The stakes have never been higher for Christian parents and grandparents to be equipped to understand the young people in their lives. But the current culture can seem hostile to the Good News of Jesus. How can we learn to…
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Imagine this: one Christian reaches one person for Jesus over the course of six months, and then that cycle continues with each believer reaching another person for Christ every six months — in about 35 years we could reach the entire population of the earth with the gospel! But this is only possible if the church pivots from an “addition” method of evangelism and instead models Jesus’ method of spiritual multiplication.
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Jesus has revealed God’s road to greatness in the Scriptures, but it’s counter to our culture, and certainly counter to our instincts. It requires intention, planning, humility, and faith. He teaches that anyone who wants to achieve greatness can do so, as long as they follow HIS ROAD — the one less traveled.
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At Living on the Edge, we see the need and we’ve had the privilege of bringing resources and training to pastors all over the world. The scope of our task is not simply local or generational; it’s global. Here are just a couple of the ways we’ve strategized to equip and encourage pastors.
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One of my greatest concerns in life is the spiritual lives of my children and grandchildren. It’s no secret that our world is becoming increasingly anti-life, anti-marriage, anti-gender, and anti-Christian. It’s one thing to educate and prepare myself for hard discussions or outright ridicule, but it’s another thing entirely when I think about our kids growing up in this climate. How can we respond?
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Did you know that more than 150,000 people have participated in Daily Discipleship? I’m even more excited by their personal responses to God! But with a world that seems to be increasingly confused about biblical truth, we know there’s more work to be done. Partner with us today and help us disciple and encourage more people as they grow deeper in the faith.
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Some of us live freely because of His love and others find themselves tip-toeing to avoid sin and live a pretty good life. But God wants more for His followers! He KNOWS you and has a dream for YOUR life. Want to learn more? I can’t wait to share it with you.
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In our small-minded human-nature economy, we think that freedom means going our own way. In fact, freedom is found in laying our lives down in the service of God, the One who made us, who knows us, and who has welcomed us into fellowship with Him. It is in this state of full surrender that the longing to obey rises up in us.
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As followers and disciples of Christ, we all have the same purpose of life. The difference is how it’s played out in our lives. What’s God calling you to do or change so He can live His life in you and through you? In this article, we’ll uncover the one aspect of our faith that is crucial to understanding God’s direction and purpose in our lives right now.
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Study these verses and consider what God is asking of you in this moment of history. Join thousands of others who are taking radical steps of faith to fulfill His mission, from committing to their families wholeheartedly to launching a new ministry. What’s your holy ambition?
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I’m often asked to explain what it means to be a disciple. In this article, we’ll define “disciple” and then explore the steps we can take to follow Jesus with an impactful, radical faith.
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The term baptism conjures up a variety of reactions depending on your family background and church history. In this article, let’s explore the basics of the practice of baptism and touch on six important things you need to know about baptism as it’s described in the Scriptures.
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Weighed down in fear, you and I are both at risk of becoming nice, moral, religious people who miss what God called us to do in this life. Do you want more? Each of us has a call from God to make a significant impact at this pivotal moment in history. We all have a purpose in this life. Will you answer yours?
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Self-worth is, at times, a struggle for every one of us. Were you raised in a healthy, Christian family who encouraged you to seek your identity in Christ? Or were you raised in a way that connected your identity to external markers? No matter your upbringing, there are times when we all grab the world’s measuring stick and use it to gauge our self-worth. It’s time to learn to see yourself through the eyes of your Creator.
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Like the rebellious sheep, we foolishly run away when our shepherd is chasing after us. We misunderstand His pursuit and have a hard time believing that He really wants to help us. But instead of punishing the sheep, he gives up everything for the rebellious sheep to be found. Be encouraged by this truth!
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Do you want to replace negative thoughts but don’t know where to begin? Maybe you’ve prayed for a better perspective and tried to renew your mind but you aren’t experiencing relief. Learn some practical steps that, when done faithfully, will train you to recognize, stop, and renew your mind by replacing lies with God’s truths.
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The enemy has creative ways of discouraging us during difficult times. Sometimes we stop having hope; other times we begin to see life as unfair and our circumstances as unjust. Or, other times, we’re just stuck in our emotions and pain. God knows your pain and has compassion for what we endure as sojourners on the earth. In His lovingkindness, He gives us encouragement for the journey.
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In your hardship, take comfort knowing that God knows all things actual and possible. This doesn’t mean that difficult circumstances disappear, but it does mean that He promises to equip you with a supernatural gift to help you get unstuck, overcome, and thrive in your hardship. Here are the steps to begin that process.
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What could make a man who went from an athlete on the football field to a paraplegic in a wheelchair say, “If I could do it all over again, I wouldn’t change a thing”? In response to crisis and tragedy, he learned to shift his questions from those of a victim to those of an overcomer.
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BONUS: Quick access to register for Chip’s Daily Discipleship Challenge. Get equipped to face difficulties and overcome tragedy with God’s wisdom and perspective. How have hard times changed you? Have the difficult circumstances that you’ve faced made you stronger or…
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Be reminded of God’s love for you with these encouraging scriptures. In a recent sermon series called Real Love in Real Life, I explore the powerful and complex — yet universal — topic of love. For instance, if it’s such…
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Being aware of our differences allows us to acknowledge, understand, and appreciate them. What a great opportunity to become an agent of God’s grace! But it’s not always that simple, right? That’s why I’m going to share the action plan I’ve seen transform relationships, my marriage included.
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The relationship between stress and anger isn’t unusual. The more pressured, burned out, overwhelmed, or busy we become, the more anger will lie in wait, ready to explode at any moment. In this article, I share 12 biblical methods I’ve found helpful for reducing stress and increasing the peace in my life.
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What has the kind of power to turn normal human beings who, on most days, are kind and considerate, into people that seep anger or explode violently? The answer is our emotions. Each of us has a method for dealing with our feelings — particularly the emotion of anger — and some of our responses can destroy our day, our relationships, or even our lives. Thankfully, the Creator of our emotions has wisdom to share on anger — both righteous and unhealthy.
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Do you dream of living free from the vices that separate you from God? Or have you given up and started to assume that’s just how life is going to be and you’re powerless to fight? There’s a battle being fought for the throne of your heart. Will you give the “win” to false gods or the one, true God?
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It’s easy to give ourselves a pass on the commandments that forbid idol worship. In our culture, we don’t carve images to be served and most of us never physically bow to anything. And yet, if we explore what idol worship means, we’d be surprised by its pervasiveness in our everyday lives.
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While most of us intellectually generally agree on the concept of being one another’s keeper, we have varied in our approach to living that out. If we agree that it works, why aren’t we engaging? I believe we’ve forgotten the power of biblical accountability relationships and the impact they can have on our spiritual walk and lifelong legacy.
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God’s highest and best is achieved and accomplished in us when we choose to live a balanced life with healthy priorities. The question is: how do we achieve that in the current era of chronic busyness when our time is filled with good and necessary things?
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When it comes to my spiritual walk, I have found what keeps me motivated day in and day out, for decades on end. No practice has impacted my faith more than spending time with God. To pass along the tricks I’ve used to cement this habit into my life, I’ve broken it down into five simple prayers that reflect powerful principles I’d like to share with you.
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I used to think Jesus was unknowable, like a politician or a rock star. And then I encountered Him in a new way. Let’s ask four common questions and get to know Jesus the way we’d get to know a new friend, asking questions that uncover their story. It’s through these answers that we’ll be able to piece together the truth, answering “Who is Jesus?”
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The world is uncertain and fragile, and we know we’re called to be a voice of HOPE. In 2022-2023 Living on the Edge will bring hope, training, and Bible engagement to more people by doubling three different areas of ministry. When you access the full Vision Report, you’ll discover how that’s already happening, and the plan to widen the impact.
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You don’t have to look far to notice the world is changing rapidly. What are your thoughts and attitudes and actions about what’s happening all around us? With these three practices, you can declare God’s sovereignty and seek Him for answers so you can faithfully thrive in this world.
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In the New Testament, shepherding was often used to illustrate Jesus and His followers. The similarities are numerous, but there is one thing in particular that reveals how the Good Shepherd really feels about His sheep and how that relates to God’s perspective of us.
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Many believers aren’t sure how to read the Bible and apply it to their lives, and they’re trusting others to tell them how. Today, learn to unpack truth and timely applications from any portion of the Scriptures.
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Did you know that YOU are the single biggest influence on the lives and actions and behaviors of your kids? If you haven’t been parenting that way, it’s not too late to change direction. There is a way to achieve your dream of raising compassionate, character-filled kids, and you don’t need to be an expert to be the hero your kids need.
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The number one source of marital conflict and divorce in America is around the subject of money. It’s no surprise considering the infinite number of differing perspectives on the subject. In this article, Chip Ingram outlines 4 steps for fixing money problems in marriage.
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As married couples, a lot of us are exhausted and out of ideas to create spiritual intimacy in our relationship. It might feel too vulnerable to seek God together, or you might be in a season where you aren’t interested in any kind of intimacy. Also, many of us have gotten to the point where we’ve resigned ourselves to going through the motions. God designed marriage to be so much more!
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Where is God when we hit rock bottom? What does He think of us when He finds us there? And what does He really think of irreligious, immoral people? By sharing three parables, Jesus gave us the answers. Learn the five significant parts of every redemption story, whether it’s your story or mine.
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Have you ever gotten caught up in the busyness of doing things for God? Serving and reading and praying and checking off all the boxes, and yet—if you were honest—those efforts weren’t exactly producing the free, Spirit-filled, faith you’d expected? In this article, Chip Ingram dispels a popular myth about bearing fruit and shows us a clear picture of what it means to abide in Christ.
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In a recent sermon series, Chip Ingram explores the way our true identity in Christ begins with first understanding what He thinks about us. Do you know what He says about YOU? To jump ahead to each of the 10…
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Every parent has a dream for his or her child, and God is no different. You are His child, and He has a dream for you. Read ahead and uncover that dream, and the way God will help you achieve it with true spirituality.
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All of us struggle from time to time. But some of us are prisoners of our struggles. What’s at the root of these struggles, and how can we experience healing and overcome? Romans 12 provides us with steps to forgive those who’ve hurt or persecuted us.
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As you take three specific steps of obedience in your faith journey, answers are revealed. Together, let’s explore those fruitful stages of growth and direction.
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In this article, you’ll learn that conflict is expected, and yet against our instincts to handle it well. Taking a note from the Apostle Paul and his colleagues, we’ll uncover the biblical framework for handling disagreements and establishing peace.
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What if God is orchestrating a perfect situation in your life, but you’re missing it? You can’t see His wisdom because the circumstances are a mess and seem unbearable, and yet they’re His perfect means to accomplish His perfect plan in you? In this article, we’ll uncover why you can be assured that His plans are good, loving and wise.
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Though love is a universal need, there’s also a tragic disconnect between those who are starved for love and yet haven’t received it. Some people have no idea God even cares for them. Others are aware and have drunk from the ocean of His love.
Still others can see the sparkling, thirst-quenching water and yet they choose not to drink. There’s a huge set of people who’ve tasted the water and then get distracted and live their own way, finding water substitutes.
Your early experiences, your family of origin issues, and your religious training (or lack thereof) have left you with a picture of God in your mind. The problem is that our view of Him is distorted, and that impacts every single decision you make in life. Have you ever considered to what extent? How would your life change if your view of God was clear and true?
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Is there anything harder than relationships? Marriage brings countless opportunities for strife and dissension; same with raising kids. What about your unresolved issues with parents or old friends? Or co-workers and neighbors? Disagreements and friction are a given with we’re living alongside others, and yet God tells us to live peacefully with others.
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Fear and anxiety can take on many different forms, but God wants to provide His unchanging peace to every one of us who struggles. In this article, I’ll share the 4 kinds of prayer that will lead you to experience peace in your life.
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Which strongholds in your life have been broken? How are you experiencing freedom in Christ today? Let’s explore how societal freedoms have come from God’s principles. To jump to the 2 practical ways to cultivate the fruit that’s found in…
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What does it look like to put your trust in God every day in a post-truth, divided world? When our world gets shaky and we’re faced with uncertainty, our reaction to those circumstances says a lot about the object of our hope. Is it possible to trust God and cling to hope in a divided, post-truth world?
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What makes a bond between two people a genuine, biblical friendship? What does the Bible say about friendship? Since our childhoods, we’ve been creating associations with others. We know how to strike up conversation and find shared interests. But do we know how to move from small talk to intimacy? Can you imagine having the kind of biblical friendship that’s based on faith, commitment, loyalty and pointing each other to Jesus?
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At a pivotal moment in my teenage years, I came to realize that God genuinely cared about me. But it wasn’t until later that I understood the difference between following the rules and practicing authentic Christianity. Let’s unpack Romans 12…
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Have you ever tried hard to pray with confidence? What did it look like for you? Did you have the assurance the writer talks about in the verse? Maybe you started out discouraged, but then you turned desire into determination and prayed with boldness that God would answer your prayer. I’ve been there many times in life, and eventually I learned that I was missing one key ingredient.
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When life is impossible, we pray to God for help. Jesus’ followers in the Early Church have lessons to teach us about bringing God’s supernatural power into our desperate situations. To jump ahead in the article, you can use these…
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Be encouraged today when you reflect on these 10 reminders from the Bible to pray faithfully, simply and confidently. We can approach God confidently. God wants to refine us through confession. Jesus wants us to remain in Him. Give thanks…
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The Scriptures reveal the spiritual warfare that’s occurring under our noses, both in obvious and subtle ways. In this article, we’ll spotlight 12 Bible verses you can hold on to for recognizing and resisting the Enemy’s plans. Because for every person on the planet — and for this planet itself — there are two competing agendas: life and death.
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I’m often asked the seemingly simple question, “How can I grow as a Christian?” This inquiry comes from lifetime students of the Bible as well as new converts. Because we all know how to learn more and do more, but what about being more effective and living out the calling of Jesus to be witnesses to the ends of the earth? How do we get to a place where we’re willing to live our lives that way?
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After the resurrection, Jesus spent 40 days investing in His followers: praying, teaching and living alongside them. He was preparing them for their next assignment. It’s our assignment, too. God uses regular people like you and me to change the world. Experience it for yourself when you follow these 6 steps.
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Let’s talk about grace. 4 events that explain God’s grace for the prodigal sons: Something valuable was lost. An intensive search ensues. Something lost was found. An incredible celebration occurs. Do you secretly wonder how God feels about you?…
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Consider 4 inspired portraits that reveal the unique responsibilities and roles of a faithful father. Leader Priest Teacher Lover Over the decades I have spent parenting our children, I have done a lot of pondering over the roles of a…
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Check out our 6-session Daily Discipleship course, Navigating Life With Adult Children with Dr. Jim Burns and Chip Ingram. Is your parenting role changing? Find answers to 5 pressing questions being asked by parents with adult children. Q1: Parenting my…
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You have a legacy to share with those you love, and today is the day to start sharing it. The 5 core values of our faith that we must pass on to the next generation: Suffer well Work unto the…
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Many years ago, a little girl began to attend the Sunday school class I taught in the church my husband, Chip, was pastoring. Her name was Sandra. Her family was very dysfunctional. Sandra didn’t know what it was like to…
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Do you need a a spiritual breakthrough? There’s an immaterial world behind our visible, material world. There’s a real reality behind what we see and know. In that invisible realm, the bad guys are out to “steal, kill, and destroy”…
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Is spiritual maturity—becoming like Jesus Christ—only for spiritual superstars? Is there a Christian Hall of Fame reserved just for the apostles, top theologians, martyrs, and missionaries? No. God calls all of us to experience that wonderful, mysterious spiritual metamorphosis that…
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BONUS: Access the entire Daily Discipleship Video Series Methods for building the muscles of spiritual maturity ______________ Practice these 5 power faith-building exercises to build the muscles of maturity and transformation. Exercise #1: Speak the truth in love. Exercise #2:…
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BONUS: Access the entire Daily Discipleship Video Series 3 truths that describe what new life in Christ looks like ______________ Which words describe your life experience since coming to faith in Christ? Discover the 3 truths that will prepare you…
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BONUS: Access the entire Daily Discipleship Video Series Healthy leaders equip believers to become ministers ______________ 6 lessons for everyone that we can apply today from Paul’s leadership directive to the Ephesians. Every believer is a minister. Leadership in the…
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BONUS: Access the entire Daily Discipleship Video Series Let your new identity in Christ impact your daily life ______________ Why aren’t Christians living like Christians? Sanctification Needs To Occur 5 Reliable Methods For Putting On Your New Self — Even…
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Explore 3 foundational ways to let Christ live through you as you fulfill your unique purpose. BONUS: Access the entire Daily Discipleship Video Series ______________ What’s your unique purpose in God’s big story? Your purpose in God’s story is to…
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BONUS: Access the entire Daily Discipleship Video Series Would you use the word “transformed” to describe your faith? Embrace these 5 powerful truths and become fully equipped to supernaturally transform your spiritual life: Know your privileged place in the story…
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For Christians, Easter of course means infinitely more than a ham dinner and jellybeans. But do you have a clear picture of what the real meaning of Easter is? Jesus Christ’s life on earth was a divine intervention. God knew…
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We are supposed to be united in supernatural community. Why are there so many hurting people who are not getting the love and support they need, and on the other hand, there are many others who are willing to give…
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Are you feeling stuck? Tired of dealing with the same issues? Perhaps you’ve even told God you need a breakthrough in a relationship or among your family or at work or church—yet God doesn’t seem to be listening? It’s easy…
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Even after three years of living with Jesus day in and day out, His disciples still had much to learn about the true meaning of love. So, on the final night of His life on earth, Jesus taught them one…
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Deep down inside, every person who has ever lived wants to be loved and to be good at loving. But even a cursory look at history — and at our current world — makes it clear that humans aren’t always…
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We’re in a tough period in our culture’s history. With the pandemic, job losses and economic decline, racial protests, contentious politics, schools forced to move to remote learning, and churches not being able to gather in person—it’s understandable if we…
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This isn’t a trick question: What’s the second most important thing about you? To get to that answer, let me share a truth that’s made a huge difference in my life and the lives of my family members. A preacher…
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Feel like you need a makeover? An extreme makeover, perhaps? Go to Wikipedia and type in “makeover TV shows.” You might be amazed. The original “Extreme Makeover” has over the last decade spawned countless spinoffs and copy-cats—some you probably don’t…
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There are few things that grab our attention like a daring rescue. Think about hearing stories like firefighters, trapped by wildfire, getting picked up by a helicopter in smoke so thick the pilot had to fly blind. Or remember the…
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I don’t know if you’ve ever thought about it but there are two kinds of hope. The most common way we use the word today is to mean a desire or a wish. “I hope the pandemic ends soon.” “I…
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I’m hoping that you have experienced the love of Christ and that you accept and comprehend how truly, madly, and deeply God loves you. That’s the starting point of everything, including sharing Christ’s love with others. Because God has that…
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Sometimes the Christian life feels blessed and rewarding. Other times it’s a struggle. If you’re wandering in a dark season and not feeling much like a resilient Christian, please remember that God wants to help you grow in maturity until…
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Facing hard times is clearly not unusual in a fallen world. The apostle Peter told us to not be surprised at trials—as if they are something out of the ordinary. (See 1 Peter 4:12). However, while Jesus Himself told His…
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It’s easy these days to be anxious when facing the future. Some people might even look around and retort, “Oh yeah, what future?” True, our modern world right now is facing a lot. A pandemic, a government in turmoil, social…
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The world is messed up right now, but Jesus came into a world much like ours. A brutal, corrupt, greedy place. Where women were marginalized, children didn’t matter, and slavery was pervasive. Where power was cruel and oppressive. Entertainment was…
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One of the most destructive strategies that the fallen angel known as Satan has accomplished is this: convincing people that he and his demons don’t exist. As if the very idea of the devil is a superstitious holdover from the…
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When thinking about our children and all that they face in today’s fallen world, it’s easy to feel discouraged and even desperate, isn’t it? While there still are bright spots, we live in a culture that is overwhelmingly characterized by…
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The worldwide pandemic has undermined the economy and shaken our confidence in the future. In such an age of uncertainty, it’s understandable that for many of us, it’s hard to even think about having an attitude of generosity. Why should…
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Feel stuck in struggling relationships? Everyone is hardwired to seek meaningful, rich relationships. We’re designed to want to be known and accepted and loved. It hurts when close interactions with family members, friends, and even co-workers hit bumps—or brick walls….
Read » What do you see when you look in the mirror? I will never forget, as a senior in college, having coffee with a beautiful cheerleader. No, honestly, the unforgettable part wasn’t her beauty and quick mind. It was that beyond…
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The reputation of Christianity these days has taken a serious hit. Our influence has been undermined and marginalized across all sectors of society. It’s not a problem that we as believers can just delegate to pastors or church leaders. It’s…
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The headlines point to it. Your neighbors talk about it. Your heart feels it. Just about everyone is going through hard times right now! But let’s face it: Life is hard, even in the easiest of times. Disappointments, illnesses, broken…
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My Life is So Crazy… How do I focus on what’s important when our high-speed society tells us that what matters most about us is our possessions, our power, our performance? Our world may be grappling with multiple crises right…
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Shame is a devious emotion. It whispers that you don’t measure up. It burrows deep in your soul and convinces you that you’re flawed, inferior, hopelessly damaged. The evil one loves to put us in the prison of shame and…
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During His last days on earth, Jesus gave His disciples an impossible order to “love as God loves.” “This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this,…
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My family and I—like you, no doubt—have spent two months “sheltering in place” and wondering about the future. COVID-19 has changed the world! As our 24-hour news cycle daily tabulates this global pandemic’s carnage, we have to ask, how are…
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A lot of Christians are apprehensive about heaven. Part of this is a typical human reaction to the unknown. What is going to happen to me? What will it be like? How will I feel? What will I do? Our…
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Most parents I talk to tell me they lost sleep worrying about their kids when they were younger. But it’s surprised me to discover how often many parents of adult children tell me the same thing. I often hear statements…
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Be honest: do you have an invisible checklist of ways you think you should change or ways you should behave—and don’t? Or maybe you have an inventory of achievements you hope to accomplish, if only you could . . ….
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In our culture, being a leader is prized. Being labeled a follower is a downer. But think about it. If you’re honest with yourself, you have to admit that we’re all followers! Everybody follows something or someone. Whether intentionally or…
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Easter has come and gone, and we’re starting week four of sheltering in place with a beautiful, sun-shiny day. I’ve been focusing on taking one day at a time during this coronavirus pandemic, but last Sunday (Easter) was probably my…
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These days it seems like there are as many theories about Jesus Christ as there are people in the world! It’s crazy what some people think about the most influential person to have ever walked on this planet. Jesus’s life…
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There are seasons when hard times don’t just turn difficult, they go from bad to worse to impossible. In the face of pain or death, even those who have a solid commitment to faith can lose hope and ask the…
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Country by country, state by state, town by town, block by block—the world is experiencing a pandemic that just a few months ago was an obscure news headline. If you’re feeling some anxiety and struggling to find peace, it’s certainly…
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Everybody wants to change for the better. God made us with consciences, a sense of what’s right, and a desire to be the best we can be. But then, why is it so difficult to permanently change our behavior and…
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What does it look like for Christians to live like Christians in the midst of this global crisis? How are we to respond to this worldwide pandemic, when fear is high? As I write this, our world is reeling from…
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Have you ever been betrayed? When I was in college, I broke up with my girlfriend of two years because it became clear she didn’t want the same committed walk with God that I did. I was heartbroken about it…
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My wife and I often get questions about parenting. Neither of us grew up as Christians and there was a lot of dysfunction in our families. But God was faithful to help us as we had our own children. Any…
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Every movie you watch, every advertisement you see, every hit song you listen to has a message about relationships, don’t they? How to look and act if you want one, how to keep it going, how to end it, how…
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What does it look like to be a Christian parent of adult children? If you’re a mother or father of small children, someday you are probably going to ask yourself that question. Maybe you’re not a parent yet—but I bet…
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Anyone engaged in fighting the invisible war against Satan and his demons has, as a member of the body of Christ, a very powerful secret weapon. And many don’t recognize it. What secret weapon? Intercessory prayer. This type of prayer…
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At the start of His earthly ministry, Jesus went off alone in the desert. For 40 days His companion—if you can call it that—was the devil. Satan tried every wicked way he could to tempt Jesus away from obedience to…
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Do you yearn to know the God of the universe deeply? Do you want to know Jesus and communicate with him as a close personal friend? The process for doing so is simpler than you might think. There is a…
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Do you love hero movies? Franchises like Star Wars or The Lord of the Rings are insanely popular all over the world. It’s interesting how ancient knight-like warriors are still powerful images in our modern minds. Think of Obi-Wan Kenobi…
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Do you keep up with the news? What we read online, hear on the radio, and see on television can be depressing, can’t it? News gives us a daily reminder of this truth: the world is messed up, and evil…
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Take a look at your calendar. What’s it packed with? Weekly Bible studies, prayer meetings, Sunday worship services, community outreach, church events? These are all wonderful things. The last thing I want to do is discourage consistent spiritual growth, service…
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Greatness isn’t being a celebrity or basketball star or four-star general. It’s being the magnificent person God has created you to be and serving Him with your unique personality, calling, gifts and experiences. But the reality is, in this fallen…
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When it comes to gift-giving, you want to give something that lasts, right? Not something easily broken or the latest fad. Something that impacts a life in a positive way. That’s especially true if you’re a parent or grandparent, right?…
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If there’s one thing I’m certain of when it comes to Heaven, it’s this: It’s not going to be what you think. It’s going to be better. You probably have some mental pictures of Heaven, right? Sistine Chapel-like harps and…
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I used to think generosity was a characteristic reserved for two special groups of people: the very rich and the very holy. I was neither (still am not!). Not wanting to be selfish or anything, but I didn’t feel much…
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Do you have a tough situation in your life? Want to see God change it? Maybe you doubt that He can, or that He will. Maybe you say you’ve prayed a lot and nothing has happened. It’s true: sometimes God…
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Out of all the countless gifts God has given us, I believe one stands out as the most powerful: The gift of speech. Think about it. Contrary to that oft-repeated childhood saying about sticks and stones, words have the power…
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We all have dreams for our marriages. Most of us dream of having a long, fulfilling, and happy marriage. Nobody who’s about to get married thinks, “I hope this marriage doesn’t work out very well!” So, if we all start…
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One of the distinct memories I have as a kid was waking up super early and seeing my mom sitting on the couch, spending time with God. She’d be up every morning before the sun came up, holding a cup…
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We all have rhythms in our everyday life. For some of us, we have a specific workplace we go to every day and a certain time when we go workout. For others it’s a morning routine: we grab our phones,…
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Psychologists and theologians all agree that from the time we’re very small, until the day we die, one of the questions all of us begin to consciously or unconsciously try to answer is: Who am I? Ironically, most of us spend a great…
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How do you know if the input of God’s Word is shaping you – influencing your time, your priorities, and your focus – more than the input of the world’s values? The world says, “Get, get, get. Impress, impress, impress.” God’s Word says, “Give, give, give. Love, love, love. Be authentic,…
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Can you honestly say, “I believe the Bible is the Word of God and I believe that it’s true?” I can remember a time when I doubted this to be true. I was a graduate student at West Virginia University and one day I was walking into one of my classes when…
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We’re living in a day where evil is called good, and where good is called evil. As Christians, many of us are deeply concerned as we see the moral values in the culture and outside Church rapidly changing. The latest statistics support this. Right now,…
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Have you ever stolen something? When we read the Ten Commandment’s eighth command – “Do Not Steal” – most of us tend to think this is reserved for criminals in ski masks who break into homes or snatch people’s purses….
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Ever wonder what the Bible really means when it says, “Do not take the Lord’s name in vain?” I didn’t grow up in the church. So, when I first read the third of the Ten Commandments, part of me said, what’s the big deal? Does it really matter if you say God’s…
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It certainly is tempting to curse the darkness right now as we witness the epic moral decline in America. What’s happened in our world when 40 percent of Americans and 80 percent of Europeans no longer believe in marriage? Two-thirds…
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Ever had anyone walk up to you that you didn’t know very well and they got about three inches from your face and started talking? Unconsciously, you started backing up as they just kept moving forward. It felt uncomfortable. …
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Are you content with what you have in your life? For many of us, this is a difficult question to answer “yes.” We are living in a culture where every commercial and every magazine and every advertisement tells us we need something more or better….
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What is the greatest fear you’re facing right now? What gets your stomach in knots? When you’re driving in your car and everything is quiet and your mind drifts, what makes your heart rate increase and you suddenly realize you’re…
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Anxiety can steal peace from our lives. And if you’re like most Americans, you’re probably experiencing anxiety on an everyday basis. This familiar feeling often comes over us like uneasiness, apprehension, dread, concern, tension, restlessness, or worry. It’s the feeling…
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Did you know that as a believer in Christ you possess all the hope you need in order to get through this life? It’s a hope that’s based on absolute certainty that Christ is coming back and that He has prepared a place for all genuine followers of Christ. It’s a…
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My wife Theresa is always shopping. Whenever we’re hanging out around downtown Los Gatos, CA, or if we get away for a little weekend to Atlanta, GA, she is always shopping. But she’s not shopping for herself, she’s actually shopping for our grandkids. It seems like there is a birthday happening every third day in our family. So, wherever we…
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Are you struggling with feelings that are resentful and bitter against someone? Do you have unresolved conflict in a relationship with another believer, an in-law, or a brother or sister? Maybe it’s someone you did business with. Maybe you were in a small group with them. It…
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When we find our lives crashing down around us, how do we develop the kind of hope that gives us the strength not to give up, not to give in, and not blame God? Is it possible to get an…
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We all have expectations. But what about when it comes to God? For some of us who are married, we might think, “If I love Jesus, then my marriage is going be great!” For those of us who are single,…
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Most of us already know that we have an intelligence quotient (IQ). And most recently, we’ve learned the importance of our emotional intelligence (EI), also referred to as emotional quotient (EQ). But did you know that we also have an…
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We all get angry. We get angry when someone wronged us, when we were unfairly treated, or someone blamed us, or we were ignored, misunderstood, or felt insignificant. We get angry when someone cuts in front of us in traffic,…
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Ever wonder why God seems to use some people more than others? Maybe you think it’s because God only does amazing things through really “holy” and “righteous” people. Perhaps you think, “I’m not smart enough, or I’m not bold enough,…
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I vividly remember one night back when I was in grad school. It was 5:30 p.m. and a bunch of college students were scheduled to come over at a 7 p.m. to hear me speak. The problem was I didn’t…
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When we wake up in the morning these days, there is little doubt we will be bombarded with evil in our world. Mass shootings, terrorist attacks, abductions, intentional fires, human trafficking, abortion laws loosened. Everywhere we turn, it seems evil…
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There are those who are rule followers. They don’t cut in line. They eat all their vegetables. They make their bed every morning. And then there are those who aren’t. They eat their dessert first. They cross the warning line…
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We all hate hypocrisy. We hate it when we see it in other people, we despise it when we see it in the Church, and we hate it when we see it in ourselves too. Wouldn’t it be nice if…
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Do you remember the first time you tasted hypocrisy in organized religion? I was eleven years old when I first experienced it. Like most people, I assumed most people aren’t sincere, but I believed that at least people in the…
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Growing up, Rose knew there was a God, but she struggled to know who God really is. Was He just keeping a list of her failures from which to judge her? Was He keeping a checklist that she could never…
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God had a dream for me and my family that would require a radical faith. He had a son for us on the other side of the world. The question was would we choose God’s dream for our family? Would…
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I am all about smells. An amazing smell can quickly take me to my happy place. When I’m driving down the road and the savory aroma from the large bakery in our town waffles through my car, I immediately take…
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Is there an area in your life that you really want to change, and you know God wants to change, but you feel stuck? Perhaps it is a critical attitude you can’t get rid of or an addiction you can’t shake….
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Are you facing a difficult situation? Maybe you’ve lost your job, or your house is upside down, or one of your kids is going through a real struggle. And no matter what you do, you can’t seem to fix it….
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Picture this. You walk into church this Sunday to find that all the seats have been removed. Rows of buffet-style serving lines are in their place. Everyone is instructed to get a serving of whatever spiritual food he or she…
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What would it look like to live a purposeful life? For many of us, we’re still busy looking for what our purpose is. So where can we turn to find the answer? God’s Word is the perfect place to start….
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If you spend any time checking out self-help books, clicking through television channels or perusing the magazine aisle at the grocery store, you know our world is overrun with advice on how to catch a mate and keep the relationship…
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Only twenty-five percent of families in America right now have a mom and a dad in the home with kids. A family made up of a mother, father, and kids of that union is becoming rapidly extinct. And the fallout…
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There are few topics that cause as much controversy and polarizing opinions as the environment. When someone asks what you think of the environment and the issues surrounding it, sometimes it just feels easier to avoid the conversation altogether. But…
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I think many people – even Christians – think that God is totally out of touch with today’s culture and people’s needs and that’s why He prohibits all sex outside of marriage. I know I did. I came to Christ…
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Ever wonder what role the church is supposed to play in politics? For example, what – if anything – should pastors say about politics from the pulpit, all over America and all around the world? Does the Bible tell us…
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“Who are you to judge me when you have sinned too?” “Who is anyone to tell me how to live?” Sound familiar? This attitude is pervasive in our culture. And it has led to one of the greatest myths inside…
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We live in a culture that increasingly doesn’t believe there’s a difference between right and wrong. In a recent Barna research study conducted at a university campus, 20 random students were asked, “Do you believe there is an absolute truth…
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The bucket list trend has really taken off. If you google “bucket lists” you will literally find millions of ideas to put on your list, from adrenaline highs like storm chasing and bull riding to exotic travel such as an…
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I grew up not knowing I was truly loved. My parents were the children of immigrants. Hard work and status dominated their upbringings. Although these tenets are not necessarily harmful, without the love of Christ on display alongside them, their…
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We have lots of kids in our home, and with lots of kids comes lots of curiosity and fun projects. We’ve created clay volcanoes and watched the baking soda and vinegar concoction spew out. We’ve piled books high on eggshells…
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Can you remember a time when loneliness had a grip on you? Was it after a breakup? During a struggle at work? At a social gathering where you didn’t connect? Or while on social media where everyone else’s life looked…
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We often spend considerable time and resources to give those we love most the ideal birthday gift. We consider it an expression of our love, so we long for it be perfect. But have you ever considered what God most…
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Why our lives get complicated. “In the coming year, I want to add more complexity to my life, increase my stress, and lose sight of what’s truly important,” says no one—ever. Most of our goals are attempts to do the…
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It was so quiet at 2 a.m. that it took no more than a slight change in her husband’s breathing to awaken Chris. Sensing there was little time left, she got up and put on some of his favorite Christian…
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What do you think God thinks about what you’re doing with your life? Does it match up with what you think He wants from you? That’s a scary question for a lot of people, which is probably why the NBC…
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Seeing a friend suffer is hard, but sometimes that suffering gives us a new perspective. I remember when one of my closest friends lost his son and asked me to do his memorial service. After years of being clean after rehab…
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Imagine a man who wants to bail out of his marriage, who is tempted to hit his teenage son in his anger, who struggles with lust daily. That man is a pastor. His name is Chip Ingram. Think you’re alone…
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“Chip’s books and a Bible. Side by side.” These are Amanda’s lifelines. She turns to them daily, grateful to have these beacons of light in her life after experiencing so much darkness. Years ago, the single mother of two relocated…
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“Don’t worry! Think positive! If you just believe everything is going to be okay, it will be.” That’s the message we sometimes hear from today’s self-help experts. But it’s hard to ignore that the world around us is struggling. Terrorism…
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Close your eyes and think about something or someone that makes you feel safe … that makes you feel like you’re okay and you always will be. Now imagine that whatever or whoever it is fails you. Your perfect boyfriend…
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Have you ever considered the fact that you are the greatest Christian some people will ever meet in their whole life? That question is not meant to lay guilt on any of us. None of us are perfect. But it’s important to step back occasionally and take…
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Today will be filled with final grocery store runs, road trips to family gatherings, and time to reconnect around the table. And hopefully in the midst of it all, there will be a time to pause and share what we’re…
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Grace. It’s the single most important word in all of the New Testament – actually, in all of the Bible. The Apostle Paul would say of his entire life: “But by the grace of God I am what I am,…
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We have all been called worthless. Whether it was a friend, a parent, a significant other, or a voice inside us said it, we all have gotten the message at some point that we have no value. Some of us…
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The biggest issue in the religious world today is: Who is Jesus? It seems like everyone has their own view. Christian Science denies Christ as God and teaches that within each person is a light, “the Christ within,” that we…
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It was 3:29 a.m. and I was wide-awake. The interruption from my deep and wonderful sleep began at about 2:58 a.m. Normally when this happens, I am bombarded by a long list of to-dos, a concern about a relationship, a…
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Ever feel like your prayers are just bouncing off the walls? Maybe you’ve been asking God for something – wisdom for a problem, resolution for a situation at work, or for a child to come back to the Lord –…
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How can we possibly explain Christians who… Forgive ISIS as they’re about to be beheaded Exude joy in the midst of life confined in a wheelchair Trust again after their mate has been sexually unfaithful March into the Coliseum in…
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Do you struggle with sharing Christ with others? Does the thought of leading someone to Christ make you feel intimidated, overwhelmed, or just plain inadequate? If so, I’d like to offer you some encouragement. Sharing Christ doesn’t require you to…
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How much money do you make? How many hours a week do you work? Do you volunteer? Are you making enough of a difference in your church … in the world? These are the measuring sticks we humans use to…
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Advertisers know that the greatest marketing strategy in all the world is word-of-mouth advertising. That’s because we always share what we love. If you’ve found a great restaurant, you’re most likely to say to your friends, “I was at this…
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When I was in my third year of seminary, I was living life at a crazy pace. I was up at 4 a.m. studying, then I’d go to my full-time job at the church, and then to class. Afterward, I’d…
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“The Force is what gives a Jedi his power. It’s an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us and penetrates us. It binds the galaxy together.” – Obi-Wan Kenobi, Star Wars: A New Hope Star Wars is a…
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Most of us want to become the people God intends for us to be. We strive to become like Christ – people of integrity who are generous, loving, and authentic. But how do we actually get there when change feels so…
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It’s amazing how one little word can completely change a conversation. Multiple times a week we ask one another in passing, “How ya doin’?” and receive a perfunctory, “Fine.” Followed up by a quick, “How about you?” But recently, a…
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If you could change just one thing about yourself, what would it be? Would it be how you look, how you think, or maybe how you respond in certain situations? Perhaps the real question is: Do you really believe that…
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Ever have one of “those days” when everything just seems to be going wrong? You get up in the morning still tired from a less-than-perfect-night’s sleep and you turn on the news only to hear one catastrophe after another. You’re…
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If you’re a single parent or a parent in a blended family, you represent the majority of families in America. Now, only one out of four families is what we’d call a “traditional family” – a mom and dad with…
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Have you heard the expression, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade?” It’s something people often say to you when they want to pretend there are simple solutions to your complex problems. How helpful was it? Probably not much. The…
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For a lot of us, we didn’t have the greatest parents in the world. We come from broken homes. We didn’t have a dad who led the way, who was strong, sensitive, biblical, and who blazed the trail. We didn’t…
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Does trusting an invisible God to guide you sound crazy? Does it seem more reasonable to rely on your own five senses? Even if you grew up in the church, faith in God can seem like quite a gamble. He…
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At some point in our spiritual journey we all wonder, “What does God want from me?” For me, it was the night I graduated from high school. After being with some friends at a party, I realized that I had…
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Do any of the following seven symptoms apply to you? Burnout: Are you emotionally numb, spiritually drained, and physically exhausted? Plateau: Are you trying harder with the same results? Frustration: Are you feeling angry inside and short with people? Treadmill-itis:…
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Every parent has dreams for their children. When we’re young, immature parents of little kids, our dreams go something like, “I hope he’s a baseball player” or “I hope she’s musical” or “it’d be great if she’s athletic or artistic.”…
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You’ve experienced pain you brought on yourself. We all have. You made decisions that hurt others, hurt yourself, offended God, and the guilt you felt caused you to repent. This is not the same. No, the struggle you’re in now was…
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Some of us have things in a big, dark, ugly past that no one knows, and we’d be ashamed if anyone did. For some, it’s the abortion. For others, it’s the affair, the one-night stand on the business trip. For…
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What is your greatest struggle in life right now? You may not want to think about it. It may be scary, but let yourself confront it for a moment. Whatever it is – trouble in your marriage, at your job,…
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What do you fear? Maybe the feeling of fear comes when you think about your future. You have financial fears, job fears, or fears about your aging parents. You have fears about retirement and how you’ll ever pay the bills. Maybe…
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Are you going through a difficult or painful circumstance? If you are, you’re not alone. Life is hard for so many right now. Recently, I’ve been reminded about the importance of encouragement—particularly spiritual. The very definition of encourage is: to infuse…
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It’s a fallen world. This means that the question isn’t, “Will we go through difficult times?” The right questions is, “How will we go through them?” Will we go through our crisis alone? Will we act like everything is okay? Will we…
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As a pastor, I am often presented with tough questions, and the truth is that some questions don’t have easy answers. Life is complicated, and as such, decision-making can seem challenging. That was the basis for the following question I…
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I can still remember it so clearly. I was a young pastor at a church in Santa Cruz, CA, and I was under some incredible pressure. The church was growing. We were in the middle of a capital campaign, and…
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It’s one of those questions you ask sometimes when all you want to do is stump the preacher. An impossible dilemma. With so much evil in the world, it seems God must not be real or, if He is, He…
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God has an agenda for every nation on this planet, for every man, woman, and child. It’s an agenda of unstoppable grace, of compassion, and love, and restoration. But did you know that Satan also has an agenda for this…
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Holiness. It’s not a word you hear much today. Yet it is an integral part of God’s character, and He calls us to pursue it in our own lives. 1 Peter 1:15-16 (NIV) says, “But just as he who called…
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Sadly, around nine out of ten Christians who are legitimate followers of Christ have never verbally shared the gospel with another person. We are the possessors and stewards of eternal life yet most of us have never shared with someone…
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If you’re at the end of your rope and are wondering where God is or why He’s not delivering you, you are not alone. It doesn’t matter how much faith you have. At such times, it’s only human to feel…
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Throughout Scripture, from Genesis 3 all the way through to Revelation 20, we see God pouring out His grace. From the very first moment when He clothed our parents after sin entered the world, God began this unstoppable tsunami wave…
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It’s all too easy for us to develop a skewed perspective of God. For some of us, we struggle with seeing God as a cosmic cop. We think He’s constantly waiting to catch us doing something wrong and to punish…
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Most of us spend much of our life telling ourselves, “I can’t do that because I’m not smart enough,” or “I don’t have the training,” or “I’m not bold enough” or “I’m not courageous enough,” or “I don’t know the…
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Many of us faithfully pray to an all-powerful, all-loving, and all-knowing God who says, “Nothing is too difficult for Me” and who told His disciples, “I expect you to do the impossible, like feed 5,000 people.” Yet we assume that…
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We sometimes struggle with a scarcity mentality. We fear there’s not enough money, jobs, or even love to go around. This negative view can sadly spill over into our view of God. But what would happen if you believed the…
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Are you, or someone you know, experiencing an impossible situation right now? Perhaps it’s in a relationship, at church, or at work? Do you feel trapped in an addiction or stuck believing a lie about yourself? It’s in these situations…
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There are two different paths to achieve happiness in this life. Path number one is the option we are faced with every day. We might call it “the world’s way.” It’s not new. It was around a thousand years ago,…
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We live in an information-driven culture. Knowledge spreads fast. But sometimes that leaves us feeling more overwhelmed than equipped. We read books, listen to podcasts, and watch videos – all in pursuit of finding the silver bullet that will make…
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How often do you pray for your children? The sink is full of dishes. The laundry is piled on the floor. The baby is crying, and dinner has to be made. Whether you are a new mom or a seasoned…
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Charles Kettering once said, “Every father should remember one day his son will follow his example, not his advice.” As we near Father’s Day, the Living on the Edge team paused to reflect on the examples of our fathers and…
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Some of the greatest joys you will ever experience during your time on this planet will be in a relationship. Yet some of the greatest sorrows and the greatest pain you will ever experience in your life will also be…
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How do you know if God loves you? Most of us have the Sunday school answer down: “I know God loves me because Jesus died for my sins.” But I think if we were honest, most of us would agree…
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If we look at the coming of Jesus Christ as a rescue operation (and who can deny that humanity needs rescuing?), who did God choose for His special ops team? That may seem like an odd perspective, but it illustrates…
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When we look in the Old Testament and read how easily the Israelites were seduced into idol worship, it’s easy for us to judge. I’ve never come home after a long day of work and said to my wife, “Honey,…
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Are you constantly multitasking, feeling stressed and overextended? Are you chronically busy and in a hurry? Has it been a while since you’ve prayed alone? Do you have a sense that there are a lot of things you know you’re supposed…
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Think of the last time you couldn’t wait to tell someone some great news. Maybe you just got the job you were hoping for. Or your daughter-in-law is expecting. Or maybe your favorite team finally reached the playoffs. You just…
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Why does God allow problems to go from bad to impossible? If He really loves us, why doesn’t He fix things when we ask for His help? It’s like having a friend who always told you to call. “Anytime, for…
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We can live in a cowardly way, or we can live courageously. Every step we take moves us down a path toward one of those two destinies. But what determines which path we take?
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Single parenting is an incredibly difficult job. If you’re a single parent (or know of one) and you’re faced with pain and consequences that are overwhelming, consider these six steps of faith.
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Discover how one woman’s journey to motherhood led her to a deeper measure of faith and trust in God.
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When you think of your mother or those who’ve made a motherly investment in your life, what are the lessons you have learned? Our team took time this week to share their answers.
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What are we supposed to do with our lives? What has God called each of us to? In this post, Chip outlines two key steps to help you answer these questions and discover your calling.
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In a world filled with debate and division, we have the opportunity to live as Christians that are known more for what we’re for than what we’re against. Read to discover how you can be a “Humble Bridge-Builder” in your home and community.
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Do you struggle with anxiety? Do you long for peace in your relationships, work, or finances? In this blog from our prayer series, discover how to experience God’s supernatural peace and power through supplication.
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Discover how powerful thanksgiving can be in your prayer life and why it’s a great perspective changer.
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We all long for inner peace, for what the Bible describes as shalom. It’s a Hebrew term that suggests many wonderful things: (1) wholeness, whether mental, emotional, or physical; (2) work that fulfills, in line with how you were created; (3) righteous victory over opponents; and (4) harmony in relationships. God is our source of shalom. He wants to heal your relational conflict. We’ll explain how in this article.
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Most of us, when we’re facing a challenging situation – whether it’s a work situation, a health situation, or a financial situation – can be quite anxious. Our minds are filled with thoughts of worry and concern. Thankfully, God has a solution for our anxiety. It’s prayer.
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We live in a culture where many people struggle with their emotional health. If you are tired of your emotional pain and wondering how to get healed, read to discover three ways to experience God’s help and healing.
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What if you could pray in such a way that it would allow God’s power and peace to invade your soul in the midst of the challenges you’re facing? The Apostle Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, gives us a prayer model to help us.
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When the unexpected is added to the challenges of the everyday, it can seem overwhelming. A cancer diagnosis … a job loss … a natural disaster. When circumstances seem out of our control, that’s when fear, anxiety, and worry can begin to consume us. So how can we find peace in the midst of it all?
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As a pastor for over thirty years, I’ve found one thing that all Christians have in common is that we tend to struggle with prayer. Rarely have I met even mature Christian leaders who say that prayer is their strength. But, I think the question we should be asking is: What is prayer?
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What do you put your hope in? Sometimes we don’t know exactly what we put our hope in until that “thing” disappears. It might be a job, our health, or a relationship. So where do we find our real hope? In today’s post we’ll unpack how to find hope when life seems hopeless.
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Truly, salvation is a gift that saves us from the deadly penalty of sin and replaces it with the promise of eternal life. Yet Jesus takes it even further. In John 10:10, He says, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” He longs for us to experience more than forgiveness.
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Perhaps you’ve often wondered why God would even allow such people in your life. Many of us, in our heart of hearts, would rather God just “relocate” some of them. But what if the person we most want God to remove from our lives is actually the very person we need the most?
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Restoring our brother or sister who has sinned must be done with the same love that Christ showed us. Remember, we serve the God of second chances. And third and fourth and fifth chances. We all experience “moral failure” at some point in this difficult life, and we all need forgiveness and restoration.
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Does your prayer life feel stagnant? Are you experiencing the peace and power of Christ when you pray? For many Christians, prayer is a drudgery when it should be a delight. Understanding these five common misconceptions about prayer and how to correct them can transform your walk with Christ.
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When Jesus talked about how we’re to “love one another,” he said that we’re to honor one another, care for one another, and admonish one another. Yet admonishing one another is probably the most neglected, most misunderstood, least practiced, and the most needed course of action in the body of Christ.
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We’re surrounded by people desperately hurting and in need of help. At the same time, there seems to be a lot of people who are willing to give love and support. Yet people continue to suffer. Willing hearts and plenty of resources, but the huge need never ends. Why is there a gap between what we know to be the ideal and the disappointing reality?
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Just as we have a common origin with our mother and father, so we also have a common supernatural origin to those who are born again and know Christ. Likewise, despite all the struggles some of us have been through in our families, we know in our hearts of hearts that we still have an obligation to honor our biological parents because they brought us into the world. So too in the body of Christ, we have a responsibility to one another.
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Taking Jesus seriously means taking His words seriously. Taking the Word, the Bible, seriously. If we’re realistic and honest, this means not how seriously we think we take it. Not how seriously other people may think we take it. Not how we feel about it in private. Rather, when we see what Jesus says, how we respond or don’t respond.
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Human beings are social. God has designed us to have our emotional needs met through close connections with other people. So when relationships get rocky, there’s no avoiding the hurt. How then can we ease the pain?
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There is so much suffering in the world that appears meaningless, isn’t there? When droughts cause starvation, governments commit genocide, children are shot at school, or loved ones face disease, we may wonder if God really is good and just. This side of heaven, you won’t get any nice and easy, cookie-cutter answers to why God allows suffering. But the Bible does share some reasons why bad things happen.
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God wants us to know there is a pain that occurs from prejudice. And He wants us to be delivered from the prison of receiving prejudice and of extending prejudice to other people.
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Our dysfunction wasn’t just passed down one generation ago. It wasn’t two or even five generations ago. Our dysfunction goes all the way back to our original parents when there was a dysfunction – sin – that created death, disobedience, and the wrath of God.
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How does God want us to respond when our hopes get dashed, our plans putter out, or our schemes are sidelined?
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Because humans are complex, the emotional, psychological, and spiritual ramifications of rejection can be very complicated. The deep-seated emotional baggage that occurs from overt or covert rejection can be crippling.
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We’ve all been affected by the warped mirrors in our past or present. People, experiences, trauma, rejection, and media all tell us who we are – and most of the time, we believe them even though they’re inaccurate!
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God’s grace is unmerited and unconditional. Unmerited means you can’t earn it. Unconditional means it’s available whether you’re bad, good, up, or down.
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Choices matter, don’t they? In fact, few things will determine the quality and the fulfillment of our life more than the choices we make – for better or for worse.
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Did you know that your money is the clearest barometer of your soul, more than anything else going on in your life? Imagine your wallet or your 401k, or your purse. Now imagine a chain connecting it to your heart, so that wherever your money goes your heart goes too. Our money reveals our priorities, our values, and where our heart is.
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God shows us His faithfulness in the way that He shapes our life. The way He intervenes in our lives when we are weak, when we are tempted, when we sin, and when we utterly fail.
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Everybody is desperately looking for love and wanting to be loved. From the moment we come out of the womb, we are looking for someone to hold us, feed us, protect us, and love us.
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Check the news on any morning and you’ll see stories of bad things happening to good people — or good things happening to bad people. Life is not fair! The age-old question is, “If God created life and life is unfair, then, is God fair?”
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Theologians teach that God’s wisdom takes the long view. The very long view! It is God bringing about the best possible ends, by the best possible means, for the most possible people, for the longest possible time.
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These days, it’s common for believers to view Jesus as a friend. Although it is true that when we have a relationship with Jesus, He is accessible and calls us “friend,” too often we forget that He is also holy.
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The truth is: Nothing will come into my life or your life today that God did not either allow or decree for our ultimate good. He’s in control even in our fallen world where terrible things happen and people do terrible things. He’s in control even when there are things we don’t understand.
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A theologian named J.I. Packer wrote that at the heart of God’s goodness is generosity. He wants us to have what we need to be happy. But do you think of God as generous? Does He want you to be happy? Or do you think of Him with crossed arms, inventorying all the things He disapproves of about you?
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We are designed to seek God. How we picture Him affects how we seek Him — and whether we find Him. And that affects every aspect of our lives.
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You might be relieved to know that everyone– regardless of how godly they are, or how well they know God – has times of doubt. There is no shame in this. In fact, some of the strongest disciples of Jesus struggled with doubts.
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In this climate, taking responsibility and being informed is really important for us as Christians, but what’s even more important is the way we as everyday believers respond amidst these uncertain times. This could be the greatest and most strategic opportunity for the body of Christ to respond in decades.
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The most amazing, most powerful, and most stunning rescue story of all – not just in all time but also in all history – is what we call “the Christmas story.”
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No relationship will last long without commitment. It’s a lifelong choice of unconditional love to an imperfect person.
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If I asked three of the most esteemed and educated counselors, “Why don’t marriages work anymore?” they would give me three of the most common causes: Ongoing, unresolved conflict, a lack of communication, and a lack of commitment.
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When you believe what God says to the point of trusting Him with all you have, you will begin to truly understand who He is and how much He loves you.
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Being generous has everything to do with understanding that God has given us all things: time, energy, money, talent – and that all these things belong to Him.
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Struggling with shame? You don’t have to wait until you get your life straightened out. Jesus will meet you where you’re at and will offer you both grace and truth, too.
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In John 19, John seeks to answer the question in one of the most controversial trials in all of history: Is Jesus the unique Savior of the world?
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Jesus’s final preparation to fulfill His mission on Earth was not His words, and it was not instruction. It was prayer.
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Surely, love is more than a positive, emotional connection or feeling.
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You might be surprised to learn that loving other people is not a lot about emotion. It’s not about an ooey-gooey feeling either. True love is about humbly serving those we lead, even when we are entitled for them to serve us.
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Love gives. Love gives extravagantly. Love gives extravagantly from the heart. Love gives extravagantly from the heart, even if criticized.
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If Jesus just gave us what we asked, we would never understand who He really is, and how much He loves us. He wants to do things that are beyond what we can imagine!
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On any given day, I might think I don’t measure up. I’m doing very well. God is probably disappointed in me. None of that is true, but I react that way. So we have to be reminded. Why did Jesus come? Why did He die for us? How does God see us?
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Everyone follows something. Family traditions. A life philosophy. Intuition. Whatever is popular at the time. A formula for success. So how do we know if we’re blind to the truth or if we walk in it? How can we be certain we’re following Christ?
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Good people doing a bad thing in a weak moment is common to all humanity, isn’t it? How we deal with it, however, can uniquely set the trajectory for our whole life.
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What do you long for? What would give you a sense of satisfaction right now? Jesus promises that fulfillment. But we have to believe Him and follow His instructions to receive it.
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Have you ever wondered why Jesus did miracles while on earth? He made miraculous things happen — some big and some small. Why?
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We are helpless to save ourselves. No matter how we try, how smart we are, how much knowledge and righteous living we have, we cannot save ourselves. Our response must be “I need help.”
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The Bible makes it clear that you and I – as part of Christ’s spiritual body called the church – are the means by which God communicates His love to a world of hurting people. You and I have a divine appointment in that coffee shop or wherever He takes us! Even to people we might not naturally associate with.
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Many of us get locked into the idea that we need to read the Bible more, and we should be a better, moral people. But Jesus cuts through all of that. He has saved us by His grace.
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The Jesus who started a movement entrusted it to us! We must follow Him – the real Jesus, not the one we might have in our heads. Is your Jesus the Jesus of the Bible?
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knowing Jesus isn’t just knowing about Him, reading a chapter in the Bible, or trying to be a good moral person. It’s about having a personal, living, dynamic relationship with the Lord of lords and the King of kings who wants to speak to you.
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What if we stopped arguing about the right and wrong of roles and rights in marriage, and focused instead on the balance, brilliance, and beauty of a God-glorifying mutually submissive couple who do the dance according to its choreographer? According to God’s design?
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When it comes to conflict in relationships, is your inclination to withdraw or is it to attack? If you want to learn how to “fight fair” in your marriage, you need to know your conflict communication style!
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What happens when you don’t keep up on your car maintenance? Your fuel runs out, your oil dries up, and your GPS system gets you lost! Marriage is like that too. There are going to be times when you need to slow down, stop, and get a tune-up!
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What does it truly mean to communicate? You might be surprised to learn that communication is not talking. Communication is getting what’s in your heart, into the heart and mind of your mate.
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In reality, we all struggle with conflict in our relationships because we all experience the common sin barriers to intimacy. The result of our sin is that we knowingly and unknowingly put up protective walls that keep us from being deeply touched and loved in ways we’re desperate to experience.
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The good news is that God has a plan and purpose for our marriages – and there’s hope for even the most flawed ones.
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The truth is, running from adversity or from conflict in relationships does not solve problems, but it compounds them.
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Many of us unconsciously or consciously believe this lie:My significance and value is measured by the quality and the quantity of the things that I possess. In addition, my possessions provide security and power so I can be safe, personally satisfied, and rule my world.
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When we make job decisions apart from God, we’re saying we know more than God. We’re saying we think things like the economy, our health, the company’s mission and so on are to stay the same. We’re saying we’re the exceptions – we’re not going to get sick or a family member isn’t going to have an emergency or there’s not going to be a natural disaster.
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Few things have the power to ruin a relationship like critical, inaccurate, hostile or even slanderous words.
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The root cause of interpersonal conflicts is our consuming passion for self-gratification. To have things our way. To gratify our desires. To find fulfillment outside of God .
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Sex as sacred means there’s a mystery about it. It’s about the heart and about the relationship, not just the body. This is the opposite of merely “hooking up.” Sex as sacred is when you and another person, inside the boundary of God’s marriage union, open the Holy of Holies of your lives to one another. Then God brings the union of your mind, body, spirit, and soul together, under His blessing.
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Sexual purity demands a game plan, so use these four specific ways to develop a game plan: 1) develop convictions, 2) ponder the consequences, 3) make pre-decisions, and 4) get accountability.
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Sex was meant to bond two people at the soul, the heart, the emotions, and the mind. It is a wonderful, supernatural, gift from our Creator. So when something so holy is used lightly, it produces pain, and chaos.
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How can we know if we’re in love? We have to first know what love is and what the types of love are.
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God has designed a plan that makes relationships deeply fulfilling and lasting and God-honoring.
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We express our love for Christ by expressing our love for his people. We give our time and energy, our resources and emotions, as directed by the Holy Spirit, so that Christ who is in us can express His love for others.
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God understood our human tendencies to live in fear and be anxious about the future and work longer hours than we should, so He created the Sabbath.
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We have a hundred percent control of our perspective, in every circumstance, no matter how difficult. This gives us the power to actually live above our circumstances.
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Before Christ, we used to be objects of wrath. After Christ, we have a new standing with God, we’re righteous and cleansed. We also have a new purpose, a new family, new privileges, and most importantly, a new inheritance. That’s an amazing transformation!
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The world has yet to see the extent of what God will do through someone who does not care who gets the credit. God is waiting for a church and people like that.
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We all face circumstances that are hard, gut wrenching, and confusing. And if we’re honest, many of us wish that we had a good plan to just get out of our difficulty because deep down we feel like giving up.
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As believers, we have the power and resources to resist Satan and his demonic attacks. We need not be afraid because the power that is residing in us is the same power that raised Jesus from the dead.
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Being great father is hard and it takes a lot of courage. But by the love and grace of God, we can learn how to become the fathers He wants us to be.
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God’s sovereignty means that there isn’t anything that will enter your life that God does not either decree or allow. And nothing will ever enter your life that, if you are willing to trust in him, he cannot work out for your good.
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Changing how we think about ourselves is possible! We just need to get God’s truth in our mind so that it can sink down deep into our heart. It might take a rigorous plan and ongoing accountability, but the rewards are well worth it.
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How do you see God? What do you think it really means when Scripture says God is good? And when something in your life goes wrong, will you blame God or will you trust him?
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The truth is, what we think about God is the most important thing about us. That’s because what we think about God impacts every attitude, thought, and action we take.
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A great quote I once heard was: “You show me your friends, and I will show you your future.” A simple fact of human nature is that we will begin to take on the attributes of the people we spend the most time with. Who we choose to follow will determine, to a large degree, the people we become.
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Let’s resist the desire to shut people down and instead be part of the healing process. Let’s be agents of light, not heat, and remain dedicated to making a difference together.
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You know all of those commands in the Bible about helping others? It’s not a coincidence that they are written in the second person plural. That’s because we need each other. Living the Christian life can’t be done alone! We all need a word of encouragement, a word of admonishment, and comfort.
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In this era of anger and polarization, how can Christians really live like Christians? This pastoral word provides practical ways to live out our faith in these turbulent times. Whether on social media or around the dinner table, discover how you can bring light rather than heat to the conversation.
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The problem isn’t that we get angry; it’s what we do with our angry feelings. Why does it matter so much? If left uncontrolled, our anger can destroy us and those around us.
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We all need someone to remove the barriers of sin, shame, and selfishness that come between us and God, and us and our spouses. We all need forgiveness. And that can only come from Christ.
Read » It was 3:29 a.m. and I was wide-awake. The interruption from my deep and wonderful sleep began at about 2:58 a.m. Normally when this happens, I am bombarded by a long list of to-dos, a concern about a relationship, a…
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As parents, we love to give gifts to our kids at Christmas, don’t we? And while some of the gifts we give them are not so fun and more practical, there are those other gifts we give that are thrilling because it’s the thing they really wanted.
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“What do you want for Christmas?” It’s the question that grandparents ask their grandkids. It’s what the Santa in every movie asks the child on his lap. It’s what we try to guess for those we love. And it’s what keeps us wandering for hours at the mall when we don’t have the answer. But have you ever wondered … what does Jesus want for Christmas?
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The Bible says we are here on Earth for a purpose greater than just to pursue our own personal happiness. Our purpose is to fulfill Jesus’ mission in our unique sphere of influence and in this unique time in history.
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In the aftermath of this year’s historic presidential election, many of us are left feeling anxious, sad, and wondering about our future. What kind of impact will our new president have on our country — and world? And, will our nation be able to move past the division caused by this election and move forward in unity?
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When we’re paralyzed with fear, we can experience God’s presence and strength to get through even our darkest times.
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Do you feel frustrated, confused, and possibly angry about our current political situation? If you do, you are not alone. Never has America, the world’s most powerful country, been given two options for President that has such low approval among the populace. Rarely has the rhetoric been so divisive and so negative.
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More than anyone else, kids of all ages are influenced and shaped by their parents.
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As Christians today, if we want change in our community and in our world, then we need to demonstrate – by how we live our lives – that Jesus is alive, He’s true, He loves people, and there’s hope. In this article, I’ll show you how.
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In this article, Chip explains what really happens to us in Heaven and its implications for our lives today.
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Ever been in a small group that was life changing and stimulated your hunger to know God more? Ever wondered what the leader did to make it that way?
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The specific situations in which people find themselves often influence their behaviors in other areas of their lives. For example, conflict at home or trouble at work may overflow into one’s private life. Perhaps we tend to make judgments too quickly, reacting or overreacting in ways that aren’t based on the big picture, but rather the “season” we may encounter in another’s life experiences.
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There are few issues as divisive, that anger so many, and that have more Christians at odds with one another than the issue of the Church and politics. When you dive into the subject, you find some people – the “separatists” – who think that the church and politics should never be talked about together. You’ll also find other people – the “activists” – who think that the Church should have complete involvement in politics.
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One of the primary reasons we do not encounter God, is we come to God on our own terms. We want to be in control. We want to determine when, where and how. We want to get close enough to have a glimpse but not so close to have to adjust our lives.
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If you’re a ministry leader or pastor, preparation is key in leading an effective group or delivering a powerful message.
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If all you want to do is facilitate a group meeting for a couple of hours every week, that’s pretty easy. If all you want to do is gather with a group of friends for a Bible study, that’s not too demanding. But, if you see your role as investing in people and helping Christians actually live like Christians, then that is a significant challenge.
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Many of us are in dire need of a breakthrough, whether it’s in overcoming an addiction, getting past the shame and guilt from our past, or repairing a troubled relationship. Sometimes, it seems like no matter how hard we try or pray we just can’t seem to get victory in our lives. So how does breakthrough happen?
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Ever feel like you’re going through life and you see the people all around you laughing and connecting, yet you feel as if there’s an invisible bubblearound you? In Robert Putman’s book Bowling Alone, he calls loneliness the new American…
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We live in the most uncertain days, and if left to ourselves, we can become very afraid. Not only do we have to deal with our own uncertainties in ourpersonal and professional lives, but add to that the moral chaos,…
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When I was 28 years old, I found myself serving in my first pastorate in a little rural town in Texas. It was a place where people used the “N” word andargued about the KJV versus the NIV translation of…
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God has given each one of us legitimate desires – for love, significance, security and purpose. But all too often, we go after these desires inillegitimate and ungodly ways. For example, our desire to connect and find intimacy can morph…
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When I was a young father, like most parents, I read a lot of books about how to be a good parent. I remember reading a book by Christian author John Whitein which he interviews an engineering student who turned…
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Have you ever started prioritizing your time, relationships, and money in a God-honoring way, only to have those new priorities begin to slip away years,months, and even weeks later? For many of us, our priorities seem to have a way…
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When I was in college, I had only been a Christian for two years when a lady walked up to me one day and asked, “Are you ‘Spirit-filled’?” At the time, I had no idea what that meant but I…
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Do you dream of doing great things for God but often think it’s not possible? Do you struggle with feeling good enough? Perhaps you wonder, “Whywould God want to use me? I’m just an ordinary person.” I’ve got great news!…
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In the religious world today, many people seem to be asking, who is Jesus? Was he really a man, or just a myth? Was he just a religious guru, or God revealed in the flesh? There also seems to be…
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As a pastor for over 25 years, I can honestly say that everyone at some point in this life has a broken world experience. Even the people who love God the most aren’t immune. Yet so many Christians think that once they start following Jesus, they will be somehow protected from experiencing severe hardship.
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Do you ever find yourself stuck in sin even though you’re a born-again believer in Jesus Christ? If you can relate, you’re not alone. Many Christians — even those of us who have walked with Jesus for a long time — are still battling the same sin year after year.
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Humankind has been fascinated with the concept of Heaven for centuries. In every culture, people have a vivid idea of what they think the afterlife isgoing to be like. And today, it’s a very hot topic. Just go to any…
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The greatest form of advertisement in the entire world is word of mouth. When we really love someone or something, naturally, we just want to share aboutit. If we get a new car, a new tablet, or new shoes that…
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Raising children is a challenge in today’s world. Pop culture and peers exert a never-ending pressure on kids. Every day they are bombarded with thepressures and influences of drugs, sex, and violence. Plus, the stakes are much higher for our…
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When I was in high school, I began dating a girl. One day, I went over to her house to meet her mother and I immediately noticed a picture of man inuniform. I asked them, “Is that your dad?” My…
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One of the greatest lines in the entire Bible was a response to a teenage girl. When the angel Gabriel told Mary that she’d be pregnant and give birth tothe Son of God, she asked him how that would even…
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The single most important thing in the Bible is the concept of grace. Yet, as Christians, whether we are new, not so new, or old, we all struggle withgrasping the meaning of grace. Even though we may know the definition…
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God’s grace continues to move throughout the world, century after century. From the very beginning when sin first entered the world, Godin His great mercy and grace covered Adam and Eve’s naked bodies. Later, He poured out His grace when…
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Is there one thing in your life about which you think, “If God could give me this, then I’d be happy”? For some of us, it’s a mate, a job,or good health. For others, it’s money, a house or a restored…
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Is it possible to have a supernatural inner peace in such a violent and uncertain world, and if so, how? You might be surprised to find that the answer hasless to do with the evil and tragedy in the world,…
Read » Most of us know it’s good to give a portion of our money to God. Yet we don’t always believe that God actually wants to bless us when we give. The truth is God always loves to bless us, but…
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The most difficult question of the Christian life is: “If God really loves me, how can He let ‘this’ happen to me?” “This” for some of us might bea divorce, the death of a child, or a loved who gets…
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Everyone is following something or someone. Some people follow in the footsteps of their family. Some follow a philosophy of life, like the Golden Rule:“Treat others the way you want to be treated.” While others follow their own intuition, drawing…
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Regardless of where you find yourself landing on the issue of abortion, it’s one of the most pivotal and most volatile issues in America today. And nolonger is it just an issue “out there.” We now know that 65 percent…
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When most of us think of spiritual attack or demonic activity, our minds jump to bizarre or frightening images that we’ve seen in the movies or weird stuffhappening in our homes. But the truth is that the majority of the…
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Nothing is more painful than when someone says something about you that is blatantly untrue.
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Whether we’re a kid, young adult, in mid-life and beyond, we all experience shattered dreams.
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Imagine a giant 15,000-piece jigsaw puzzle in a big cardboard box. Now imagine a married couple locked up in a room together where the only way out is tosolve this jigsaw puzzle without the box top. Without the box top…
Read » I’ll never forget the first day I walked into Mr. Hall’s 9th grade Algebra class. Brad Star, who was my friend since junior high, was the class clown and I was his assistant. That day, Brad started up his usual…
Read » For many Christians, there’s a lot of mystery and confusion that surrounds the spiritual gifts. Most of us have taken at least one spiritual gifts inventory, read books about spiritual gifts, and even heard sermons on the subject, yet we…
Read » Life is dynamic. It is not static. All living things are either growing and increasing toward maturity, or deteriorating toward decay and death. So how about you — are you growing? Are you growing toward maturity in your relationship with…
Read » It seems everyone has a different explanation about what God is like and what it means to be “spiritual.” We live in a world of competing gods, religious systems, and hundreds of years of traditions. So, what is true spirituality? In this article, we’ll uncover Paul’s two descriptions of transformative faith.
Read » We all face adversity in life. Sometimes it’s because we make an honest mistake, or sometimes it’s because other people do things to us that hurt us. But sometimes, bad things happen to us for no apparent reason even when…
Read » Did you know that 60-80 percent of our waking hours are spent at work? Yet the majority of Americans are dissatisfied with their jobs. Research tells us that most of us see our work as just a paycheck. We “live…
Read » What has the power to turn normal people, who on most days are good-natured and nice to be around, into people who explode in anger or shut down emotionally? It’s the same power that can turn loving parents into neck…
Read » Nearly every weekend at Venture Christian Church, someone who’s been listening to me on the radio will meet me in person for the first time. When they see me, their reaction is almost always the same: “Pastor Chip, you don’t…
Read » Are you or someone you know facing a difficult situation and in desperate need of a spiritual “shot in the arm”? Most of us have been discouraged and depressed at some point in our lives, yet most of us don’t…
Read » In your heart of hearts, do you believe that God loves you? Do you find it difficult to fathom that the God of the universe has positive thoughts toward you moment by moment, and every day? If you do, you’re…
Read » One year for Christmas, I gave bikes to my little twin boys. For months I saved money so that I could bless them with these gifts. After they unwrapped the presents on Christmas morning, I took them outside so…
Read » If you’re married, think back to all of the excitement you felt at your wedding. Most likely, as you spoke your vows before God, your friends, and your family, you had high expectations for your marriage. You also probably had…
Read » In America today, we have the highest percentage of people who say they have no spiritual affiliation. There is a growing generation that is disillusioned with organized religion, especially Christianity. I believe the main reason for this is because when…
Read » Most Christians in America struggle with actually living like Christians. The research shows that about 9 out of every 10 Christians are living a Christian “schizophrenic” life. Intellectually, we adhere to our faith and God’s truth, but when it comes…
Read » This Christmas, people from all around the world will celebrate the birth of a baby named Jesus who was born in a manger. Yet there’s still a lot of debate about who this Jesus really is. Is he a prophet?…
Read » God is looking for ordinary people like you and me to accomplish great things in our lives beyond our wildest dreams. He’s calling each one of us to have holy ambition — to attempt what seems impossible, maybe even ridiculous,…
Read » There are times in our life when we get to the point that we say, “I can’t take it any more. I quit! I’ve had it!” Maybe you or someone you know is at this point. Perhaps they’ve been diagnosed…
Read » Have you ever wondered whatever happened to right and wrong? I believe the real question behind what is right and what is wrong is: “What is true?” If you can’t define what’s true, then you can’t determine the difference between…
Read » If there’s one thing we all have in common, it’s that we all want to change for the better. I don’t know many parents that say, “I really want to strive to be the worst parent,” or couples who say…
Read » Bigger … better … faster … more. These four words drive our lives, our schedules, our relationships, and even our souls. This is the world that many of us live in. Behind this fast-paced lifestyle is an unconscious belief system…
Read » Do you struggle with doubt in an area of your life? Maybe you doubt your financial future or the future of our country. Or maybe you’re struggling in your marriage or with a child and you really doubt that God…
Read » Never in the history of the world has a culture shifted its values concerning sexuality as rapidly or drastically as it has in America in the last 50 years. In the 1950s, only 5 percent of high school girls…
Read » I remember when my wife and I were expecting our first son together. There were complications with the labor and I was really scared. For 27 hours I had a lot of time to think about all the dreams I…
Read » Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. (Galatians 5:25) As Christians, how do we know if we’re “in step” with the Holy Spirit? To answer this question, we must first understand the primary…
Read » When I was 18 years old, I read the Bible for the first time. Shortly after, I came to know Christ and began to spend time in the Bible every day so I could grow spiritually and get connected to…
Read » Contentment. What does it mean? In America, we’ve been taught to believe that contentment is linked to our accomplishments or constantly getting more. Our basic value is that “more is better.” We think, “I’ll be happy when I get married.”…
Read » We’re living in an age when it’s becoming more and more challenging to raise mature, godly kids. And with so much competing information out there about how to be a good mom or dad, it can be really confusing. When…
Read » The current statistics about marriage are sobering. The classic union of a mother and a father with their own children is becoming extinct. Now less than 25% of all the families in America have a mom and a dad in…
Read » When was the last time that you received a raw deal? For some of you, it was when a mate walked out on you. For others, it was when a trusted business partner betrayed you. Or for others, it was…
Read » When I was five years old, I actually believed there was a monster living underneath my bed and I would get very afraid. With my heart pounding, I’d bury my head underneath the covers and wait for it to go…
Read » In just a couple of days, we will celebrate Easter. We’ll celebrate the hope that we have in Jesus Christ. And we’ll celebrate His resurrection. But for some of us, connecting to an event that happened over 2000 years ago…
Read » In the past month, how often have you thought about Heaven? How about in the past week? If you’re like most Christians, it’s been a while since you’ve thought about Heaven, much less looked forward to going there. Why? Most…
Read » Many people who win at a lot of sports naturally have a lot of trophies, which they proudly display on the fireplace mantles in their homes. These trophies represent to the world the athletes they are and what they’ve accomplished….
Read » There’s a question that I wrestled with for quite awhile for most of my Christian life: Is it really wrong to want to be great? Is it self-centered to want your life to really make an impact? What I’ve…
Read » Are you or someone you know going through a difficult time? Perhaps it’s cancer, the loss of a relationship, or a wayward child. Regardless of the type of hurt, pain, or struggles, we all experience difficulties in this life. So…
Read » Are you tired of relationships that don’t work? Do you long to find that special person you really connect with and have the kind of sexual intimacy that you’ve always dreamed of? I want you to know that it is…
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One of the biggest struggles I have in my life is balancing everything that I have going on. There are obligations in ministry and work, with my spouse, family, and church, and even my health. And the list goes on and on. With so many things in our lives competing for attention, sometimes it feels impossible to keep priorities in balance.
Read » Are you facing a difficult or even an impossible situation right now? Perhaps you’re facing a major barrier and you feel stuck. It could be a relationship, an addiction, a lie you believe, a painful event, or a difficult work…
Read » Do you remember the first time that you tasted hypocrisy – the kind that was really ugly? You know, the time when someone really projected genuine concern and love for you and then you found out that behind the scenes…
Read » My Dad came to Christ in his 50s, but as he was entering the last days of his life, he confided to me, “I’m afraid to die. I know I have a relationship with God and my sins are forgiven,…
Read » Most of us give gifts at Christmas time. But do you ever wonder why you give particular gifts? I believe that sometimes we give just to meet a basic need…like when we give our kids socks or underwear. Other gifts…
Read » Most of us want to change for the better. We want to be better parents, better spouses, and better friends. We want to look and feel better about ourselves. This desire for change is inherent in our hearts. God made…
Read » Are you currently facing a difficult circumstance that just doesn’t seem fair? Maybe it’s cancer, or a wayward kid, a failing marriage, or waking up every single day with a part of your body that doesn’t work properly. Perhaps in…
Read » We are all in an invisible, spiritual battle – a cosmic conflict that has eternal implications – in which souls of people of all over the planet are at stake. Yet, most of us as Christians don’t really know our…
Read » There are few topics that I’ve ever encountered that cause as much controversy and polarizing opinions as the environment. People argue about global warming, the unequal treatment and rights of all species, and even whether the whole environment debate itself…
Read » Did you know that you’re God’s masterpiece in the making? God didn’t save you just so He could take you to heaven. He has created you for so much more. He created you spiritually and physically different than anyone else…
Read » During my early years as a Christian, I felt torn between two worlds – Bible study and bars. I would have sacred moments with God in the morning and then indulge in sexual fantasies at night. I honestly wondered if…
Read » Have you ever thought about why you worship the God of the Bible? I remember several years ago, I was on an airplane from Hong Kong to Beijing, and a young woman sitting next to me asked the question, “Why…
Read » I’ll never forget the time when I was a very young and very ambitious Christian in graduate school. I was teaching a class, leading a campus ministry, and even doing some basketball coaching on the side. All the while,…
Read » Do you ever find yourself thinking, “When I’m married, then I’ll be happy…” or, “When I lose that 20 pounds…then I’ll be happy” or even, “When I make ‘x’ amount of dollars and buy that house…then I’ll be happy”? Or…
Read » We’re in a real battle. And everyone on this planet is involved whether we know it or not. The battle is between two competing agendas: God’s agenda and Satan’s agenda. God’s agenda for every nation, man, woman and child on…
Read » Do you have a dream inside your heart that you’d want to see God do in your lifetime? My dream is that God would launch a movement around America so that Christians would actually live like Christians. God, by…
Read » Fatherlessness is the most harmful demographic trend of this generation. It’s the engine driving America’s most crucial social problems including crime, adolescent pregnancy, sexual abuse of children and domestic violence against women. Yet despite its scale and social consequences, fatherlessness…
Read » Now more than ever, it’s tough being a parent in such a negative world. Our kids today are living in a world that is uncertain, fearful, and violent. And the stakes have never been higher. One small slip-up and a…
Read » I’ll never forget the day when I first walked into my Sociology 101 class in college. It was 1973 and I was an 18-year-old, brand new, zealous, whistling-in-the-hall Christian. When I walked into class, I noticed this unusual-looking guy with…
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We all get angry – at little things and big things. But did you know that anger in itself isn’t inherently good or bad? It actually has both positive and negative qualities and the potential for great use and great…
Read » People today, like never before, need hope. Our world is facing some serious issues. Terrorism, the failing global economy, the AIDS epidemic…the list goes on and on. And individually, many of us are facing discouraging personal issues in our jobs,…
Read » As Easter approaches, I’d like to challenge you with a question: What does the resurrection of Jesus mean to you? Is it central to your faith? Perhaps you or someone you know claim to be a Christian, but you’re not…
Read » Have you ever experienced one of those funhouses at the fair? You know, the ones where the floors are moving and they have all those mirrors that distort your reflection? You stand in front of one mirror and you’re 8-feet-wide…
Read » Has anyone ever said something about you that was untrue, misinformed, negative or judgmental? Has anyone ever said something about you behind your back and you found out about it later? Few things in this world have the power to…
Read » Is your marriage, or the marriage of someone you know, in trouble? Perhaps you’ve been thinking of throwing in the towel and leaving your spouse. Maybe you’ve often said, “If only he or she would shape up and start doing this,…
Read » Do you long to have a close, intimate relationship with God, similar to that of a best friend? Perhaps you’ve been a Christian for a while and although you’ve learned many disciplines to help you lead a godly lifestyle such…
Read » There are three facts that are true about every person on this planet. First: we all fail. Second: we all have legitimate needs and desires for love, significance, security, and purpose. And third: in a fallen world, our failures are…
Read » Have you ever been really excited when you bought the latest and greatest tablet, or when you finally found that perfect pair of shoes — and they were on sale? And then, do you remember how you couldn’t wait to tell someone…
Read » Have you ever dreamed of doing something truly great and significant with your life? Maybe at one point you had dreams but then you gave them up because somewhere you learned that as a Christian you weren’t supposed to want…
Read » “Remember, the Force will be with you… always.” For those of you who may not remember, this popular quote is from the movie Star Wars. Its creator, George Lucas, went on to produce several more of these creative and…
Read » If I asked the question, “Do you consider yourself to be a generous person? Yes or no?” most of us would say, “Yes.” If I asked, “Why?” many of us would probably justify our responses by explaining that we give…
Read » We’re living in a world of uncertainty where many things can make us afraid – the slow and steady disintegration of the family, the failing economy, and growing violence. And with the upcoming election, no doubt many of us are…
Read » Some of the greatest joys you’ll ever experience on this planet will have to do with your children… and some of the greatest sorrows you’ll ever experience on this planet will have to do with your children. If you are…
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As a Christian, have you ever doubted what you believe and or questioned why you believe it? Do you know if your beliefs in Jesus are based on evidence or on something that someone told you? It’s OK to examine…
Read » Are you tired of relationships that don’t work? Do you long to find that special person you can really connect with and have that sexual intimacy you’ve always dreamed about? It is possible! God has a plan for relationships and…
Read » When I was a little boy of about five years old, I actually believed that there was a monster living underneath my bed. If I woke up in the middle of the night, I’d get really afraid. But I knew…
Read » Whether it’s getting in better physical shape, overcoming a destructive habit, or improving our self-image, most of us would like to change something about ourselves for the better. It is a desire that is inherent in our hearts. But if…
Read » During Jesus’ last night on earth, the number one thing he wanted us to know was this: “Love one another the way I have loved you.” Why? Because when we sacrificially and unconditionally love one another the way Jesus loved…
Read » Have you ever been surrounded by people, yet you felt left out, different, like something was wrong with you? You know, that uncomfortable feeling you might get when you walk into a room full of people and you don’t know…
Read » In my 25 years as a pastor, I’ve been through and witnessed some pretty tough experiences. I remember answering the phone in the middle of the night andfinding out someone’s teenager was in the ICU. I counseled a man whose…
Read » Did you know that just five minutes a day of negative thinking could have a significant impact on your well-being? Dr. Jack Haskins, a professor at the University of Tennessee, conducted a 12-year study on media’s effect on how people…
Read » Do you remember the reality TV show, “Extreme Makeover Home Edition”? First, I want to say that I don’t watch a whole lot of prime time TV. Second, I loathe reality TV. But for some reason, while I was flipping…
Read » “Who do you think you are? This is not an easy question for most us to answer. But it is a question that we’re all unconsciously asking, and it’s one that we will grapple with all the days of our…
Read » What comes to mind when you think about the meaning of “diabolical”? By definition, diabolical means “anything that is extremely wicked, cruel and evil.” If we were thinking about it on a global scale, most of us would probably view…
Read » Sometimes smart people do dumb things, wise people do foolish things, and Godly people do sinful things. For some of us those things are a big, dark, ugly past. For others, it’s a secret we’ve never told anyone. Maybe it’s…
Read » Why do our hopeful dreams for marriage so often end in nightmares? Most of us who are married – whether it’s been for 30 years or 3 months – realize that at some point the expectations we had for marriage…
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The American family is crumbling before our eyes. The family portrait we once knew as husband, wife and children now makes up less than 25% of all the marriages in our country. Along with this, 60% of all marriages end…
Read » Do you realize that the eternal God of the universe has an agenda for your life? Many of us may already know that God has a “master plan” for the world, but often we struggle to discern how our unique…
Read » Have you ever gone through a difficult period in your life when all hope seemed lost and you just wanted to give up? Maybe it was when you went through a divorce, lost your job, or buried a family member….
Read » Everyone – both believers and non-believers – wants to see positive change in their life. There’s a multi-billion dollar “self-help” industry that caters to this universal longing. So why is it that genuine and lasting change so rarely occurs? Here’s…
Read » Many of us were raised in churches where we were taught that being “spiritual” meant going to church every Sunday, praying long prayers, and memorizing lots of Scripture. At some point, we began to equate spirituality with discipline, following rules,…
Read » Millions of people across the globe say they love God, but their lives tell a different story. In fact, over 90 percent of Americans say that they believe in God, but only 10 percent live in such a way that…
Read » Have you ever formed an opinion about someone, only to discover months or even years later that you were completely off base? I think a lot of us have. In my own experience, I’ve learned that if my perception matched…
Read » During World War II, my dad fought in the South Pacific. When the war ended there was a treaty signed to cease all gunfire … yet, the battle still raged. On multiple islands, guerrilla warfare broke out and my dad,…
Read » The pursuit of true love is everywhere. We see it in magazines, TV shows and movies. Countless songs and books have written about it. So why does true love seem so hard to find and keep? Is it only intended…
Read » How often have you heard anyone say, “I want to learn how to be a terrible parent”? Or, “I want to become a bad spouse”? Probably not many times if any. It seems that as humans, we possess an innate…
Read » If you could describe in one word, the most painful, difficult, pressure-filled, negative experience that you’re facing right now in your life, what would it be? It’s that thing that bothers you the most and occupies your thoughts most of…
Read » I am Chip Ingram and I am not a fan of Jesus. Does this statement confuse or shock you? Maybe you’re wondering, “What in the world is going on – is Chip OK? How can a longtime pastor and teacher…
Read » Imagine you’re driving down the road when suddenly, the car next to you swerves into your lane, forcing you to jerk your car off the side of the road. Immediately, your heart begins to race and you are flooded with…
Read » If you knew with absolute certainty that you’d die exactly one year from now, who are the top five people that you’d want to invest your time in? Do you know what you would want to pass on to them…
Read » Everyone puts their hope in someone or something. For some, hope is in finding a mate or having a family. For others, it’s in their spouse, career or their 401K. One thing is certain – you’ll be most of aware…
Read » What has the power to turn normal human beings, who on most days are good, into people that shut down, lash out or explode with rage? Our emotions. Although a gift from God, there are times, circumstances and places that…
Read » Early in my life, I jumped into fatherhood with both feet and no experience. The day I got married, I became a dad of twin 4-year-olds. Six months later, we piled into a moving truck and headed out of town…
Read » These days many of us live with tremendous pressure: we feel stressed out, overwhelmed, and exhausted. It’s not uncommon for our lives feel completely out of control because we’re just too busy to keep up with everything. Sound familiar? If…
Read » What would you do if someone handed you a “secret” checkbook for an account filled with money? I was about twenty-eight when it happened to me. I was pastoring my first church in Texas. John Saville was the chairman of…
Read » “Chip, I don’t get it. How can someone as well-educated and intellectually astute as you appear to be really believe in a literal Jesus and all of this ‘born again’ stuff?” It was the spring of 1976, and I was…
Read » Ever wonder why doing so many “good things” produces so many “bad lives?” I’ve observed that the world we live in pushes even committed believers into a vicious cycle that shouts: Bigger! Better! Faster! More! It drives our lives, our schedules…
Read » She went in for a typical yearly check up. My wife is one of the healthiest people I know and we were not prepared for the phone call we received last December, “Your wife has cancer.” After grieving and holding my wife on…
Read » “I’m in love, I’m in love, and I don’t care who knows it!!” Over the holidays Buddy the Elf comically reminded me just how much we as humans love to be in love. It’s magical. Something is in the air. You see…
Read » Do you feel stressed out, overwhelmed and tired all the time? Are you running long on “to do’s” and short on time? Do you find yourself eating when you’re not hungry? Trouble sleeping? Many of us live at a frantic pace and…
Read » Fifty-two days ago, I got the worst news of my adult life… “Your wife, Theresa, has cancer.” It was the day before our Living on the Edge board meeting in California and all I can remember is holding Theresa and…
Read » I’ve asked a lot of people about their hopes and dreams, and I usually get unapologetic answers about their desires to be great at what they do. But when I ask believers if they want to be great Christians, them…
Read » As I take time to reflect on 2010 and prepare for 2011, I am filled with absolute awe and wonder at God’s kindness and favor upon Living on the Edge. Sixty people from all across America have made a commitment to…
Read » In John 13:34-35, on the very last night Jesus was on the Earth; he said this to his closest followers: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another….
Read » Few subjects in life ignite as much passion and longing within us as our desire for love, our interest in sex, and our hope for genuine, enduring relationships. Regardless of background, race, values, intelligence or experience, we all long to…
Read » There is nothing in life that can take the place of healthy, authentic relationships. No matter who you are, what you do or what you have, if you lack people to share life with, things just don’t make sense. So…
Read » Have you ever gotten to know someone and later realized that your first impression of him or her was completely wrong? We all have a tendency to form opinions based on subtle cues, knowledge and even our own perceptions. When…
Read » Do you see yourself as a difference-maker for the kingdom of God? Do you really believe that God can and will use YOU to make an impact on your world? Truth be known, most of us don’t. One of the…
Read » What comes to mind when you hear the phrase “spiritual warfare?” The reality is that many people (and churches) simply aren’t comfortable with the idea of an unseen, spiritual realm that lies just beneath the surface of our tangible landscape….
Read » The fundamental message of the New Testament is that anyone who accepts Christ becomes a NEW creature. 2 Corinthians 5:17 states: Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things…
Read » I don’t know about you, but there have been times in my life when I didn’t think God was so good. Perhaps you’ve also experienced circumstances where although you intellectually know that “God is good” that truth seems completely disconnected…
Read » Have you ever heard a child pray in that kind of singsong way of reciting something that they’ve memorized? They know the words but there isn’t a lot of understanding or meaning behind them yet. If you want a great…
Read » Some years ago after a routine doctor’s visit my wife got the call you never want to receive. Something had shown up and more tests were required. I was gripped by fear – afraid of the unknown. All of our…
Read » Why do our dreams about marriage so often end up in nightmares? Marriage research reveals … Most couples don’t understand the difference between love and infatuation. Most couples have significant baggage from past family or other relationships. Most couples lack…
Read » This is not your average blog post! It was exactly three years ago that I made the biggest ministry decision of my life. I left a secure job with good pay and a global ministry platform to pursue my “God-ordained…
Read » Over the last few decades, people’s idea of family has changed pretty dramatically. As broken homes increase at exponential rates, our culture has normalized this trend, now recognizing it as the standard instead of the exception. In fact, in recent…
Read » What if God’s dream for your children isn’t about their happiness? Now, that’s not to say that God doesn’t care about their happiness; He does. But what if their happiness is only a gracious by-product of His primary agenda for…
Read » Most people would agree that times have been pretty tough over the last few years. As our country has spiraled downward into recession, people find themselves in crisis. A lot of their pain begins with financial or career crisis as…
Read » I’ll never forget the first day of my Sociology 101 class. I was eighteen years old, and I had never even opened a Bible until six months earlier when I became a Christian. I was excited about all that I…
Read » The biggest issue in the religious world today can be summarized in three words: Who is Jesus? In the past few years several best-selling books have radically challenged what people believe about Jesus. From that, another 35 or 40 books…
Read » The issues gripping our world today, inside and outside of the church, have a lot to do with how people think, don’t think, or how thinking has changed. We have a problem, and it’s a gaining ground at an alarming…
Read » How would you describe the last six months of your life? We all go through various seasons – peaks and valleys and unexpected detours. How would you describe where you’re at right now? Do you feel as if you’re moving…
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When you think about the people that have had a significant influence on your life, who comes to mind? Among the many godly people who have invested in me over the years, five key people emerge. I call them my…
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My wife Theresa and I recently moved into a rented home in northern California. I stopped by one day to take another look around before we moved in. The house was totally empty. In this space, completely void of electricity,…
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So what are you thinking about as this new year begins? Are you excited? Are you looking in the mirror and thinking about the new health club membership or diet you’re about to begin? If you are like me, you…
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Why do two people like a husband and wife — who honestly, deeply and sincerely love one another — get tangled up in such high levels of conflict that they choose to give up on their relationship? And why do…
Read » Why Isn’t My Christian Life Working? Do you ever feel frustrated because your Christian life just isn’t working out? Do you hear other people talking about having the peace of God, but you just don’t feel it? Or maybe you…
Read » The Three-Step Process of Forgiveness When you’ve been hurt or betrayed, do you find it difficult to forgive? Many people do. In fact, forgiveness is an issue that both Christians and non-Christians struggle with mostly because it is often…
Read » The Importance of Community In the book Bowling Alone, author Robert Putnam said the greatest social epidemic in American life is loneliness. This statement may resonate with many Americans who feel alienated, lonely, and depressed, and who go home…
Read » How to Overcome Temptation? This world is full of temptation. As Christians, we’re even more aware of temptation and what’s right and wrong. Yet, for many of us, sin feels like a losing battle. We don’t want to lust, but…
Read » How to Discover God’s Plan for Your Life Do you believe that God has a specific plan for your life? Maybe you already do, but do you know how to find it? If left to ourselves, without God, we as…
Read » How Can I Surrender to Christ if I Need to Overcome an Addiction? First of all, let me say that you’re not alone. The great majority of people have some kind of addiction, whether that’s a sexual addiction or an…
Read » Will I Have to Give Up My Friends to Follow Jesus? Well, first, let’s look at this question a little bit. It makes a couple of assumptions, that if you really follow Christ, you’re going to become this boring,…
Read » How To Start Reading the Bible When I became a Christian, I didn’t have a clue about how to read the Bible, and I remember feeling intimidated about how – and where – to begin. And so let…
Read » Why doesn’t my life doesn’t seem any different? That is a very important question, and as I’ve taught this, it always comes up. And it’s a pretty significant theological issue, and when people ask $25,000 questions, you know, here…
Read » Why Is It So Hard to Surrender my Life to Christ? I deeply understand how tough it can be to truly surrender your life to Jesus. I struggled with this personally and as a pastor for many years. Yeah, this…
Read » Beginning Your Relationship with God The fact that you clicked on this and that you’re asking this question may be the greatest decision you’ve ever made. You know, I didn’t grow up as a Christian. I didn’t understand what…
Read » The True Meaning of Marriage Do you ever wonder why we should get married? After all, isn’t it just a piece of paper? Most of the world views marriage as only a contract. It says that marriage is…
Read » Love is a Choice Do you ever wonder what it means to really love someone? We’re bombarded today with movies and videos and romance novels that give us a false image of what it means to love. If you…
Read » Divorce Isn’t ‘An Option’ Perhaps you or someone you care about is thinking about getting a divorce and you’re wondering what does God think about divorce? First, we need to get one thing straight. God hates divorce, but He…
Read » Love is a Choice People who are dating or struggling in their marriage often ask the questions: “How do I know if I’m in love?” and “Is this really love?” In our culture, we’re taught (through the media,…
Read » Hint: It’s Not About Changing Your Mate Is your marriage on the rocks? Do you often find yourself wondering, “If only she would just be more affectionate” or, “If only he would clean up after himself” or “If only…
Read » What is God Really Like? Have you ever wondered what God is really like? And how would you really know? Growing up, I often wondered what God was like. For me, church was a wipeout experience that only left…
Read » The True Meaning of Being a Christian Do you know what it truly means to be a Christian? If one of your friends asked you this question, what would you say? Would you tell him or her, “Oh, it means…
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Does God Really Care About Me? Do you ever get the feeling that God doesn’t really care about you? Do you feel like He’s like a taskmaster who is only concerned with all of the things you need to accomplish?…
Read » The Reliability of the Bible Do you think you have to throw your brains in the trash to believe in the Bible? Many people are skeptics when it comes to believing in the truthfulness and accuracy of the Bible as…
Read » Who is Jesus? Is Jesus just a teacher, a good man, a prophet? Or is he the “divine Christ” inside of all of us? Is he someone who just came to this earth to enact some moral laws…
Read » Don’t Ask, ‘Why?’ Ask, ‘What?’ One of the most difficult issues in the world is the issue of suffering. Most everyone has probably asked at one time or another: “Why is there suffering – and if God is good…
Read » Three Steps to Freedom Addiction is a very common struggle in America today. We’re addicted to drugs, alcohol, gambling, sex, pornography, food, and smoking. You name it. And many people who want to overcome their addiction think that simply having…
Read » Learn How to Break out of Depression One of the things that we all struggle with from time to time is depression. Not clinical or major depression, but the depression that is characterized by general feelings of being sad,…
Read » Where do I find hope when my life is falling apart? Is your life falling apart? Are you or someone you know feeling really discouraged and depressed, like nothing’s working out? Maybe your marriage is falling apart or you…
Read » God’s Way of Responding to Betrayal One of the most difficult things we will ever face is how we respond when we are betrayed. So how are we supposed to respond when someone betrays us by walking out on us,…
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Insight on Power and Preparation Veteran pastors Chip Ingram and Francis Chan discuss the importance of a deep, rich relationship with God for believers and leaders. Together they examine how having a right heart is essential to draw on His…
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Insight to Address Taboo Topics Experienced pastors Chip Ingram and Francis Chan discuss the balance between sensitivity and truth when it comes to speaking about taboo and often polarizing topics. They examine the need to seek first to understand and…
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Insight for Pursuing Spiritual Growth Chip Ingram and Francis Chan share a conversation about what it takes to pursue lifelong growth as a man of God and a leader. Together, these seasoned authors and pastors examine the pivotal role of…
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Watch the Video of Chip’s April 20th Event for Church Leaders On Wednesday, April 20, 2016, Chip Ingram was joined by Small Groups Pastor Jim Blazin. Together they addressed the “How to Recruit and Train Small Group Leaders.” Hundreds of…
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Watch the Video of Chip’s May 18th Event for Church Leaders On Wednesday, May 18, 2016, Chip Ingram was joined by Small Groups Pastor Jim Blazin. Together they addressed the topic “Listening Skills for Group Leaders.” Hundreds of leaders from…
Read » Helping Members Make Changes that Stick The final session looks beyond a simplified life in the short term to identify what is required to sustain these changes over time. Help your members make the leap with everyday practices that grow…
Read » Encouraging Words for Painful Topics Pointers for leaders that will help your members close that gap between the reality of their family experience and God’s plan. Ideas that will help you navigate an often emotionally charged topic with sensitivity by…
Read » Getting Your Group to Take Next Steps This session is all about having the tough conversations that will challenge your group to take next steps and apply what they are learning to their everyday life. Learn what it takes to…
Read » The Importance of Modeling Transparency Session 5 examines how love responds to failure, and asks members to share specific failures they have experience. Pastors Chip Ingram and Lance Witt offer pointers for leaders that will help you create a safe…
Read » Celebrating the Differences in Your Group Practical ways that leaders can help your group recognize and celebrate the unique differences – and strengths – of your group members. Learn how to recognize those differences in a way that ups ownership…
Read » Addressing Sensitive Subjects This session addresses how love responds to hurt, and can be a sensitive topic. Leading with honesty and transparency in an atmosphere of grace will help your group be ok with allowing others to speak honestly into…
Read » Facilitating Authentic Discussion in Groups For leaders, this week is about helping your members build (and safeguard) margin into their lives in ways that will help them experience God’s love in it’s simplest form. Pastors Chip Ingram and Lance Witt…
Read » Setting the Stage for Spiritual Simplicity This coaching video with Pastors Chip Ingram and Lance Witt will help you create the right environment for God to move in your group. Get practical ideas that will help you prepare for group…
Read » How to Handle Tension and Controversy Among Group Members It’s something that happens in every small group at some point in its journey, maybe in the first couple of weeks or in the first couple of years. But there is…
Read » How to Deal with Difficult People in Your Small Group All of us who have led small groups have had people in our group who are a little bit difficult to manage. Sometimes they require a little bit of extra…
Read » How to Facilitate Better Conversations Do you long for productive and meaningful conversations your small group? There are several ways to be intentional about encouraging active, authentic discussion in your small group. First, don’t be afraid of silence. Too often…
Read » The Importance of Relational Leadership The role of a small group leader is one of a shepherd who cares for those he or she leads. It is a role characterized by nurturing relationships. In 1 Thessalonians, chapter 2, Paul gives…
Read » What to Do About Childcare? One way to increase your group’s commitment is for everyone to get involved with each other’s families as much as possible. For many groups, this means attending to the ongoing issue of childcare. As a…
Read » Sharing the Load of Responsibility Are you feeling worn out and tired as a small group leader? Do you feel like you’re the only one preparing and doing all the work while everybody else just shows up and enjoys the…
Read » How to Put First Things First As a leader, it’s easy for you to take on too much responsibility for your group or get distracted with trying to juggle too many details. But if you take on everything for your…
Read » How to Prepare for Your Group Besides being a small group leader, your life is probably quite busy and you have a lot of demands on your time. Even if the small group curriculum you’re using is simple and user-friendly,…
Read » So, You’re Not a Bible Expert One of the great things about curriculum at Living on the Edge is that Chip Ingram is the teacher – and he is a gifted Bible teacher at that. Part of his role as…
Read » The Importance of Setting Group Expectations Setting clear expectations for your group can help avoid miscommunication and frustration for members and leaders alike. The right tools will help you do so effectively. Expectations are important in every single relationship, and…
Read » How to Overcome Feelings of Inadequacy Are you on the fence about whether you want to lead a small group? Do you sense God calling you to lead a group yet you’re holding back from actually doing it because you…
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On Wednesday, March 16, 2016, Chip Ingram was joined by Small Groups Pastor Jim Blazin. Together they addressed the “Real Job Description of a Group Leader.” Over 1,300 leaders from around the U.S. participated in the session. The webinar…
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We believe in the life-changing work of God that happens in the context of small groups. That’s why we are so passionate about creating practical small group resources and equipping confident small group leaders. On Thursday, October 8, Chip…
Read » Small Groups that Change Lives As a small group leader, do you ever wonder, “What’s the secret to having a small group where people’s lives really change?” We all know that small groups are not always synonymous with authentic community….
Read » Groups that Teach vs. Groups that Transform Over the years Chip Ingram has partnered with many small group leaders who use his DVD group studies from Living on the Edge. His growing concern, as the person doing the teaching on…
Read » Tackling Common Commitment Problems in Group What do you do when you have people in your group who just don’t seem very committed? Maybe they really were faithful at the beginning and they came every single week and they were…
Read » Raising the Value of Prayer in Your Small Group One of the areas where most Christians struggle in their life the most is prayer. This is probably because a lot of us Christ followers are activists by nature. We like…
Read » How to Have an Outwardly Focused Small Group Some of the best and healthiest small groups are those that really see themselves as a microcosm of the larger church. In other words, similar to the way that the church cares…
Read » Top Five Things that “Kill” a Small Group There are lots of things that can be detrimental to the health and growth of your small group. To prevent the demise of your small group, as a small group leader you…
Read » How to Cultivate a Sense of Family and Belonging that Goes Beyond Your Weekly Group Study Do you want your group members to have a sense of family and belonging that goes beyond your weekly meeting? If this is your…
Read » How to Build an Authentic Community in Your Small Group Many of us have probably lead or been in small groups where there wasn’t a deep connection between members for a long time, if at all. So it should come…
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