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NEWS: A Christmas Reflection by Dr. Mary Neal

November 24, 2012

A Christmas Reflection by Dr. Mary Neal, #1 New York Times best-selling author of To Heaven and Back

It is that time of year when there is a chill in the air and the brilliantly yellow, orange and red colored leaves fall gently to the ground. For me, this annual display of God’s handiwork sounds the warning bell of the coming winter. I am reminded that it is time to stack firewood, dig out warm jackets, clean the skis, and prepare for my favorite holiday: Christmas…

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God’s Blessings

November 23, 2012

It is vital that we recognize and express our daily appreciation to God for the overwhelming blessings He provides to us. Anyone who seriously considers the opportunities and financial resources available to North American and European Christians in comparison to the billions who live in less-developed, less-prosperous countries will acknowledge that we are blessed.

When we consider our blessings compared to virtually all those who lived in past centuries, we must acknowledge that we are truly blessed to live in this era. Our access to healthcare, medicine, sanitation, clean water, and economic opportunities are unmatched in past centuries and in most parts of the world today.

The Word of God affirms that it is God’s blessing that provides the gift of wealth: “But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power [ … ]

Happiness

November 22, 2012

It’s impossible to be grateful and unhappy at the same moment in time. Any moment, hour, day, or week that you are unhappy, you have chosen to let your focus rest on something other than the gifts you have been given. Let your unhappiness serve as an alarm to redirect your focus and energy. If you want to increase your happiness, follow Solomon’s example: Make a list of all the things that you should be grateful for. Then, every time you notice unhappiness creeping into your thoughts, redirect your focus to those wonderful gifts.

Excerpted from The Richest Man Who Ever Lived by Steven K. Scott

Daily Reflection: What are things on your list that you are grateful for?

NEWS: Under the Overpass Reaches 100,000 Copies in Print

November 20, 2012

 

Under The Overpass has now surpassed 100,000 copies in print, and a movie based on Mike Yankoski’s remarkable story is scheduled to go into production in 2013. Under the Overpass details Mike’s intentional homelessness—his five month journey through the underbelly of the American dream, from upper-middle class plush to scum-of-the-earth repulsive.

Heaven

November 20, 2012

When I [Randy Alcorn] explained the premise of my book Heaven, my friend looked at me, incredulous. I rephrased my explanation using different Scriptures and illustrations and suddenly the light went on. He said, “I’ve never thought this way before. I don’t think many people have.”

Unfortunately, he’s right. Few have thought long and carefully about where they will spend eternity, and those who have given any thought at all to it often have notions that are popular in our culture but lack any biblical basis.

In this excerpt from Deception, Ollie looks to Jake and Clarence for a reason to anticipate Heaven:

“Why would anyone want to go to heaven? When my grandmother spoke about heaven, it was the last place I wanted to go. Who wants to be a ghost anyway? My idea of utopia was a place [ … ]

Just Like Your Father

November 19, 2012

The woman asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. “Oh yes!” he replied. “I cannot take my eyes off the silver. If it is left in the furnace even a moment too long, it will be destroyed.” The woman suddenly understood the beauty and comfort of Malachi 3:3: “He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.”

Yes, there are times when it seems as if we will be swallowed whole by the fires of hell itself. The pain seems too hard to bear. The fear is paralyzing. The doubt is overwhelming and the questions flood our hearts and minds…

Our trials are not random persecutions. Heaven is not in a panic. Where we are and what we are going through [ … ]

Following His Example

November 16, 2012

Genuine forgiveness does not depend upon another’s response. It is based on truth—the truth that Christ has forgiven us. Whether others respond well to our desire for reconciliation—or completely reject it—is irrelevant. What is relevant is that we choose to be obedient and follow the example of our Lord.

Excerpted from Fierce Beauty by Kim Meeder

Daily Reflection: How will you choose to be obedient and follow His example?

SNEAK PEEK: One Month to Love by Kerry & Chris Shook

November 15, 2012

Improve your most important relationships—starting today.

Click here to download chapter one of One Month to Love.

At the end of the day in this all-too-short life, what matters most is relationships. Spouse, parent, child, friend—whoever your closest loved ones are, they warrant more than a passing glance; they deserve an intentional and meaningful relationship with you. The One Month to [ … ]