Jesus said, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst” (John 6:35, NASB).
Bread. Homemade, fragrant, warm bread. It never tastes better than on a cold wintry day. Something about that snowy cold, while I am snug inside a warm house triggers the baking gene in me.
Read MoreThirty-eight years is a long time, and for a long time my self-image mirrored this lame man. I had a “tendency for dependency”, and not the godly kind. For too long I yielded passively to the desires, demands or opinions of others and depended on my own lame excuse.
Years ago I had a job that required all my time and all my attention, or so I thought. By investing those two God-given commodities in a job, I was completely empty when I left that job…
Read MoreViktor was a notorious drug dealer running a major drug operation in Tajikistan in the early 1990’s. He was so successful at what he did, that he was offered a job to smuggle drugs across the border into Afghanistan that would increase his operations dramatically. However, he was arrested in 1996 after being caught with 9 pounds of heroin. While in jail he began to have increased depression and anxiety because of his confinement. He began to contemplate suicide. “I felt empty inside and did not want to live anymore. I did not know how long I would be in jail,” he said.
Read MoreIf you are a parent, have you ever tried to inspire your children with a good old-fashioned pep talk? Maybe it was before a big game, an important test, or a job interview. My children are still young, but I’ve made one strong impression on my daughter’s soccer team through my weekly pep talks. Before her games, I ask her: “Ellie, who is going to win today?” Sometimes her entire team will answer my question by shouting, “The team that wants it the most will win!” As a mother, I take seriously my role in inspiring my children to rise to the occasion!
Read MoreMany years ago, I accompanied a friend to West Africa. For two weeks, we took turns carrying a large wooden cross on our shoulders. As we walked, curious onlookers began to follow. As soon as a crowd of 50-100 intrigued people had gathered around us, we stopped for a drink of water and shared the Gospel. A team of native pastors translated for us, and their churches eagerly embraced those who responded to the love of Jesus.
As we traveled far from the city, something unexpected happened…
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