By Danny Barnhill Like so many Saturday mornings before, Lexi and I stumbled into the kitchen searching for our cereal bowls. My 4-year-old grandniece—whom I affectionately call Sugarbear—knew early spring days bring a special treat. After gobbling up our cereal, we heard the call of barn swallows. “Uncle Danny, can we watch the birds put […]
God’s Greatness on Display: How God Shows Up and Shows Off Read More »
By Hadassah Treu Do you have a thorn in the flesh—a perpetual struggle, weakness, or wound without healing? Whatever it is, as a follower of Christ, this is a thorn in the flesh—a source of constant pressure and pain. You want to be freed from it, but it seems like God’s answer is no. A
A Thorn in the Flesh: How God Uses Suffering to Shape His Servants Read More »
By Kristen West If churches awarded frequent flyer miles for every time folks attended, I’d have unlimited free air travel for the rest of my natural days! I have spent my life in church and experienced a variety of roles—attendee, member, volunteer, and staff member. As a result, I’ve learned a few foundational truths: But
Five Easy Ways to Care for People in Church Leadership Read More »
By Sarah Frazer The food was set out, the house was cleaned, and the kids were in the basement with my husband. No one is going to show up, I said to myself. Those thoughts kept coming as I prepared to host my very first Bible study. I had invited ten people. Four said they
A Christian Woman’s Guide to Leading a Community Bible Study Read More »
by Maureen Miller “How did you maintain joy during your season of waiting, you know, for children?” My hurting, unsaved friend’s question hung in the air. Had I walked in joy? Many times I fled from God, trying to hide instead. Finding joy, especially during dark days, took time. And it was more of a
Living Water from the One Who Sees You Read More »
By Jill Miller Near my kitchen’s glass doors, I placed a few feeders in a tree for birds that like to eat while perched. Since some birds prefer feeding off the ground, I always make sure to spread some feed on the patio. On this patio, I’ve observed two very different pairs of birds—the sparrows
How to Love Your Spouse Well | A Bible Lesson Inspired by a Pair of Birds Read More »
By Donna Bucher For several years now, my fear surrounding my prodigal son and daughter remains unhindered. Part of a yet unanswered prayer, admitting my apprehension for their welfare feels like a lack of faith. With each passing year, fear regarding their whereabouts or well-being etches deeper in my heart. When my daughter left home,
Receive Rest As You Release Your Prodigal Child to God Read More »
By Leigh DeLozier We all have days when we feel overlooked or unseen. The world rushes by, and we can’t help but wonder if people really hear us or understand our perspectives. Those are the days when I remind myself of Hagar. Because no matter how unnoticed and unheard Hagar might have felt, God knew
Four Lessons We Can Learn from the Life of Hagar: A Biblical Character Study Read More »
By Rosann Coulon It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done––but I did it. I completed a 21-day Daniel Fast for the first time. Choosing to abstain from meat, dairy, and sugar was difficult, but it increased my faith in ways I never expected. After a season of grief and unending trials, I
A Different Kind of Hunger: Fasting to Increase Our Faith Read More »
By Nancy Manassero I trudged into the kitchen, bleary-eyed, whining to my husband. “I don’t wanna go to work! I’m so tired, and I just want a day off!” He held me and whispered sweet words of encouragement. He knew my work as a nurse demanded all my concentration and energy, but he also understood
The Secret to Abundant Life: Expressing Self-Love Through Service Read More »
