Resources by Topic: Christian Life

As it has been for many of you, 2020 has been a difficult year for Nanci and me for many reasons. But the more difficult the year, the more we need to take time to focus on giving thanks and praising our God of grace.

We have to remember that Satan is a liar (John 8:44). He wants to lead us away from Jesus and to make us doubt Him. So those doubts and fears and bad thoughts are not coming from the Holy Spirit. They are coming from the enemy of your soul.

I personally benefited from David Powlison's outstanding book Good and Angry, and highly recommend it. Here David addresses Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness, and how that works when those who’ve wronged us either can’t or won’t ask for forgiveness.

When we worship God as God, everything else falls into place—and hobbies, sports, music, reading, and entertainment can all enrich our lives as intended. Scripture gives us this command: “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). 

This article by Melissa Kruger about the power of a quiet, ordinary, faithful, and Christ-honoring life resonated with me. Although Melissa’s original audience was women, her wisdom is applicable for every reader. Hope this encourages you as it did me.

In 2020, Randy Alcorn spoke at his home church, Good Shepherd Community Church in Boring, OR. In this video, he speaks from Romans 14 on division and unity among believers.

Jesus said, “Apart from me, you can do nothing” (John 15:5). How effective will we be in exercising our spiritual gifts? As effective as the degree of our dependence upon God. We’re to pray to Him and ask Him to help us serve our brothers and sisters.

I personally know a number of people who could be called “Christian celebrities” but lead by example and genuinely seek to honor God with the platform He has given them. But unfortunately, the modern evangelical culture sometimes generates Christian celebrities and lavishes them with wealth and attention they’re not prepared to handle. 

We have to look at our lives as a window of opportunity, because none of us has unlimited time. Everyone, no matter who they are, has 168 hours a week, and we’re supposed to spend about a third of it sleeping, and then another large amount of that likely goes to work. But in terms of what we call discretionary time, how much do we actually have? And how are we spending it?

When I was emailing with a friend recently about the issues surrounding the election, she shared the encouragement she has found in Hebrews 12:25-29, which talks about God's unshakeable kingdom.

Question from a Reader: I’m a deep thinker, and like to research and understand things. My friend tells me I shouldn’t rely on only my intellect as my ultimate authority, but if not, then what should I rely on? At the end of the day aren’t we all kind of stuck in terms of relying on whatever intellect is available to us? 

In northern Israel lies the beautiful Sea of Galilee, where Jesus often sailed with His disciples. Water freely flows from it into the Jordan River. Its water is fresh and life-giving. But 88 miles south is a radically different sea.

In our last blog we shared part one of the responses from our EPM staff and board members to the question Stephanie Anderson asked, “What is God teaching you in this season?” Today’s blog is part two. I think you’ll be greatly encouraged by what they had to share.

In this blog, our EPM staff and board members share what God has been teaching them in this challenging season. Terrific insights. I invite you to share what God is teaching you and what Scripture has been most meaningful to you by leaving a comment on my Facebook page!