November 15, 2021
Thanksgiving
This Last Supper was a family meal, much like our own Thanksgiving around the dinner table.
Devotionals
Devotionals gathers Christian Standard articles designed to encourage daily faithfulness through Scripture, prayer, and reflection. Here you’ll find short, accessible readings that connect God’s Word to everyday life—offering wisdom for discipleship, comfort in hardship, and reminders of the hope found in Christ. These devotionals aim to help readers stay rooted in the gospel, grow in spiritual maturity, and practice consistent habits of worship and obedience.
November 8, 2021
Understanding God’s Grace
This table focuses on Jesus Christ, who took upon himself the penalty for my sins—and for yours—so that we are transformed by God’s grace and truly understand it.
November 1, 2021
Joy Is Just One Choice Away
A Christian Psychologist’s Perspective on Happiness
November 1, 2021
Holidays and the Broken Promise Effect: What Every Leader Should Know
By Wes Beavis A time-zone change hijacked our Thanksgiving last year. My wife and I needed a getaway, and when we stumbled across an extraordinary holiday package, we decided to go for it. We flew east across the country enticed by thoughts of long days relaxing in the sunshine. After a few days, however, we noticed the days going by quicker than anticipated. We finally figured out why. Our holiday destination was three hours ahead of our body clocks. We were waking up at about 10 a.m. and the sun was setting at 5 p.m. Our jet lag made the
November 1, 2021
Doing Ministry During the Holidays
By Jim Estep Christmas is undeniably the most celebrated season of the year. It used to begin with Thanksgiving (the time my wife allows me to set up the tree and decorate the house), but it seems like we begin seeing Christmas items on television and on store shelves earlier and earlier. QVC began having Christmas specials in July! Society may be better prepared for Christmas than the church, although for different reasons. The holiday season, particularly from Thanksgiving to Christmas, offers the church an unprecedented opportunity to minister. However, like most opportunities, we can fail to make the most
November 1, 2021
The Secret to Finding Joy
By Mark E. Moore “The Constitution only guarantees the American people the right to pursue happiness,” said Benjamin Franklin, before adding, “you have to catch it yourself.” Happiness is temporary; joy is permanent. At least that’s what I have been told. But I no longer believe that to be true. Happiness comes from external things; joy comes from what’s inside. At least that’s what I have been told. But I no longer believe that to be true. I suppose we can use happiness and joy to mean whatever we want them to mean. After all, that’s the way language works.
November 1, 2021
Relevance
By Chris Philbeck One of the great blessings of my life over the past 40 years has been the privilege of leading a church plant, a turnaround church, and a megachurch. And while these churches have been incredibly different, the one constant has been the opportunity and responsibility to preach. I was 23 when I started, and I’m 63 today. To be honest, I’m not sure I would have wanted to listen to my 23-year-old self every week in that first church. But I am forever grateful for a group of people who loved me and gave me the opportunity
November 1, 2021
Hard Truths for Modern Times
By Megan Rawlings Our world is in chaos. It seems as if major bad news breaks every day! As this chaos occurs, society seems increasingly to be motivated by materialism and comfort. When the church was young, the people of Galatia turned away from God, and this did not escape Paul’s attention. In fact, he penned one of his harshest letters to the Christians there. While reading that letter, I realized Paul’s reprimand is applicable to us in modern times. I’ll borrow from his Epistle to the Galatians to state some hard truths surrounding our current status. I am astonished
November 1, 2021
Joy Within Your Legacy
By Megan Rawlings Ministry requires money . . . sometimes, a lot of money. All churches and ministries have bills and payrolls and need to buy supplies. So, how can a Christian organization access funds to help with their expenses? Let’s first look to the ultimate role model. During his earthly ministry, Jesus had physical needs just as we all do. But he had consistent support from his followers. Everywhere he went, people were willing to take care of him and his disciples; they donated their time and personal possessions to further his calling. Men and women participated in his
November 1, 2021
Opening Closed Doors
Tools and Strategies for Sharing the Gospel in Restricted Nations
November 1, 2021
Ministry Mistakes
By Don Wilson In more than 50 years of ministry, I’m not sure I have ever gone to a conference where speakers shared their greatest leadership failures and mistakes. I have, however, been to many conferences where pastors and leaders shared their greatest ministry success stories. If we are not careful, we unknowingly can discourage pastors who feel like failures because they don’t experience similar successes. I want to share four of my mistakes in ministry—and what I have learned from them—in the hope it will encourage others. Mistake No. 1: Believing All Church Leaders Want Their Church to Grow
November 1, 2021
Great Opposition or Great Opportunities?
A Top 10 Prayer List for Countries Most Closed to the Gospel
November 1, 2021
Serving God in the Second Half
By Laura McKillip Wood Amy and Terry Ruff visited a friend soon after arriving in Ghana. During that visit, the Ruffs struck up a conversation with another guest. As they got to know one another, the man told the Ruffs, “You need to meet my friend, Solomon*.” He gave Solomon’s phone number to Amy and Terry, and they called him to set up a meeting. Solomon told the couple where to drive and said he would wait for them by the side of the road. After driving several hours, the Ruffs repeatedly thought they had reached the rendezvous site, but
October 25, 2021
Everyday Halloween
For kids, Halloween comes once a year. But if you think about it, adults put on disguises much more frequently . . .
October 18, 2021
A Rooster Reminder
Every time he heard a rooster crow, did Peter choose to be reminded, “I messed up, but I am forgiven”?
August 16, 2021
Chosen
At least once this past week you almost certainly felt overwhelmed or inadequate. But knowing Christ and how much he values us should lift us up as nothing else can.
July 19, 2021
Stopping Traffic
Communion time in our worship gatherings is like meeting a hearse in traffic. It’s a call to move out of the busyness and pause to reflect.
July 5, 2021
Netzer
Sometime in the first century, as Jewish refugees returned from exile, they settled in an area near the Sea of Galilee and named their new town Nazareth after the tender, new shoots of the Olive tree.
July 1, 2021
A Time for Courage
The church historically has multiplied during times of persecution, and it’s possible we will see growth as we come out of this pandemic. The church needs to be courageous.
July 1, 2021
Lemuel’s Mother: Praiseworthy Advisor and Model
We know little of Lemuel except that he was a king, a poet, and a man who appreciated his good mother.
