“Then God said, ‘Let there be light,' and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and God separated the light from the darkness” (Genesis 1:3-4). The theme of “goodness” persists throughout the Bible. Nevertheless, taking time to recognize and honor this theme's prevalence in the Bible can often be a refreshing and rejuvenating reminder of what God has called mankind to do: good. The first chapter of Genesis describes God's creation of Earth as good. In John 10:11, Jesus explains, "I am the … [Read more...]
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If you're still browsing Bible studies for fall, we have the perfect opportunity for you and your church! Sign up today and download 3 FREE Preview Sessions of Adults, Students, and/or Kids, and you'll automatically be entered to WIN $500 in fall Bible Studies for Life resources or another resource of your choice on Friday, June 28th. Over 20,000 churches have already previewed this powerful resource that will amplify your ministry by connecting the unconnected, strengthening families, and discipling people with wisdom. You can … [Read more...]
Crises Prepare Us for Greater Assignments
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything … . Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him" (James 1:2-4,12). Roy Whetstine was a gemologist from Texas. In 1986 he visited a gem and mineral bazaar in Tucson, Arizona. … [Read more...]
LifeMatters :: God Cares // Exodus 3:7-10
It was the most feared weapon on the battlefield. Some called it "Greek fire" and others called it "liquid" or "manufactured" fire. Regardless of its name, there was no doubting its power. The Greeks discovered that if you ignite a mixture of inflammable pine resin and sulphur, even water wouldn't extinguish its flames.* While the Greeks had their fire, the Hebrews had theirs too. Just ask Moses. He had never seen fire where the leaves glowed hot with flames but weren't burned (see Exodus 3). Then he heard the voice-"I AM WHO I AM!" … [Read more...]
LifeMatters :: A Plan of Blessing // Genesis 12:1-3
God told Abram that he would make him into a great nation (see Genesis 12:2), and his descendants would be as numerous as the sands on the seashore (see Genesis 22:17). Even with our best calculators, this number would be virtually impossible to calculate. God's promise to Abram required an act of obedience-to abandon the comforts of his home in Ur and set out on a pilgrimage to a land that he had never visited. Scary, huh? To leave family. To kiss friends goodbye. To travel unaware of what lies around the next mountain. Yet Abram … [Read more...]
LifeMatters :: God Creates // Genesis 1:1, 26-27
It's no surprise that many of us are addicted to movies-all kinds of movies- action, scary, western, and romance. Movies tell us stories. They take us by the hand and guide us through a narrative. Have you ever noticed how the first scene of a movie often begins with a helicopter view of a cityscape? Maybe Manhattan or Chicago. Then after the opening credits are over, the camera focuses and zooms into a particular detail and begins the story. The Bible is a story, a story of epic proportion. In it is contained all the tragedy, … [Read more...]
LifeMatters :: Loyalty // Proverbs 17:17; 18:24; 27:10
The relationship between a man and his dog is the classic metaphor for loyalty. But if you know anything about taking care of a dog, you know it's hard work. There are the vet bills, the gear, the food (only the best, of course), the obedience classes, and the time and energy you will spend walking, training, playing with, and cleaning up after your pet. "Man's best friend" sounds nice. Who wouldn't want a lifelong companion? But the responsibility is huge, and a lot of people discover they can't or don't want to handle it. Human … [Read more...]
Top 10 Ways to Spend Your Summer
School's out. Summer break is here. Now the question becomes, "How am I going to spend my summer?" Whether your goal is to take on a part-time job, relax, or be adventurous, these 10 ways to spend your summer are worth considering. (Note: Some of these require some advance planning.) 1. Advance a nonprofit's mission. Invest in both your career and your community by interning with a charity. Pair your education with what a group needs most — whether that's marketing, accounting, engineering, or business skills. 2. Do scientific … [Read more...]
5 Tips for College Grads
It's graduation season, when bright young students must endure one final, mind-numbing lecture before collecting their degrees: the commencement address. This speech seldom contains advice you can actually use. The speaker often receives a generous check for his or her remarks, but dares not utter anything that might offend someone for fear of being protested, "disinvited" or blacklisted from future graduation ceremonies. Not being a celebrity, a politician or a rich donor, I have little chance of ever being invited to deliver a … [Read more...]
LifeMatters // Act With Integrity :: Proverbs 6:16-19
If we're being honest with ourselves, in the list of most appealing Christian character qualities, integrity probably lands somewhere at the bottom. Hard work? OK, that generally gets noticed by other people and rewarded. Patience? Well, the more patient you are, the less mad you are, so patience is good too. But people of integrity? They sound like the playground tattletales. Integrity means consistently living out your beliefs. It means honesty. Humility. Laying down your life for Christ. Putting yourself last. Peacemaking. When … [Read more...]
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