Many of us have grown up wanting to please—first parents, then teachers, employers, and yes, God. Faith can become only a checklist of things to do and not do, instead of a relationship with someone who deeply loves us. We know we’ve made many mistakes. We’ve been...
When he was asked who was the most influential person in his life, George Bush, who followed in his father's footsteps as President of the United States, quickly responded, "Jesus Christ!" No, the answer wasn't designed to win friends and votes, because that answer...
Walking dead. Most of us were, before Christ. Why? Because though we breathed and ate and went about life, we were dead—because God's spirit was not in us. We can blame Adam and Eve all we want, but that's the truth; sin passed down from generation to generation has...
When Richard Smith spoke at a workshop on a Christian approach to counseling, he talked about the fact that we were created in the image of God yet the human heart is depraved and evil. A pastor objected, feeling that he had gone too far. As Richard explained what the...
What is God looking for in us? He’s looking for faith. We often think of faith as just a noun, but it’s also a verb—when you act on your faith. One of the great miracles in the New Testament happened when some people lowered their friend who was paralyzed down through...
The Naval Institute's magazine carried the story of a battleship captain who was concerned about rough seas and fog when, quite suddenly, a bright light appeared on the horizon. The captain immediately had the signalman send the message, "Change course immediately!" ...
Never let anyone control your life by saying “God said” unless they are accurately and appropriately quoting Scripture – then you must pay attention. How many times do we hear someone say, “God spoke to me! The Lord showed me! I heard from God! I’ve had a vision!”...
While fox hunting in Britain has fallen upon hard times, those who have indulged in the practice say the thrill is in the chase, somewhat the same way a young man feels pursuing the girl of his dreams. And while there may be a measure of truth in the fact that the...
There was once a lawyer who was looking for a loophole. He asked Jesus how to inherit eternal life, but he already knew the answer: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as...
Eskimos live in the far north of Russia and North America. Years ago in a remote Eskimo village, dogfights were the only diversion and sport. One old Eskimo owned two particularly strong and vicious dogs who fought each other every Saturday. One dog won one week and...