Room in the Inn?
Would you welcome the parents of Jesus into your home? How fitting that He who would become the king of kings would arrive in such a humble way. Over the years, the word “manger” has become softer, fluffier, and more …
Am I Qualified to Disciple?
What do you think of when you hear the word discipleship? A lot of us might look at Jesus’ command in Matthew 28 to “go and make disciples of all nations” and we nod our heads. Did God have me …
The Advice that Changed my Quiet Times
I have notebooks filled with my struggles against sin. I love having honest times with God—pouring out my heart, repenting of my sins, looking for comfort in His Word, and recording it all in my journals. But a while back, …
Is there a Speed Limit to Life?
Speed. Hurry. We pay a price for the pace at which we live. The late French historian Jacques Ellul commented, “No one knows where we are going, the aim of life has been forgotten, the end has been left behind. …
Converting Your Cash
What Happens When Your Bucks Get Born Again? I had a friend in college whose oft-stated ambition was “I’m going to get rich!” And he did. The business he started prospers. He sees his wealth as the fulfillment of goals …
Jesus didn’t Hurry, why do you?
The Bible never says anything about Him running. Apparently, Jesus believed that very little of lasting spiritual or emotional value happens in the presence of speed. Jesus understood that busyness, productivity, and efficiency are speed words, not kingdom words. At …
Story of Christmas
As you think about the people in your life, you know the pains and struggles they are facing. You know their history and their hopes. You know their fears and faults. But Christmas reminds us every year about the gifts …
12 Questions For Holiday Conversations
We have all been there–those large, social gatherings where we’re supposed to nibble on finger food, balance a glass of cheer, and chat with people we barely know. Aside from being awkward, the talk can be surface and unfulfilling. Stagnant …
5 Lies That Lead to an Affair
Copyright © Discipleship Journal magazine, 2006. The image I saw in the mirror that day was appalling. Cold, fearful eyes sunk into a ghostly white face as I leaned unsteadily on the bathroom counter for support. There was no trace …
Put On Work Boots
Break out the work boots and don’t be afraid to get dirty! Get practical and invest in the goodness and potential of where you are right now. Jesus was born in a manger. That’s a trough for feeding animals, not a …