By:
On:
In: Understanding the Bible

“All night long on my bed I looked for the one my heart loves; I looked for him but did not find him. I will get up now and go about the city, through its streets and squares; I will search for the one my heart loves” SOS 3:1-2 (NIV). Two and half years ago, I stepped on a plane headed for Fortaleza, Brazil. The inner-city is held hostage by drugs, crime and poverty. The trip reached far outside my comfort zone. But I went with a purpose. That purpose was to make a difference for Jesus. My heart has been burdened for quite aRead More →

By:
On:
In: Book Reviews

I read a quote back some 20 years ago. It said, “When we have words to describe our deepest pain; we discover there is a deeper pain that eludes words.” Sometimes words never reach the brokenness we feel inside. So what do we do with our pain? I received an advanced copy of Ann Voskamp’s new book, The Broken Way: A Daring Path into the Abundant Life (Zondervan), set to be released on October 25, 2016. In it she describes an “unspoken broken” as a pain too deep you don’t dare to utter. Ann Voskamp packs a powerful message of hope through brokenness. The openingRead More →

By:
On:
In: Understanding the Bible

“Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, My way is hid from the Lord, and my judgment is passed over from my God? Hast thou not known? Hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? There is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint, and to the them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mountRead More →

By:
On:
In: Created to Climb Devotions

Q: God has brought you through some difficult situations, Carla; tell us a little bit about your life: Carla:  Carrie, my life as a child was far from ideal.  Both my parents were heavy drinkers. Any substance abuse leads to abusive behavior. I never knew what to expect. My home life was unstable and neglectful. But I made myself a promise: When I grow up I’m not going to live this way, and I’m not going to treat my children like this.  I tell you, Carrie, I wanted to grow up fast. I was in a hurry to leave so that I could be inRead More →

By:
On:
In: Created to Climb Devotions

Week 3: The Value of Fear I’m so glad you’re here and you’ve stuck with this study to the very end. I can’t believe we’re finishing up this week. It has been a blessing to share God’s word with you. I’m praying your faith is stronger and your fear is weaker. Everyone struggles with fear from time to time, but when faith triumphs in our struggle miracles happen. The Bible uses many different Hebrew words which are translated “fear.” One word is Arat, which means terror or dread. Another word is Pachad. It bears the meaning of standing in awe or reverence. God greatly blessesRead More →