As a Christian, it's essential to recognize and overcome spiritual deformity, which can manifest in various forms, including physical, emotional, and mental limitations. Through Jesus Christ, we can experience healing and restoration, and learn to celebrate our weaknesses as a source of power and victory in life. [... more]

In life's defining moments, taking a stand for God, praying for guidance, trusting in God's power, humbling oneself before God, and obeying God's will can give us confidence and courage. The story of Esther illustrates how faith and courage can lead to incredible outcomes, and how God's providence can work out his purposes in our lives. [... more]

Justin and Kelly share their stories of loss and grief after the passing of their spouses, and how they found hope and redemption in their faith. They discuss the challenges of navigating a blended family and the importance of empathy and ministry in the church. Their story is a beautiful picture of what some have called a second spring, a season where hope reemerges and life grows in ways they never expected. [... more]

Leslie Leland Fields shares a deeply personal story of forgiving her father, who struggled with detachment and a lack of love for his children. Through a series of visits and conversations, Leslie comes to see her father in a new light and finds relief in releasing her debts against him. This story explores the power of forgiveness and its impact on both the giver and the receiver. [... more]

A childhood experience of a boy who brings stinky boots to school teaches him valuable life lessons about not judging others, being sensitive, and forgiveness. [... more]

Robert E. Lee, a complex and beloved general, made a decision that would alter the course of his life and history. He rejected command of the Union Army and resigned from the military, citing his inability to raise his sword against his native state of Virginia. However, Lee's decision was not as straightforward as it seemed, and he was motivated by a desire to preserve his family's property and protect his relatives in Virginia. Lee's military strategy was to plunge the Army of Virginia deep into the North to sow chaos and undermine the Union's will to fight. He crossed the Potomac and marched his army northwards, but his plan was foiled by the Federal Army's determination and tenacity. The Battle of Gettysburg was a pivotal moment in the Civil War, and Lee's defeat marked a turning point in the conflict. Despite his military setbacks, Lee remained a respected and admired leader, and his legacy continues to be debated and studied by historians today. [... more]

Retirees face a crucial question: how much can they safely withdraw from their savings without depleting their retirement funds too soon. Mark Biller joins the discussion to revisit the widely used 4% rule and explore a more flexible, thoughtful approach to retirement withdrawals. [... more]

Faith is similar to planting a seed, requiring nurturing and evidence of growth. The Bible teaches that faith is the conviction of things not seen, and it's the ground of our salvation, entirely outside of us in the work of Christ. Christian faith answers the cries of the human heart, providing meaning, peace, security, and significance. [... more]

Developing faith, exposing wrong, learning obedience, cultivating humility, and glorifying God are reasons we suffer, as explained through scripture and personal experiences, highlighting the importance of compassion, instruction, and exhortation in helping those who are suffering. [... more]

The new birth is a miracle of God that imparts the nature of God, making us members of the heavenly family. It's a work of the Father, a miracle of love and grace, and a choice of God, not man. We can't participate in this miracle, but we can respond to God's work in our hearts and believe on Christ for the righteousness and miracle we need. [... more]

Nikki Frenchko, a Republican candidate for Ohio's 14th congressional district, discusses her stance on key issues, including the pro-life movement, government spending, and the need for conservative values in politics. She also addresses her opponent, Dave Joyce, and his voting record, highlighting concerns about his alignment with liberal policies and his failure to represent the district's values. [... more]

The Bible teaches that God's grace is not cheap, but rather a costly gift that requires Jesus Christ to lay aside his wealth, personhood, and position to make humanity rich in the Spirit. This concept is rooted in the idea that God's love is poured out upon us without merit or worth, and that our salvation is a result of Jesus' willingness to become poor for our sake. [... more]

The believer's struggle with sin is a battle of the mind, and thinking correctly is the foundation for living correctly. Paul commands believers to think theologically, consider the truth of God's perspective, and present themselves to God as instruments of righteousness. The believer's old nature is not eradicated at salvation, but it can be made inoperative through the power of God's Spirit. [... more]

The Bible teaches that temptation is the enticement to think or act in a way that goes against God's will. It's a common struggle for every Christian, and it can come from within (our flesh) or from outside (the devil). To overcome temptation, we must pray for protection and deliverance, and avoid people, practices, and places that may tempt us. With God's help, we can have victory over the power of sin in our lives. [... more]

In the Christian life, failure is a guarantee, but it's not a permanent mark. God invites us to come with our failures and trust him with our weaknesses, knowing he has a provision for our forgiveness and a plan to bring us to completion. [... more]

The Apostle Paul's strategy of using strategic cities to spread the message of Jesus Christ is still relevant today. In the Roman Empire, Paul used the city of Thessalonica as a hub to reach people from all over the region. He would share his message with people in the city and then trust them to spread it to others as they traveled on the Roman roads. This 'honeybee strategy' is still effective today, and it's not just for missionaries. It's a personal responsibility for every follower of Christ to be a 'honeybee' and share their faith with others. [... more]

Character growth, relationships, and the gospel are key to manifesting patience in our lives. We must learn to trust God's timing and have faith that the harvest will come, even if we don't see immediate results. Practicing patience requires understanding people better, being willing to learn from mistakes, and persevering through challenges. [... more]

Esther, the queen of Persia, must decide whether to risk her life to save her people from the cruel edict of King Ahasuerus and his Prime Minister Haman, who is consumed by pride and hatred, while God remains in control and guides her through her journey. [... more]

The Christian life is about pursuing purposeful, clear, God-honoring goals, as exemplified by Paul's focus on knowing Jesus Christ so well that he was becoming like Christ. This goal is outside of oneself and is achieved by following the proper examples, fleeing enemies of the cross, and letting the word about Christ dwell in one richly. Enemies of the cross include those who add to the gospel, such as the Judaizers, and those who subtract from it, such as the Gnostics and libertines, who live according to their sensual desires and boast in their shameful lifestyles. [... more]

Dave Van Andel and Barb Gaby pay tribute to their parents Jay and Betty Van Andel, sharing stories of their commitment to family and love, despite the challenges of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. [... more]