The Slow Work of God: Why Spiritual Growth Takes Time
Spiritual growth is not a checklist—it’s a journey. And journeys take time.
Articles for tag: mountaintop
June 3, 2024
June 9 Application | ‘Learning About God in Unexpected Ways’
"Preachers and seminary professors have a lot to teach us, but so do new believers and little kids," David Faust writes. "And so do atheists and doubters whose questions make us dig deeper into the Scriptures and think harder about what we believe. . . ."
March 13, 2023
March 19 | Application (‘The Lowest Point on Earth’)
When you find yourself in low places—morally, physically, relationally, or circumstantially—the God of grace is able to repair your “broken walls” and restore what seems ruined (Amos 9:11). . . .
March 6, 2023
March 12 | Application (‘A Guide for the Journey’)
Last fall I led a group on a Holy Land tour, but I should qualify the word "led." My job was to lead devotions, encourage travelers, and provide biblical insights along the way. But our group also needed a leader who knew the customs, language, and traffic patterns of Israel and Jordan. We needed a guide! . . .
December 6, 2021
Dec. 12 | Application
Maybe you find it difficult to completely figure out the transfiguration, and you wonder how this incident applies to us today. Here are some practical points to consider . . .
November 8, 2021
Nov. 14 | Application
Sometimes Christians stay spiritually stagnant instead of maturing. Here are five disciplines the Lord uses to help us grow.
September 20, 2021
Sept. 26 | Application
Hebrews 12 compares two mountains. Mount Sinai was dark and scary, and for most people it was unapproachable. Fortunately for us, Jesus is “the mediator of a new covenant” (Hebrews 12:24), so we are invited to a different kind of mountaintop experience.
September 1, 2021
He Made Us Better: The Life and Ministry of Sam E. Stone
I waited outside the dean’s office on a steamy summer afternoon in 1976. I was 22 years old—eager but nervous about enrolling in graduate school—and I brought my wife with me to meet the seminary dean. A friend once advised, “If you have butterflies in your stomach, get them to fly in formation,” but Candy and I couldn’t disguise our apprehension as we took our seats on the other side of the dean’s desk. Our anxiety quickly changed to relief when he smiled, his eyes sparkling behind dark-rimmed glasses. The dean shook our hands and said warmly, “I’m glad you’re
July 12, 2021
July 18 | Application
Public speaking isn’t for everyone. We’re not all like Peter, who preached and saw thousands baptized. But if we watch for opportunities, we all can be like Philip, who shared the gospel with an audience of one . . . an Ethiopian in a chariot.
May 17, 2021
May 23 | Kingly Character: Mercy and Humility
Even though Saul had compromised his kingship, David still had respect for the office.
June 22, 2019
Get Moving
By Stephen Brownlow I was new to the desert and didn’t know what to expect, other than what I’d always heard: “It’s a dry heat.” I parked my car at the base of the mountain and looked over my supplies: backpack (check); copious amounts of water (check); sunscreen (check). I opened the car door and stepped onto the scorching-hot pavement. I thought the soles of my boots might melt before I reached the trail. The climb was hot—very hot. I paused in the shade of a saguaro cactus, an unexpected but welcome relief. I drank water though I wasn’t thirsty.
April 24, 2018
Three Prayers
By Jackina Stark A few years ago, Anne Lamott wrote a little book on prayer titled Help, Thanks, Wow. Many of our prayers can fit those informal labels. It is not surprising that Help is first in the list. News outlets remind us the world is full of need. Help, Father. Children all over the world are being sold as labor and sex slaves. Help, Lord. Hurricanes and fires and earthquakes and mudslides and tornadoes and floods are taking homes; they’re taking lives. Help. Maniacs are shooting people at concerts and in churches. Help. Corruption and greed are ravaging the
November 25, 2017
The Blessing Freely and Naturally Given
By Dave Stone No one has any say into which family he or she is born. But someday I intend to thank the Lord for the parents he gave to my brother, Jeff, and me. Sam Stone has been known to many by a variety of titles: Preacher, Seminary Dean, Editor, Brotherhood Leader, and North American Christian Convention President. But I”ve been fortunate to just call him Dad. What a blessing! When asked why we chose to go into the ministry, Jeff and I typically give the same response: “Because our dad was the same man in the home as
September 13, 2013
Careful on the Way Down
By David Ray Someone who”s done a  study about mountain climbing made an interesting discovery. As risk-filled as the ascent may be, more than half of all climbing fatalities occur on the way down. For example, of the fatalities that had occurred on Mount Everest””the world”s tallest mountain””about 60 percent of them happened while the climbers were descending back to base camp. Different reasons for this phenomenon have been suggested, but there is often a natural letdown that comes after any great goal has been accomplished. With adrenaline pumping and a summit in sight, climbers may master an ascent. But
September 17, 2012
Lesson for September 23, 2012: Faith Inspires Gratitude (Hebrews 12:14-29)
This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. ______ By Sam E. Stone The supremacy of the new covenant over the old is the theme of today”s text. Thomas Hewitt explained, “The author”s aim in this is to show that higher privileges carry with them greater responsibilities.” He makes his point by contrasting two mountains, Mount Sinai (also called Mount Horeb) and Mount Zion, explaining what each site means. Mountain of Terror Hebrews 12:18-21 The role of Mount Sinai in Old Testament history is unparalleled. It was here
June 21, 2012
Strategies to De-stress Leadership
By Sheila S. Hudson “Put the big ones in first,” my father-in-law advises. Pop-Pop, as the great-grandchildren have dubbed him, is a very wise man. He has been an elder in the church as long as I can remember. I ponder his advice. Today Pop-Pop is in his element with his 14 great-grandchildren as his audience. He lets each of them try filling a jug with rocks, sand, and water. After putting sand, pebbles, and water in the jar, however, the children discover the larger rocks won”t fit. Then Pop-Pop shows them the secret: When you place the big rocks
March 14, 2010
Friendship Matters
By Kelly Kastens Fifty years ago in a subdivision that was still under construction in Fairfield, Ohio, 12 women began to gather once a month to play bridge. The card playing was fun and getting out of the house for the night was even better! I have vivid memories of these get-togethers throughout my childhood because one of these women was my mom. I especially loved it when it was “our” turn to host. I helped clean the house, set up the card tables, and prepare the food. I was allowed to greet everyone and help fix beverages, and then
September 28, 2008
The Earth Is the Lord’s?
By Robert F. Hull Jr. “The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it” (Psalm 24:1, New Revised Standard Version). How do we understand such an exclusive claim? What does it mean that you and I can hold title to a piece of property, when the whole earth belongs to God? What are my obligations of stewardship for the half-acre on which my house sits, and what are our common obligations to the earth that sustains all living things? COME HOME Come home with me. When native Appalachians who have
June 19, 2005
‘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.
