This article was originally written by Arni, a pastor in India. When we try to enter solitude, we usually have many noises—outside and within—that must first be gently hushed. Ideally, we go to a place that is quieter, without great distractions such as people coming in and out, loud noises, phones, or beeps. A retreat […]
How to Pray: Praying When God is Silent
This blog is written by Jarrett Stevens, author of Praying Through: Overcoming the Obstacles That Keep Us from God. — Jesus knew the value of silence. He did not run from it; he ran after it. The Gospel writers make sure that we get that silence was a part of how Jesus prayed through his […]
How to Pray When Praying Is Hard
Today’s blog is written by Jarrett Stevens, author of Praying Through: Overcoming the Obstacles That Keep Us from God. — I’ve been a pastor for over twenty years, and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard the following: “I just don’t know how to pray.” “I didn’t grow up doing this kind of […]
How to Pray: How to Make the Lord’s Prayer Your Prayer
Blog brought to you today by Jarrett Stevens, author of Praying Through: Overcoming the Obstacles That Keep Us from God. — I have a friend who sums up the Lord’s Prayer this way: “Simply pray, and pray simply.” Don’t overcomplicate it. Don’t smother it in “should.” Don’t make it some sort of spiritual competition with others. […]
How to Pray: Gratitude, Your Wonder Prayer
Blog brought to you today by Jarrett Stevens, author of Praying Through: Overcoming the Obstacles That Keep Us from God. — What if I told you that there was a pill that was scientifically proven to dramatically improve your state of being—not just a temporary high but a wholistic enhancement of your body, mind, and […]
Living The Good Life: What God Has To Say About Wealth and Money
Guest post from Randy Alcorn, excerpted and adapted by Unfolding Faith, from his wonderful book, Giving is The Good Life: The Unexpected Path to Purpose and Joy. — Not life, but a good life, is to be chiefly valued. SOCRATES The good life is reserved for the person who fears God, who lives reverently in […]
Jesus Take The Wheel – How Surrendering Control Brings You Real Freedom
The bent to promote, protect and exalt self starts early in life. One of the first phrases our children said was, “Me first!” Because our self-centeredness is so inbred, Jesus made it clear that if we want to follow him, we must give up our “selves.” Eugene Peterson’s paraphrase of this verse in Luke states […]
The Best Bibles for New Believers
Trying to select a Bible as, or for, a new believer can be really confusing. Which translation should you go for? Do you want the New Testament or the full Bible? Should you buy a personal size or large print; and what even is a regular size one? So many questions and too many options. […]
God Knows All About Your Grief – And Here’s His First Step to Recovery
“But remember, like Sarah and Job, we are not helpless.” — This post is excerpted from The Life Recovery Workbook for Grief: A Bible-Centered Approach for Taking Your Life Back, by Stephen Arterburn M. ED and David Stoop. Click this link to experience the whole first step, with workbook questions for your own reflection, for free. […]
What Will I Look Like in Heaven?
by Randy Alcorn, excerpted from Heaven. I’m often asked if people, particularly children, become angels when they die. The answer is no. Death is a relocation of the same person from one place to another. The place changes, but the person remains the same. The same person who becomes absent from his or her body becomes […]
Why Did Jesus Come to Earth?
Adapted from Dr David Jeremiah’s book, Why the Nativity? As the moon lit the treetops and the evening breeze cooled her skin, Mary rested quietly, renewing her strength. She gazed in wonder at the tiny, living gift in her arms. Any child, of course, is a miracle from heaven—a firstborn in particular. Even so, Mary […]
Why Did God Become a Man?
Guest post by David Jeremiah, excerpted from his book, Why the Nativity? In the beginning there was God. And, being God, He created. The creations of God were magnificent. He made a universe of unbounded dimensions, measured out in stars and galaxies. Its size was matched by its vast complexity, in the intricate dance of […]