Articles for tag: Danny R. Von Kanel

June 27, 2014

By Danny R. Von Kanel Devastated or disappointed by your recent failure? Maybe you should see it as the first step toward your success. Christian businessman James Cash Penney Jr., who founded the J.C. Penney retail chain in the early 1900s, failed in his first foray into business in 1898, after he refused to give liquor to the cook of the hotel that was buying a good percentage of the meat from his butcher shop. Though Penney was devastated by the blow, in the end, it proved to be a blessing. Penney had a unique view of failing that resulted

April 5, 2014

Christian Standard

Prayer Worship & Prayer

When Praying Becomes Hard

By Danny R. Von Kanel Dot lost a son and daughter””her son died in an accident and her daughter from cancer. Praying became difficult. The pain silenced any attempt to approach God. Her dilemma seemed insurmountable. Yet, over time, communication returned, her pain eased, and life became livable again. Dot stumbled upon some keys to reopening communication with God after praying becomes difficult. These six keys can help restore that dialogue. 1. Tell God It”s Hard to Pray When you tell God it”s hard to pray, you are praying. Simply say, “God, it”s too hard to pray to you

January 19, 2014

Christian Standard

Christian Living

The Eyes of Jesus

By Danny R. Von Kanel “When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things” (Mark 6:34). The essence of love””our Lord Jesus Christ””showed compassion toward people. Can we have such compassion? The answer is an unequivocal YES! Use these tools to nurture compassion and see others through Christ”s eyes. Recognize people as sheep without a shepherd. As we wrestle with the lost condition of humanity, God will quicken our spirits concerning their need of a shepherd (Mark 6:34). Jesus said he

June 22, 2013

Christian Standard

Discipleship & Spiritual Formation Spiritual Disciplines

Training for Godliness

By Danny R. Von Kanel Approaching the last lap, Allen”s third-place position was typical. We had crossed the countryside to watch him run races, but in the end, there was little drama. Allen, it seemed, finished each two-mile run in third place. But this race would be different. Rounding the curve, Allen pulled even with the second runner. Halfway through the last lap, Allen pulled even with the first-place runner. Then a sprint ensued to the finish line . . . but Allen lost by a nose. Running has application to the Christian life. First Timothy 4:8 says, “For physical

December 31, 2012

Christian Standard

Discipleship & Spiritual Formation

Closed for Renovations

When we talk about makeovers, we”re usually focusing on externals: a newÂ hairdo, new makeup, or maybe a new kitchen or paint job for our house.Â What would happen if Christians took time for a spiritual “inside” makeover? By Danny R. Von Kanel As we prepare to face a new year, maybe this is the time to consider a spiritual makeover. The following steps can help make it happen. Take a spiritual inventory of your relationship with Christ. A spiritual inventory reveals your spiritual condition. Such honest grappling with your spiritual state includes addressing sin, character flaws, relationships, spiritual disciplines,