Our sense of security is only as stable as the object of our hope. If we find security in our finances, we will ride the roller coaster of Wall Street. If we find confidence and identity in our marriage, our joy and peace will fluctuate with every fight or moment of miscommunication. If we draw our security from a political party, we will be elated when that party is in power and devastated with...
For those who find themselves in a destructive relationship, it’s difficult to know where to turn for help and discern a way forward. While it is normal to be disoriented by the chaos, in Navigating Destructive Relationships: 9 Steps toward Healing, counselor Brad Hambrick helps readers understand that they do not have to remain passive in response to their loved one’s destructive patterns. In...
Every week for more than a decade, I’ve helped lead a Bible study for students from my old high school. The school itself is academically rigorous and intentionally secular. It doesn’t allow religious meetings on campus, so students have met off campus each week for almost forty years to pray and discuss the Scriptures. I attended the group as a student and am truly grateful to be involved again...
A common question I receive from parents is, How old should my children be before I begin holding family devotions? I’ve met eager moms and dads that are ready to launch into a complete Bible study curriculum with their son or daughter who is only sixteen months old. On the other hand, other parents who desire to pass on their faith put devotions off because they don’t know when or how to begin...
In our home we use a short question to help guide our interactions with one another: Are you building up or tearing down? Meaning, do my words or actions give life or cause destruction? What am I communicating with my words, tone, facial expression, or body language? Is it building up my family? Ephesians 4:29–32 (NIV) gives us a picture of what our relationships should entail: Do not let any...
