Natural Thanksgiving
A reflection on why abundance can dull gratitude—and how Scripture points to thankfulness rooted in Christ, prayer, reverence, and joy “in all circumstances,” even when life changes through loss or hardship.
Spiritual Disciplines
Spiritual Disciplines helps Christians grow in Christlikeness through habits that shape the heart over time. Explore Bible-based articles on practices such as Scripture reading, prayer, fasting, solitude, Sabbath rest, confession, generosity, and worship. You’ll find practical guidance for building sustainable rhythms, resisting distraction, and pursuing spiritual formation in everyday life—personally and within the church. These resources aim to help disciples cultivate a deeper love for God and a more faithful life that reflects Jesus.
Are You Physically at Your Peak?
After a painful ministry season, Stephen Bond reflects on how neglecting health diminished his clarity and stamina. He argues fitness is spiritual stewardship and offers three practical guidelines for lasting discipline.
Looking for Wholeness
What would a “whole life” look like—one marked by wisdom instead of crisis and fads? Randy Gariss outlines ten essential areas of accountability in God’s sight, from worship and friendships to rest, solitude, stewardship, and creativity.
New Year, New Relationship
Most New Year’s resolutions fail, but one small step can deepen your walk with God. Practical ideas from Acts 2:42 focus on Scripture, hospitality, generosity, Communion remembrance, and a simple daily prayer plan.
November 12, 2006
CONFESSION CONSIDERED: Battling Boredom
A longtime Christian feels spiritually stuck despite faithful habits. Rick Lowry explains how confession of sin—paired with trusted accountability—can bring healing, renewed focus, and practical steps for growth through prayer partnerships.
November 12, 2006
CONFESSION CONSIDERED: Coming Clean
Confessing sin isn’t easy, but it can bring tremendous relief and real change. Explore unexpected benefits of accountability, practical steps toward growth, and how to find “safe” listeners who pray and encourage obedience.
From Chaos to Art
As Standard Publishing prepares to relocate, Mark A. Taylor reflects on how office order mirrors spiritual order. Real growth requires discipline and inconvenient change—and confession of sin, though never fun, leads to a more beautiful life.
Something in Addition to Work
A reflection on work, rest, and the “rule of the clenched fist,” urging Sabbath-minded living. Especially on Labor Day, it reminds readers that doing nothing can make space for what truly matters.
Discerning God’s Guidance
A Quaker “clearness committee” helps Parker Palmer face his motives, leading into practical ways to discern God’s guidance through prayer, silence, steps of faith, and trusted teachers when the path ahead feels unclear.
Cease and Desist
Busyness in ministry can quietly drain a leader’s spirit. Rick Grover points to Jesus’ pattern of solitude and prayer and offers practical applications for rest, accountability, and returning to ministry with a healthier rhythm.
Seriously Seeking God (Part 2)
How do we seek God in everyday life? Steven F. Sturm explores contemplative awareness, richer prayer (including the Psalms), Scripture meditation, and the role of spiritual community in pursuing fellowship with God.
Practice God’s Presence While You Walk
A workout walk on a lonely canyon road becomes an unexpected spiritual discipline—learning to notice God, release burdens, love others well, and cling to him in ordinary, gritty moments.
Overcoming Busyness
Busyness can rob Christians of joy and intimacy with Christ. Dave Butts points to Jesus’ “one thing” and shows how learning from Martha—and from Jesus—reorders priorities for peace, rest, and effective service.
Whatever Happened to Stillness and Silence?
In a world full of noise and nonstop activity, silence can feel uncomfortable—but Scripture calls God’s people to stillness. Knofel Staton explores how quiet restores focus, strength, patience, and intimacy with God.
December 18, 2005
The First Christmas Song
Mary’s Magnificat reveals a heart shaped by Scripture. Learn how studying, meditating, praying, and (eventually) memorizing God’s Word can weave biblical language into everyday rhythms and form our responses to life.
Readers Tell How They Spend Time With God (published)
Christian Standard readers share practical, lived-in habits for reading Scripture and praying—using plans, journaling, hymn singing, prayer lists, and prayer walks to build consistent time with God.
Readers Tell How They Spend Time With God (unpublished)
Nine readers share practical ways they spend time with God—through prayer, Bible reading plans, journaling, and accountability. Their habits range from structured notebooks to simple daily rhythms that encourage consistency and reflection.
Their Joy Can Be Ours
Daily devotions that move from duty to delight To read the 23 testimonies shared in this week’s issue is at once to be humbled and encouraged. The examples show everyday believers pursuing prayer and Scripture in practical, disciplined ways. The point is not a regimen driven by guilt, but a relationship that shapes daily life. Everyday people develop creative, disciplined habits for prayer and Bible intake. Guilt-driven devotion tends to fade, but relationship-driven devotion grows. Mary’s lifelong familiarity with God’s Word shaped her faith and praise. By Mark A. Taylor To read the 23 testimonies shared in this week’s issue
Essential for a Satisfying Life
Walter Mischel’s marshmallow experiment shows how self-control shapes long-term outcomes. Discover why self-discipline matters and explore practical ways to strengthen self-control through crisis, learning, and everyday decisions.
Tell Us Your Plan!
Many Christians know they “ought” to read the Bible and pray daily, but still wonder how. This column invites readers to share simple devotional routines and practical helps. Email a paragraph with “devotions” in the subject line by October 3.
