God has uniquely created each of us, with a specific set of gifts, talents, skills, and passions. The race set before us is unique to us and no one else. I love the fact that God uses the word race to describe our life’s journey. A race has a beginning and an end, and it requires God’s gracious gifts and our effort to complete it.
Webmaster
175 posts
Anyone running a race knows that it is as important to start quickly as it is to run fast and hard all the way through the finish line tape. Eric Liddell, the Scottish missionary to China, was knocked down in a 400-meter race shortly after the race began and by the time he regained his footing, the pack leader was more than thirty meters ahead.
We are pleased to announce the “My Coffeecup Meditations” series — daily devotionals in four seasonal volumes, written by Roger Ellsworth. Each volume contains one devotional per day for three months: Coffeetime in Winter covers January, February, and March Coffeetime in Spring covers April, May, and June Coffeetime in Summer covers July, August, and September Coffeetime in Autumn covers October, November, and December Roger Ellsworth is a retired pastor, active in ministry and writing, who lives in Jackson, Tennessee. He and his wife, Sylvia, love the message of the Bible, and they enjoy sharing the wonderful counsel of the Word of God in language that ordinary people can understand and appreciate. Roger has written numerous books on the Christian faith, […]
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” —1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Jesse was in his forties and had a successful track record as a crackerjack salesman and executive in several Fortune 1000 companies. His success led him to start his own business. His desire was to found and run […]
ENDURE is a practical, Scripture-steeped guide to help men finish the race God has set before them. Written by Pastor Bill Newton for all men – young or seasoned, married or solo, spiritually fit or totally anemic, ENDURE will help men grow in biblical maturity, be challenged to change, and find strength for the road ahead.
At the Biblical Counseling Coalition, Dave Deuel writes about the disability resources published by Shepherd Press as part of the LifeLine Mini-books series. ‘“Mr. Deuel, I’m sorry, but I’m afraid your daughter has Down syndrome.” A doctor’s diagnosis can change everything. In an instant, panic may strike, and dreams may slip away. At that point, support from family and friends becomes especially crucial. That’s why I, with the input of my wife Nancy and my adult children, wrote four mini-books on disability and relationships.’ Keep reading at the BCC website, and purchase the mini-books here.
Ginger Blomberg at The Gospel Coalition interviewed Jeremy Pierre about his new illustrated children’s storybook bible, God With Us.
It’s a no-brainer to say that when we expect things, we hope for and anticipate something. Without boasting even a bit, I think I can safely be dubbed the “Queen of Expectations.” The expectation gremlins popped up early in my life. I remember having glorious ideas for my birthday party or a holiday, only to grow despondent when the day didn’t match up to the rosy-hued picture I had developed in my mind.
Defining memory remains elusive, perhaps due to its constant employment. Memory operates unnoticed until it begins to fail (like in dementia). The human memory requires no on and off switch or manual to operate. Webster’s Dictionary defines memory by its function, to retain and recollect. Similarly, science defines memory as a cognitive system with a focus again on functions such as encoding, storing, and retaining information over periods of time. When asking a typical person to define memory, many might think of studying for tests in school or in trying to find lost car keys. These definitions all collectively focus on the functions of memory but fall short in truly defining the essence of memory. In an attempt to further define memory, here are three categories to help: a gift, a craft, and a marvel.
There’s nothing wrong with expectations in and of themselves. And it’s easy to see, when digging around in the soil of our hearts, that we have all kinds of thoughts and plans for our lives. All well and good. Expectations aren’t the problem. But when we come face to face with thwarted plans, dismantled hopes, and unanswered prayers, what then? Will we respond with gentle faith and trusting submission to God’s unfolding plans for our lives? Or will bitterness, anger, self-pity, fear, or depression emerge from the miry clay of unbelief?