November 12, 2006

Conditions Permitting

By Eric Miller It was the week before my two-year anniversary as a minister and we were finally leaving for a much-needed vacation at the beach in Cape May, New Jersey. As my wife, Tammy, 3-year-old daughter, Emma, and I drove down the Atlantic City Expressway a road sign caught my eye. It was just your average, run-of-the-mill speed limit sign indicating the current maximum speed was 65. However, beneath that large, bold number were these words: “Conditions Permitting.” I thought about those two words as I drove the next 30 miles. God seemed to want me to glean a

October 29, 2006

Christian Standard

Devotionals

Confessions of a Compulsive Adventurer

By Paul Boatman “Grandpa, my friends don”t know I”m this kind of girl.” Six-year-old Allison was reflecting on our day of hiking in the canyons of Indiana”s Turkey Run State Park. “What kind of girl do they think you are?” “They think I”m a girly girl, but I”m an adventure girl!” Adventure! The term is a dominant theme in contemporary culture. I receive winsome advertisements for “adventure travel.” So-called reality television shows contrive adventures for their casts of exhibitionist participants. Interactive Internet adventure games invite virtual participation in activities ranging from mysterious to obscene, all intended to stir a sense

August 27, 2006

Dave Smith

Devotionals

The God Who Loves Rebels

A chapel moment of anger turns into gratitude as Dave Smith explores Jonah’s rebel heart—and the relentless love of God shown through discipline, grace, and perseverance toward those who resist him.

August 2, 2006

Mark A. Taylor

Devotionals

God Creates, Man Imitates

God's creation shows an intricacy we can’t manufacture. From Pixar’s Cars to magnified photographs of tree bark, this reflection contrasts human craftsmanship with the beauty that can turn a simple walk in the woods into worship.

April 16, 2006

Jackina Stark

Devotionals

Merciful and Mighty

Jackina Stark reflects on John 11, where Jesus’ tears, love, and power over death reveal the merciful and mighty Lord who comes to the house of suffering to help.

December 25, 2005

Tom Lawson

Devotionals

Once Upon a Time in Bethlehem

In this imaginative Christmas retelling, Mary fears she has ruined God’s plan—until shepherds arrive with news of angels, glory, and a sign in Bethlehem. Regret gives way to wonder as joy breaks through the stable’s door.

December 11, 2005

Tom Lawson

Devotionals

A Junky Christmas

“Treasures or trinkets—it’s all in the eyes of the beholders.” This Christmas reflection looks at the Magi’s gifts and reminds us that trinkets become treasure as symbols of adoration, gratitude, and love.

August 24, 2005

Mark A. Taylor

Devotionals

I Can See You, September

As August fades, Mark A. Taylor reflects on the melancholy of summer’s end, the rush of the school-year rhythm, and the gentle way autumn reminds us of God’s power and love.

August 21, 2005

Ken Read

Devotionals

Reflections on Israel

Ken Read reflects on a study tour in Palestine, revisiting Nazareth, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Bethesda and seeing the gospel story in real places—then hearing a renewed call to prayer and active faith.

August 14, 2005

Christian Standard

Devotionals

You Are Not Your Own

By C. Robert Wetzel Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price (1 Corinthians 6:19, 20). The Vernon Newland family spent the duration of World War II in a Japanese concentration camp in the Philippines. They had planned to serve in China when the war broke out. When the Japanese invaded the Philippines in 1942 they, along with many foreign nationals, were interred in cruel and miserable conditions. Many people did not survive

July 24, 2005

Tom Ellsworth

Devotionals

Wisdom Is a Good Thing

Reflecting on Ecclesiastes and James, Tom Ellsworth shares how God teaches wisdom through life experiences, relationships, and hard seasons—inviting believers to hold on loosely to this life and keep eternity in view.

June 19, 2005

Tom Ellsworth

Devotionals

‘Awe’ Moments

From ocean waves to a helicopter view of the Grand Canyon, Tom Ellsworth explores “awe” moments that point to God’s majesty—and to the greatest awe of all: Christ’s total sacrifice for us.