Reading Time: 3 minutes
“My wife took the pruning shears to an overgrown houseplant and chopped it down to a stub,” David Faust writes. “I was sure she had killed it, but the remarkably resilient plant now thrives in a corner of our kitchen. . . . I’m not sure why God designed things this way, but sometimes cutbacks lead to growth spurts. . . .”
Reading Time: 3 minutes
On the very troubling night before the crucifixion, Jesus promised to give his disciples peace. “Do not let your hearts be troubled,” he said (John 14:1). Yet, that same evening he predicted, “In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33). . . .
Reading Time: 3 minutes
Jesus didn’t happen to notice some sheep grazing nearby and remark offhandedly, “I am the good shepherd.” The Lord was addressing the Pharisees when he made this bold claim, and for emphasis, he said it more than once (John 10:11, 14). . . .
Reading Time: 3 minutes
Years ago, a wise older minister gave me some good advice. “Always read the Gospels a lot,” he said, “because in the daily grind of leading a church and preaching week after week, it’s tempting to take your eyes off Jesus.” . . .
Reading Time: 3 minutes
“What lifestyle habits will nourish your spiritual health in the coming year?” David Faust asks. “Here are some tips I have discovered. . . .”
Reading Time: 3 minutes
Deep down, at Christmas, most of us don’t long for more presents and fancier holiday extravaganzas. We do yearn, however, for simplicity and mercy. . . .
Reading Time: 3 minutes
Wayne Smith used to say, “Big doors swing on little hinges.” In other words, small decisions have big consequences. Little-known people have a big impact. Actions that seem inconsequential at the time can change the world. . . .