Hope for Life (Page 2) 2013 Archives

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What My broken Clock Taught Me about Time

A broken clock reminded me that time is not about how it is measured.

We expend quite a bit of energy measuring time. It is not really important how much time we have, but rather what we do with it.

Don't Stop

Being the last to finish can still make you a winner

It's not enough to start the Christian race. We have to persevere to the finish line if we want to win the prize.

They Called It Minor Surgery

What do you think about when they put you to sleep for

Things you are glad to have figured out before surgery: Have I made a difference? I am going to die someday. I am not in control.

Teach Them Diligently

Do you need help in finding ways to teach your children about God?

The responsibility for teaching the children about God lay with the parents, and while reinforcing repeated who God was and what God had done, the process also became a continual reminder to the parents as well.

Love and Fear

Do we run toward God or run from him?

We don't have to live in fear of God, waiting for him to zap us when we make a mistake. Yes, our God is a just God who will punish sin. But for those of us who seek him, who enter into a relationship with him, he is merciful and good. His love frees us fr

Grieve with Hope

Why would anyone think Chrisitans do not grieve?

Christians grieve the loss of loved ones, but we grieve differently because even in death we have hope of a better life.

Fake

Bet you've faked a photo before

Photos often represent a "reality" that doesn't exist. They focus on the surface level. God looks beyond that, looking at the heart. How do we get our hearts right? God can fix them.

It Was an Earthquake

It actually bounced me off my seat.. So what did I learn about life from an earthquake?

My earthquake happened without warning and it helped me see what was important to remember about the earthquakes of life.

Trusting

You believe… are you ready to trust?

Trusting is a level higher than believing. Trusting God means that we not only believe in Him but that we know without a doubt that he will do what he says and will do it with our best interest at heart.

Members

What are we members of?

The church isn't an organization; it's an organism. Membership isn't optional. If we are in Christ, in a saving relationship with him, then we are necessarily members of his body. Christians don't choose to belong to the church; if they belong to Christ,

Rules, Rules, Rules

Baseball is more than just a set of confusing rules. So is Christianity

Christianity is more than a set of rules no one can follow. It is about a relationship with Jesus.

Look! It's My Obituary

Is that me among the death notices?

I need to think about dying. Not in a scared way, nor some kind of morbid obsession. I need to remember that death is coming… and it's not the end. I need to prepare for my real retirement, the one that will last forever. All of the "busyness" that surrou

The Family Farm

What is a better legacy than having a farm that has been in the family 110 years?

Our family has owned our farm for 110 years, but that is not our most important family legacy. Faith is.

The Friends

A friend in need is a friend indeed

As you read the accusations of the friends, Job must have done something really bad to provoke God and with Job's claim of innocence and bewilderment, it's easy to forget that up until the time they opened their mouths, they were doing what good friends d

Reality Check

Could the story be true?

The crucifixion and resurrection are at the heart of the good news of Jesus. He came to this world, was rejected and killed, then overcame death and the grave. One day he will come again, and God will judge the world through him. Those who have put their

Is Cleanliness really next to Godliness?

But isn't it OK if I think God said it... even if he didn't?

It is dangerous to assume God said something that he did not say. Even worse to think he said something different than what he really said.

Getting Ready

Are you ready?

We know that Jesus will come again. We have to get ready.

How Good Is Good enough, because I'm pretty Good

How good do you have to be to get into heaven?

As long as we can find someone worse than us, we think we are good enough to get into heaven. That kind of thinking misses the point.

Elihu Who?

There are Elihus all around us

In the book of Job, Elihu played an important role, preparing Job to hear the voice of God.

Distracted

Are you paying attention?

When it comes to finding your way through this world, no GPS can help you. No map program will get you there. You need directions from someone who really knows the way. The book of Psalms says, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path" (Ps

But these Rules Don't Apply to Me

What do you do with the people who treat rules as if they are only suggestsions?

God created us and knows how we function best. Why do we think we know better?

The Finish Line

It's not about starting, it's about finishing

It's important to start our walk with God, but even more important that we finish it. We have to persevere until the end.

Pulling Teeth and New Life

You can't have your big teeth till you get rid of the old ones. Life is like that too.

Jesus promises new life. Part of new life is getting rid of the old one.

Does God Have Faith in Me?

Does God have faith in you?

We know we need faith in God. But did you realize that God has faith in you?

Putting Words into God's Mouth

Did God really say that?

Just as people misquote celebrities, many misquote God or try to make him say things he never said. We need to study the Bible to know what God really said