Special Features (Page 18)

Falling Leaves

Is death always an intrusion and a tragedy?

Mike Barres reminds us that death, like the falling of leaves in autumn, is a natural part of our world and we need to make sure we honor God when that time comes.

Checking Off Boxes?

How can we move away from this demeaning habit?

Russ Lawson reminds us that we need to give up our check off the boxes mentality when it comes to thanking God and just respond to his grace genuinely from the heart.

The Value of Small

How much do you value small things?

Tom Norvell reminds us of the importance of small things and to not get so hung up on big things.

Rest for the Weary

Where can we turn when we are worn out and discouraged?

Tom Norvell reminds us and prays for us to find rest from our weariness in the Lord.

Praise the Lord Anyway

How in the world can you praise the Lord at a time like this?

Mike Barres reminds us that life is full of hardship and curve balls, but we can learn to praise the Lord anyway.

It Won't Ever Happen to Us!

Why is it so easy for us to live in denial?

Larry Zinck talks about the wildfire destruction and how people can live so close to the danger zone and think it won't ever happen to them.

A Cup of Cool Water

How can we help?

Disaster Relief sites are given for the California fires

A Rose by Any Other Name Might Be ... Jim!

So what really is your name?

Patrick Odum talks about a humorous situation where his neighbor repeatedly called him Jim even though that was not his name.

Is It Time Yet?

Does he really act at just the right time?

Russ Lawson reminds us that even though it is hard to wait patiently, God always responds to our prayers at just the right time and we should never give up asking him for his help.

The Final Flight

What's your ultimate destination?

Russ Lawson reminds us that we will all have a final flight and we want to make sure the destination is the good one, God!

The Brevity of Life

Don't the years seem to pass more quickly now?

How can we discern the time we have and number our days in a proper manner -- we cannot unless we look to the Lord for his help, his presence, and his guidance.

Igniting People's Passion

What does it take to set your church on fire?

Larry Davies reminds us that igniting people's passion is what it's all about in the life of the church and we need to do that, then turn them loose and let them go!

Missing It

How badly have you missed it or messed it up?

Tom Norvell reminds us to praise God for what he has done in our lives, not explain it away.

Beauty in Silence

What can be said without words?

Rubel Shelly remembers famed mime Marcel Marceau and how the silence is powerful and helps us hear, especially hear the voice of God.

Consider Your Words

How many words are too many words?

Tom Norvell makes a short and simple point about not using too many words.

Servin' Safari

Now what are we hunting on this one?

Patrick Odum reminds us that we shouldn't get weary in doing kind acts of service simply because we can't see the results, because do good is a result all by itself.

Spiritually Muddled

How clear is your thinking?

Mike Barres reminds us that we often confuse our muddled thinking, our inability to decide what to do, not because the decision is difficult, but because we don't want to obey.

The Comforter

Where can I find the strength and comfort I need?

Russ Lawson reminds us of the comfort that we can find in God and His word if we will trust and believe it.

Do Not Lose Heart!

Some words you just have to repeat until you believe!

Tom Norvell reminds us that some times we just have to hang to hope, keep repeating what is true and not lose heart.

Luxury Addiction

How much has your stuff become your owner?

Patrick Odum challenges us with some real truths about luxury and greed and what it does to our walk with God and our genuine opportunities to be happy.

Can Words Have Authority?

Can anyone actually speak with real authority today?

Russ Lawson reminds us that while some words are balderdash and came to us through crazy circumstances, Jesus words are the opposite: he speaks with real authority.

I Take It Back

Sometimes we wish we could put the genie back into the bottle!

Tom Norvell reminds us about the nature of regrets and the wish we hadn't done what we've done, so he encourages us to live life differently.

What Matters Most?

So what's the real gist of the problem?

Tom Norvell shares several quotes from the Bible that share what is most important to God, then reminds us that it is about loving God and loving others and we need to get down and just do it!

Beyond Herding Ducks

Sometimes being a turkey isn't so bad after all!

Russ Lawson uses a trip to a farm to remind us how we can choose to respond differently to Jesus: follow or be pushed, be led or run away.

Waiting Can Be a Blessing!

How hard is it really to wait for this?

Tom Norvell describes the blessings promised to those who wait on the Lord from Isaiah.