By Kathleen Giles On “Name Tag Sunday,” I was scheduled to make the ministry announcements at church. As the lights dimmed, I fished my staff name tag out of my pocket and clicked the magnetic halves together on my lapel before going onstage. After the announcements, I invited the congregation to turn and greet one […]
Speaking the Truth in Love: A Lesson in Biblical Kindness Read More »
By Amy Catlin Wozniak The morning was quiet, coffee within reach, a blanket pulled over my lap, and my worn Bible open. Tears pricked my eyes at the familiar words: “Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” – Luke
6 Expressions of God’s Kindness in the Prodigal Son Parable Read More »
By Cheryl Esper Balcom An invitation for dinner at someone’s home or to meet up at a coffee shop is a lovely thing. But when the host is more interested in making herself known rather than getting to know you, the invitation loses some of its appeal. Sadly, I’ve been that host more than I’d
Curiosity as Kindness: The Hospitality of Paying Attention Read More »
By Joanna Eccles Sometimes we can get so fixated on what we don’t have that we overlook all the good we already have. Scripture memorization and meditation can keep us focused on God’s faithful character instead of wondering if He’s holding out on us. We can fill our minds with truth rather than swirling in
10 Bible Verses for Waiting on God With Patience Read More »
By Jennifer Weichmann Our relocation plan was simple. We’d rent a house for six months, get to know the area, and then we’d buy a home. But my husband and I soon realized our plans wouldn’t come to fruition. We couldn’t get a home loan. I was crushed. Trapped in a rental house in a
Trusting God When He Is Silent Read More »
By Asifiwe Lema In 2018, I received a message from a primary school teacher in Tanzania named Asifiwe Lema. He discovered our Living by Design Bible studies online and used them to help his students learn English while sharing the gospel. Over time, our conversations grew into a meaningful friendship. Through Asifiwe, I also learned
Learning to Wait on God in Difficult Times: Lessons from Tanzania Read More »
By Hadassah Treu We’ve adopted the wrong idea about peace. We often think about peace as blue sky, green grass, and things going our way. Peace doesn’t mean everything is always well and harmonious in our little worlds, or our circumstances are favorable and we have what we want. We can easily find peace when
Lessons from Gideon and Jehovah Shalom: Finding Peace When You Feel Weak Read More »
By Theresa Ogueri I’m extremely non-confrontational. In fact, I used to think proof of a solid relationship is when you don’t have any misunderstandings or disagreements. I thought people who argued or aired their grievances were proud or problematic. I thought the “Christian” thing to do was to ignore any pain or misunderstanding for the
Peacemaker vs. Peacekeeper: Understanding the Biblical Difference Read More »
By Jamie Baker-Douglin Anxiety can rob us of our ability to experience the peace of God. But God wants us to live in His perfect love, which casts away fear (1 Jn 4:18). He wants us to have a peace that passes all understanding and guards our hearts and minds (Phil 4:7). How can we
An Anxiety-Calming Toolbox: Biblical Strategies from Philippians 4:4–9 Read More »
By Anna Gibson Maybe she’s mad at me. The thought sneaks in, unbidden, at two in the morning. I try to shrug it off, roll over, and will myself back to sleep. But I can’t. Was it something I said to my sister? Is she offended? I gnaw on these thoughts, and wakeful minutes pass.
4 Practical Ways to Stop Worrying and Trust God Read More »
