Resources by Topic: Christian Life

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).  

In this video clip, Randy gives a message on what it means to be the light of the world. Jesus as the source and primary light, believers as a secondary light and reflection of His glory. 

We’re called to a life of endurance empowered by Christ, and accompanied by joyful thanksgiving. Endurance requires patience, because reward for today’s right choices will come, but it may be months or years from now, or not until we leave this world.

In her book Friend-ish: Reclaiming Real Friendship in a Culture of Confusion, Kelly Needham skillfully points us toward true biblical friendships. She shows us the beauty and necessity of biblical friendships and the ways friendships can assume the wrong place. Hope you enjoy this excerpt from the book.

Whether you are a grocery clerk, an assembly line worker, a salesperson, a flight attendant, a stay-at-home mom, or a professional athlete, or whether you have a primary ministry of prayer or encouraging people, God has given you a unique platform.

Working for minimum wage, or for no pay at all, when done honestly and for God’s glory, can bring more joy than any million-dollar salary.

Everyone has priorities. In moments of perspective, some of us realize we haven’t been living by the right ones, and need to change our priorities. Others of us have long known the right priorities and need to rediscover them.

When Jesus Christ came to Earth, one of the names given to him was Immanuel, which means “God with us.” The Incarnation means that God came down to live with us.

Question from a reader: I’ve been visiting a church with biblical teaching that focuses on missions and evangelism and other good things. But I don’t think I agree with how they practice baptism. What is the difference between Credobaptist and Paedobaptist? Should beliefs about baptism keep me from belonging to an otherwise biblically solid church?