Article Library

Read Romans 3

For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, in His grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. (Romans 3:23–24)

If you question your depravity, check your attitude toward intrusions. Having a French origin, “intrude” emerges from two terms, meaning “to thrust in.” An intrusion, therefore, is someone or something that thrusts itself into our world without permission, without an invitation, and refuses to be ignored.

Read Colossians 3:12–14; James 5:11

We give great honor to those who endure under suffering. For instance, you know about Job, a man of great endurance. You can see how the Lord was kind to him at the end, for the Lord is full of tenderness and mercy. (James 5:11)

Read 2 Corinthians 11-13

There are 1,130 frostbitten miles, mountain ranges, blizzards, hungry beasts, and frozen seas between Anchorage and Nome. This awful trek is the scene of the ultimate endurance test known as the Iditarod Sled Dog Race, where 12 huskies pull a sled and its driver through the most gruelling, inhuman conditions one can fathom. One frequent champion was the late Susan Butcher, whose tough-minded fixation on winning earned her the nickname Ayatollah Butcher.

Read Deuteronomy 31

Leaders must go beyond analysis to action. One cannot lead without energy, motion, risk. Leaders are pathfinders, road makers, action takers.

Cowardice, to put it bluntly, is an ungodly trait. God is not passive in the face of evil, nor is He indecisive.

The Psalms are full of powerful lyrics that give us a clear portrait of the Lord God. Never is He portrayed as a mild-mannered, passive Deity, hoping and waiting for things to happen. Always He is aggressively engaged in an all-out war against injustice and inequity.

Read Psalm 91

Many years ago, one of my mentors told me a story I have never forgotten. A missionary was home on furlough, travelling by car from church to church. Late one rainy evening, facing a long and lonely all-night journey, he asked the Lord to help him stay awake and make it safely to the next place he would minister.

Read Colossians 1

All of us are surrounded by and benefit from the results of someone’s quest. Let me name a few.

Above my head is a bright electric light. Thanks, Tom.

On my nose are eyeglasses that enable me to focus. Thanks, Ben.

In my driveway is a car ready to take me wherever I choose to steer it. Thanks, Henry.

Across my shelves are books full of interesting and carefully researched pages. Thanks, authors.

Flashing through my mind are ideas, memories, and creative skills. Thanks, teachers.

Read 1 Kings 18

Do you teach the Bible? If so, that’s great. No other calling is more needed or carries with it greater responsibility. My advice?

Study hardPray for insightBe accurate with factsBe clear in your deliveryTake your time. Relive and imagine those scenesTry not to blot out the colourGuard against running a marathon with only seriousness setting your paceWhen you happen upon those scenes where the lighter side appears, slow down and call attention to it

Read Mark 2

A Public Agenda Foundation study, coauthored by Daniel Yankelovich, came up with these top 10 qualities that today’s workers want in a job:

Work with people who treat me with respectInteresting workRecognition for good workChance to develop skillsWork for people who listen if you have ideas about how to do things betterA chance to think for myselfSeeing the end results of my workWorking for efficient managersA job that is not too easyFeeling well-informed about what is going on

Read Ephesians 4:32

Do you need to be set free? Honestly now, is your next step the need to forgive? Do it. Don’t let anything or anyone talk you out of it. I know, I know. After all the misery you have had to endure, why should you have to be the one who humbles yourself and forgives?

Christ could have asked the same question at Golgotha. Perhaps He did at Gethsemane. But once He discerned the Father’s determination, there was no looking back...no turning back.

Remember His cry from the cross? “Father, forgive them...” (Luke 23:34).

Read 2 Samuel 12:7–14