One of the most important events in the lives of early Christians was the communal supper. This was a time when Christians gathered to break bread and share a cup with each other, share fellowship, and celebrate the effect of Christ on their lives. This informal ritual, described by Paul in 1 Corinthians 11:17-30 can still be a special time …
How Can I Relax My Stressed-Out Mind?
In today’s hectic world, stress is a part of each of our lives. We all experience stress. We’re all affected by it differently and react to it in our own distinctive ways.” What can we do to relax our minds, so that we can more easily and effectively deal with that stress? You already know that good sleep, exercise, wholesome …
The Best Name for God IS…
Yesterday was Thanksgiving (in the U.S.) and already the malls are prepared for Christmas, the season for giving. But, as always, the greatest gifts of all are not for sale and are free. It doesn’t cost anything to bring joy into the lives of others, for all they hope for are acceptance, recognition, understanding, patience, kindness, encouragement, a smile, a …
Where Is God When We Are Struggling??
It’s a question that we all ask when we are hurting, when we are struggling, when we are frustrated by life’s challenges. Where is God when we are going through our trials that never seem to end? Where is God when we confront our heartaches? Where is God when all we know is defeat and misery? Though God can be …
Have you given much thought to prayer, pray tell?
“To the man who himself strives earnestly, God also lends a helping hand.” —Aeschylus Have you given much thought to prayer, pray tell? Someone once said, “Prayer provides power, poise, peace, and purpose.” And American college administrator, William Arthur Ward, has said, “Prayer is the prelude to peace, the prologue to power, the preface to purpose, and the pathway to perfection.” If …
Silence Is Not the Absence of Noise, but the Presence of the Divine
1. Silence Dag Hammarskjöld said, “We all have within us a center of stillness surrounded by silence.” Yet, for some, silence and stillness are elusive. Caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life, they find it difficult to drown out the clamor swirling about them. Even if they can retreat to a quiet spot, there is still the …
Stepping into the Heart of God
Tony (not his real name) is a 50-year-old Asian man who is going through tough times. He is divorced with two children and little money. He’s tried different things, but not with much success. He struggles with trying to find his personal passion and purpose in life and has lost confidence in his ability to make money. Although he used …
Sources of Spiritual Strength: Simplicity, Silence, Solitude, Surrender
Why would we want to increase our spiritual strength? Albert Einstein explains, “When you examine the lives of the most influential people who have ever walked among us, you discover one thread that winds through them all. They have been aligned first with their spiritual nature and only then with their physical selves.” After all, our spiritual self represents our …
A reader’s declining faith in God
Let God Love You through Others, And Let God Love Others through You – (D.M. Street, 1884~1962) A 67-year-old reader from California is conflicted about his belief in God. You see, at the age of 35 he had a religious experience and became a born again Christian. Despite his faith, he had many obstacles to overcome. In fact, thirty years later …
How About More Spirituality
Is the Sky Falling? “Do you know the expression, `the sky is falling,’ asked friend of mine, “when someone jumps into the conclusion and causing himself and everyone else to panic?” “Sure, I do, but what do you mean?” I asked Jack, my long-time friend who is now having a hard time. “I lost my peace of mind,” said Jack, …