed to be chosen because you were really wanted, because you were really desired?

“When seventy years have been completed for Babylon, I will visit you and fulfill My good word to you, to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans that I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:10-11

Lord, thank You for hearing simple prayers.

Wynter Pitts is the founder of For Girls Like You, a ministry to girls that includes a print magazine, and the niece of Dr. Tony Evans. She has a drive to introduce young girls to Christian values so they can walk passionately and boldly. A native of Baltimore, Wynter resides in Dallas, Texas, with her husband, Jonathan, and their four daughters.

Dear God, I need hope! I long for authentic hope that is more than shallow optimism, wishful thinking, or anxious yearning.

Almighty God, it’s an assurance of Your faithfulness I need in tough times. And all I need to do is turn to the Bible to hear the resounding affirmation of Your faithfulness.

Kate Hurley is a worship leader, singer-songwriter, and teacher based out of Boulder, Colorado. She writes the popular blog The Sexy Celibate and has a passion to care for the poor through her art and her friendship. The mission statement for her life is "to paint an accurate picture of a passionate God."

When a Mom Inspires Her Daughter is filled with biblical instruction and personal stories that reveal what works and doesn’t work when it comes to building the mother-daughter relationship. 

Kathi and Roger Lipp have been happily married for 10 years and are the parents of four young adults. Kathi is the author of twelve books and is a national speaker at retreats, conferences, and women’s events across the US. She is often featured on Focus on the Family, MOPS International, and Crosswalk.com.

Almighty God, when I humble myself and confess my aching need for You, You lift me up and grant me opportunities beyond my imagination.

Huddled in a cave and miles away from his home, Elijah tried to warm himself and remember how he got to this place. Queen Jezebel and her violent threats against him came rushing back to his mind, crowding out the memory of the miracle God had done on Mount Carmel and the spiritual victory that had been gained there. Now he hid in fear.

Why does God allow suffering? Author Mike Fabarez—who is well acquainted with deep pain as the father of a special-needs child and as a pastor who has counseled many through life’s hurts—looks to the Bible for answers. This book will provide you with the resources to stand strong, rest in God’s care, and endure!

The only purpose worth living for is God’s purpose. Living with the goal of serving Christ will change the way you live. You will stop just being alive, and you will start to really live. You will live the abundant life through God’s grace because you won’t be living for yourself anymore.

The apostle John gives us two “if’s” about prayer: If our hearts do not condemn us, and if we know that He hears us. The Lord is not outdone, even by our failures. He says, “Come to Me just as you are!” The assurance of the cross gives us boldness and confidence.

James Merritt (PhD) is a pastor, author, and host of the Touching Lives television program, seen nationwide and in 122 countries. Previously, he served as a two-term president of America's largest Christian denomination. 

Alexander Maclaren, a great Scots preacher of another generation, tells the story of his conquest of fear. As a young boy he took a job in Glasgow, some miles away from his own village. He stayed in the city during the week and returned home on Saturday evenings.There was a ravine on the way to his home that superstition supposed was filled with evil spirits. All during the first week at work, the lad feared most that his long walk home would have to include passing through this ravine.