There seem to be two types of stories about missional work. The first, and perhaps most prevalent, is triumphal. These are stories of work in hard places, of people coming to faith, and of missionaries who seem like superheroes. The second type of missionary stories often come from people who have become disillusioned and see missionaries as foolish or dangerous. Those stories show ways...
There is a bright tomorrow coming when Christ returns. On that day, we will live in the world we’ve always longed for—a place of perfect joy, a home where hard times will never come again. In the meantime, it is through many tribulations that we must enter the kingdom of God (Acts 14:22). As we await an imperishable inheritance, we will be, for a little while, grieved by various trials (1 Peter...
Jesus taught spiritual truths with real-life stories. As a parent, grandparent, or Sunday School teacher, you have probably read these stories hundreds of times. Have you ever noticed how many of Jesus’s parables are about seeds, plants, and growth? These stories are more than just tips for a past agricultural age—they are rich lessons for us today. The parables teach us how to water, feed, and...
The recent events in Buffalo, New York and Uvalde, Texas continue to break our hearts. It is so important that we help our young people know how to make sense out of the brokenness of the world we live in. Consider how you can talk about these things with your family. Our hearts and prayers go out to those who are touched by such events. The threat of danger impacts our children on...
As Trent was growing up, it soon became apparent that he was both academically and athletically gifted. Teachers and coaches loved him because he worked hard and excelled in both his studies and sports. He was a model student and a leader in his chosen sports of basketball and soccer. Trent was an obedient son and made his parents proud. Yet Trent was rarely satisfied. Any grade below an A was...
