Resources by Topic: Christian Life

The following verses remind us of the importance of actually listening and reading before we respond, both in person and online. Sadly, many of us don’t know how to read, pay attention, listen, or think critically, and it shows in our conversations and online interactions. 

I’ve received messages over the years from believers who say something along the lines of this: “I struggle with forgiving myself for a past sin. I’ve asked Christ’s forgiveness for it many times but can’t seem to resolve my feelings of guilt and accept God’s forgiveness.”

Years ago I put together a number of Scriptures on the power of our words. Their cumulative weight is stunning. In today’s world of social media, which allows us to publish comments to the world with the mere push of a button, more than ever we as God’s people need to read and meditate on Scripture, and examine our heart and habits. We need to be slower to anger and slower to speak, and quicker to hear and think biblically.

In this video clip, Randy Alcorn and Greg Laurie talk about hope for those without it and how we can find our hope in Christ.

In this video clip, Randy Alcorn and Pastor Greg Laurie discuss thoughts on Thanksgiving and having a Christ-centered perspective during the holidays. 

If you struggle with anger, it would be great for you to read these verses daily, mediate on them, memorize some of them, and ask God to give you victory. I do this in my own life in areas of struggle, and every Christian must do the same to experience the change we want, and in order to please and glorify Jesus.

Today’s guest blog about finding strength in God is by Stephanie Anderson, EPM staff member. When you’re a hard worker, as a mom, nurse, business person, farmer, or anything else, you need to pay special attention to Jesus the Rest-giver, who gives us this beautiful invitation: “Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28, GNT).

Scripture tells us to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). The following list of online resources and books can help you go deeper in your relationship with Christ and learn more about Him. 

I love these thoughts from Max Lucado about not just surviving but thriving in the coming month, despite the difficulties and disappointments we may have right now. Hope this encourages you, too.

This article about Psalm 112, written by Desiring God’s Scott Hubbard a few years ago, is especially applicable now in the face of the coronavirus crisis. Instead of dreading the short-term future and further losses it can bring, may we daily trust our faithful God in whatever we face next, and look forward to our eternal future and the joys that God has promised await us.

Our needs as Christ followers right now are the same as they are in times of ease, plenty, and comfort. But suffering and difficulty can make our calling and purpose much clearer. Puritan Thomas Watson said, “God takes away the world, that the heart may cleave more to Him in sincerity.” Let’s not waste this difficult season, but instead use it to study and learn and grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior (2 Peter 3:18).

This article by Ray Ortlund is thought-provoking and on target. Though his advice focuses on young men in ministry, his message is applicable for every believer of every age and vocation. Ray writes, “Only men with scars can preach a Savior with scars to sinners with scars. So, in addition to the many insights and skills God will impart to you, he also will wound you."

A friend recently shared the following from Corrie ten Boom. What she had to say about worry and God’s provision is wonderfully applicable today, especially with the fears over the coronavirus.

In my experience, when I have followed the Lord step by step, He has provided the courage I needed in increments. He’s the one who tells us, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).