Éleos is Greek for “mercy” as it is defined by loyalty to God’s covenant; pity; compassion. God’s éleos is stunning, and the Book of Nehemiah highlights it along with our need for a Savior and the lengths He goes to prove His love and mercy to us. In Nehemiah 9:6, the people begin praising the Lord, rehearsing all the wonderful things He did from Abram to the present, beautifully recounting the mercy of the Lord. Then in verse 16, their prayer takes a turn. “But our ancestors acted arrogantly; they became stiff-necked and did … [Read more...]
The Top 10 Creative Gift Ideas
It's Christmastime! We all know it's better to give than to receive. These 10 gift ideas will help you show your appreciation to your family without leaving you broke. 1. The Perfect Date - Give the family your quality time with a date to a coffee shop, a museum, or a day of shameless (and free) touring in your hometown. 2. Family Tradition - Whether you annually don matching sweaters or watch Christmas movie marathons, change it up with a new tradition. Pitch in a few dollars to help a needy family or donate to a charity such … [Read more...]
How To Reach The Unchurched In A Postmodern Culture
It was a cool winter morning as I made my way through the door of my favorite getaway. I was the first person to enter, carrying my computer bag packed full of books. The Jatema Coffee sign hadn’t even been turned on yet. The chill in my bones began to melt when I caught the scent of scones, bagels, and fresh-brewed coffee. In only a few seconds, I felt right at home, greeting my friend behind the counter and mentally preparing for another morning of serious writing at my favorite place. “What would you like today, Bryan?” Jason … [Read more...]
Why Gray Areas Can Be Good
It's obvious that Christianity and culture have never been "best friends." Actually, it's usually quite the opposite. The Christian community often finds itself in a war with culture that results in damaging consequences on both sides. Culture gets an inaccurate view of Christianity that's wrapped in anger and closed-mindedness, while Christians begin to make culture into their number one enemy, separating themselves from sometimes valuable content, conversations, and relationships. Such thinking can be especially damaging to young … [Read more...]
Why Fast and Easy Isn’t Always Effective
Fast, easy, and effective. It’s the ongoing chant of our culture that feeds the monster of “your way, right away.” Essentially, credit cards have become the ultimate “fast pass” of our generation. But rather than moving us ahead on life’s great adventure ride, credit cards often put us on the fast track to debt, delinquency, and destruction. So before you swipe and go, consider these four reasons credit cards are a bad idea. Whose Money Is It, Anyway? Spending money is easy — especially when it’s not yours. Before submitting to … [Read more...]
Why Physical Insecurity Isn’t Just A Female Thing
Even though we are taught that both men and women suffer from eating disorders and body image problems, those weight and body image issues often seem like solely women’s issues. Research has proven, time and time again, that they are not. According to National Eating Disorders Association, 10% of the people who report dealing with eating disorders are male. It might seem like a relatively small number (even after you find out that the number means there are ten million men out there who have or are currently suffering), but that … [Read more...]
How To Help Someone Who’s Hurting
Years ago, I asked a college student friend of mine how she was doing and got this response: “My mom is a heroin addict, and I just want to kill myself. How do you think I’m doing?” That was a pivotal point in a journey I’d been on for a long time. All around me, fellow students were going through various trials and life difficulties. While some of my friends worked things out in a healthy manner, many others were unable to do so, experiencing feelings of isolation and desperation. Depression was also a constant reality. It was … [Read more...]
Is It Time To Be Still?
My life is so busy. Yours too, right? Busy seems to be the cadence of our world, and I often hear proclamations from others (and from myself) on just how very busy we are; how there is always something more to do. For me, unfortunately, this busyness routine I've embraced over the years has generally transformed me into a person with the inability to rest easily or slow down, even when I should. It usually takes a vacation: a complete separation from "normal" life in order to be able to lay aside my ever growing to-do list. I'm … [Read more...]
9 Reasons Less Is More in Social Media
Sharing is good. Or at least that's what we were taught growing up, right? As kids, we were encouraged to share our toys, our time on the swing, and our Goldfish snacks. (If you have siblings, you can definitely affirm the value of sharing.) But sharing takes on a whole new meaning when it comes to the wide world of social media. It's fascinating that, as children, we grasped so tightly to what we considered valuable. We wanted to share only when and with whom it was comfortable. But now, as technology-driven individuals, it seems … [Read more...]
How To Distinguish Between Dating vs. Hanging Out
Something scares you. It’s not terrorism, economic recession, global warming, or gasoline prices that could hit 10 bucks per gallon by the time you’re done reading this. These things might worry you, but something else makes your palms sweat and your pulse hit triple digits: asking someone out on a date. That’s because asking someone out involves potential pain. If the object of your affection becomes aware of your intentions, he or she might not reciprocate, and that’s going to hurt. I don’t care if you’re the most self-confident, … [Read more...]
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