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Introduction
Foreword to Issue 500 by Dr. Jacob Mathew, Chief Editor
Section I - Christianity - God and Church
Chapter 1: The Triune God
Who Is God? by Joseph Tkach
The great and central question of Christianity is this: "Who is God?" ...The more clearly we understand who God is, the better will be our understanding of who we are and of our calling to live in communion with Christ by the Holy Spirit.
Who Is Jesus Christ? by Msgr. Charles Pope
Who is Jesus Christ? Who is this savior who has been born for us? .. In the Gospel of John, we learn at least five things about Jesus. We learn that He is prefigured, preexistent, preeminent, powerful, and is the presence of God. Let's look at each one. ...
Why Christ Came? by Dr. Ray Pritchard
The central miracle asserted by Christians is the Incarnation. They say that God became Man. Every other miracle prepares the way for this, or results from this. ...
The Trinity: Three Persons in One Nature by Frank Sheed
The doctrine of the Blessed Trinity is a mystery, and that we can know it only by faith. ...
God Doesn't Change by John MacArthur
To Christians, His immutability means comfort. If He loved me in the past, He loves me now and forever. ...
To Teach as Jesus Taught - A Reflection on the Qualities of Jesus as Preacher and Teacher by Msgr. Charles Pope
Despite Jesus' often fiery and provocative stance, Scripture speaks of His renown as a preacher and the eagerness with which many heard Him. ...
Seven Manifestations of The Holy Spirit In The Believer by Metropolitan Anthony of Sourozh
Seven Mysteries of the Holy Ghost by Fr. Mark
Trinitarian God - One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism
The Trinitarian nature of God is shown in the Bible. Trinity IS the nature of God as we have been given to know. ...
Chapter 2: The Seven Laws of the Spiritual Life
by Dr. Ray Pritchard
The First Law: He's God and We're Not
As long as we fight against God's right to be God, our lives will be miserable and we will be angry and deeply frustrated. But when we finally come to the place where we can rip the Big G off our sweatshirt, then we're ready to move on. ...
The Second Law: God Doesn't Need Us But We Desperately Need Him
This law tells us something about God and something about us. To say that God doesn't need us means that he is totally and truly sovereign over the universe. He's the boss, the ruler, and the Lord of all things. That means he alone has true freedom. ...
The Third Law: What God Demands, He Supplies
This is a wonderful word of hope for those who find themselves face down in the dust with nowhere else to turn. The Third Law brings us to the very heart of the gospel. If we understand this law, we know why the gospel is truly Good News. ...
The Fourth Law: What You Seek, You Find – Matthew 6:33
The Fourth Law takes us into the realm of practical Christian living. It tells us that "What you seek, you find." Those five simple words challenge us at the level of personal motivation. ...
The Fifth Law: Active Faith Releases God's Power – Hebrews 11
Wthout faith it is impossible to please God. No matter how religious you may be, if you do not have faith, you cannot please God. ...
The Sixth Law: There is No Growth Without Struggle - James 1:2-4
Struggle in the Christian life is inevitable, lifelong and ultimately beneficial. We encounter God's grace through our trials in ways that would not happen if the trials had not come in the first place. It takes a mature Christian to understand this principle, and ironically, it is this principle that makes us mature. ...
The Seventh Law: What God Starts, He Finishes
This law reminds us that in the end, everything we give up for the Lord will seem like no sacrifice at all. And when life tumbles in around us, and others have given up their faith, we stand firm because we know that what we see is not all there is. The best is yet to come. ...
Chapter - 3: The Holy Church
The Church – The Bride of Christ by Michael Voris
THIS is the Church. Our Blessed Lord would prepare nothing less than perfection for his Bride, as He prepared nothing less than perfection for His Mother. ...
We Are All Invited to be One Heart and One Spirit in The House of God From The Patriarchal Journal
The house of God is the Holy Church, the Kingdom of God on earth, which the Lord Jesus established on earth when he began his economy of salvation in the flesh calling people saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent and believe in the good news” (Mark 1:15). ...
The Church Christ Prefers by Dr. Ray Pritchard
Sometimes small churches think there is little they can do for the Lord. But it is all a matter of perspective. The church at Philadelphia had little strength. We can assume that they didn't have much money or many influential people. ...
The Marks or Identifying Characteristics of the Church by Fr. William G. Most
We often speak of the four marks of the Church: one, holy, Catholic and Apostolic. Christ established only one Church. "There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism" (Ephesians 4:5). ...
Peace and Joy, Not Perfect Organization, Signs of God's Presence in Church by Pope Francis
"The sign of God's presence is this, so says the Lord: 'Old men and old women will sit again in the squares of Jerusalem, each with a cane in hand for their age. And the squares of the city will swarm with young boys and girls playing…Playing makes us think of joy: it is the Lord's joy. And these elderly people sitting with a cane in hand, calm: they make us think of peace. Peace and joy. This is the air of the Church!" ...
Do All Roads Lead to God? What Religion is Right? by Shane Idleman
This is how people are truly saved, delivered, and set free from the bondage of sin and death. Romans 10:13 adds, "For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." ...It's not about religion but a relationship – it's all about Who you know.
God's Dwelling Place From Daily Disciples Devotional
Where does God dwell? It is made just so He could dwell with His people. But this place was no ordinary dwelling; it was a holy place, a sanctuary where His people could enter into the presence of the Lord. ...
The Church Is Not a Social Club by Fr. Sergius Nezhbort
The Church is not just a social club, where you can go if you want, where you can listen to choirs, have a rest for your soul, console yourself and then leave it and go on your way. It a place where we meet God. And this meeting changes a person significantly. ...
Chapter - 3A: The Holy Eucharist
The Holy Eucharist by HH LL Ignatius Zakka I Iwas
This bloodless sacrifice is a remembrance of the Sacrifice on the Cross and an extension of it and the continuation of its benefits. Furthermore, its true offerer is the Lord Christ, who gave Himself as a redemptive offering on the cross. ...
Jewish Antecedents of Christian Liturgy by Rev. Fr. Dr. Binoy Thattankunnel
Christian liturgical practice is derived from the Jewish worship practice. Studying Jewish background of Christian liturgy will help us understand the hidden meanings of Christian liturgy in a deeper level. ...
The Marvelous Value of the Holy Mass (Qurbana) by Rev. Joseph Dwight
The Mass is not just a simple representation of the Sacrifice of the Cross; it does not have only the value of a simple remembrance; but it is a true Sacrifice as that of Calvary, which it reproduces, continues and of which applies the fruits. ...
Why Call It Eucharist (Thanksgiving)? by Shane Kapler
By calling what we Christians "do" Eucharist (the Greek word for "thanksgiving"), we make a profound statement. ...
How To Prepare For Holy Communion by Fr. Alexey Young
Receiving Communion isn't a right but a gift. It involves preparation, thought, repentance, confession, and so on. We should receive as often as possible, but in a state of preparation! ...
Chapter - 4: The Power of The Sacraments In The Lives of Orthodox Christians
by Fr. Nikon of Philotheou Monastery, Mount Athos, Greece
Introduction by Fr. Constantine J. Simones
The Power of The Sacraments In The Lives of Orthodox Christians
The Power of The Sacrament of Baptism
Another Story About The Power of Holy Baptism That Took Place In Athens, Greece
The Demons Are Powerless Before The Grace of Baptism And Confirmation
The Miraculous Power of The Body And Blood of Jesus Christ
The Miraculous Power of The Body & Blood of Christ Whether In The Old or New Calendar Church
The Power of Confession Over Unclean Spirits
Demonic Entities Attempt to Destroy Faithful Members of The Orthodox Church
The Power of The Sacraments of Holy Matrimony And Confession
Chapter - 5: Oriental Orthodox Church Family
Difference Between Oriental & Eastern Orthodox Churches
The Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria
The Syriac Orthodox Churches
The Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church
The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church
The Eritrean Orthodox Tewahdo Church
Persecution of Oriental Orthodox Christians
The Persecution of the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahdo Church
The Armenian Genocide
Sayfo - Suffering of Christians Continues in Middle East After 100 Years
Chapter - 6: Orthodox Faith
Faith - Key to God's Treasury by Bishop Alexander (Mileant)
True faith cannot be satisfied with a cold recognition of God's existence but strives to be in close communion with Him. The believing soul naturally reaches to God, as a sunflower turns toward the sun. ...
I Believe...A Short Exposition of Orthodox Doctrine Editor: Bishop Alexander (Mileant)
Basic Points of Difference Between the Orthodox Church and Catholic Church By the Metropolitan of Nafpaktos, et.al.
The basic distinction between the (Eastern) Orthodox Church and Catholic Church is found in the doctrine concerning the uncreated nature and uncreated energy of God. ...
7 Sacraments of Syriac Orthodox Church
Orthodox Church by BBC
Essentially the Orthodox Church shares much with the other Christian Churches in the belief that God revealed himself in Jesus Christ, and a belief in the incarnation of Christ, his crucifixion and resurrection. The Orthodox Church differs substantially in the way of life and worship. ...
The Triumph of Orthodoxy by St. Ignatius (Brianchaninov)
Orthodoxy is the true knowledge of God and reverence of God. Orthodoxy is the worship of God in Spirit and in Truth. Orthodoxy is the glorification of the true God, the knowledge of Him and worship of Him. Orthodoxy is the glorification of God by man, the true servant of God, given to him through the grace of the Holy Spirit. ...
Orthodoxy - A Thinking Man's Faith by Benedict Seraphim
Orthodoxy has a mystical theology. Which simply means that Orthodoxy thinks in terms of her experience of the revelation of God in Christ. Orthodoxy is quintessentially an experiential religion. She thinks with her mind, but with a mind that has descended into her heart. ...
The Gift of Orthodoxy by Elizabeth Huestis
It is possible to see that our becoming Orthodox was not just a chance occurrence, but something that God planned out and manipulated starting many, many years before we had even the smallest idea anything was happening. Let me give you an example by telling a bit about what happened in my case. ...
Chapter - 7: Heaven
Do You Desire Heaven? Really? by Msgr. Charles Pope
Do you long for Heaven or are you just trying to make it through the day? Does the thought of heaven excite you? It is after all our reward, which eye has not seen and ear has not heard! ...
Focusing on Heaven by John MacArthur
Focusing on Heaven is the best way to endure difficulties on earth. ...
The Pull of Heaven by Greg Laurie
For those of us who have put our trust in Christ, we are citizens of a different place. You might say that we have dual citizenship. We are citizens of the planet Earth, but we are heavenly citizens as well. ...
Will We Know Each Other in Heaven? Colin Smith
Christians who know and love each other on earth will know and love each other in heaven. ...
Jesus Teaches About the Narrow Door to Heaven
Jesus made it plain that there are only two places people will go after they die: heaven or hell. ...
What Will Heaven be Like? by Dr. David Jeremiah
Heaven will be glorious and full of grandeur. We will experience fullness of joy as we live in the presence of God and fellowship with each other. ...
Chapter - 8: Hell
What Is Hell?
Hell is primarily eternal separation from God. It is absolute emptiness and isolation beyond anything we can fathom. ...
The Hell of It. A Short Teaching on Hell by Msgr. Charles Pope
The heart of Hell is to lack God, to lack the one thing necessary. God is the sine qua non, the absolute requirement for every other joy or pleasure to make any sense or be operative. ...
The Strangest Part of the Creed: He Descended into Hell by Dr. Ray Pritchard
The death of Christ brought startling changes in the spirit world, most of which remain hidden to us. ...
How to Reconcile the Reality of Hell and the Grace of God by Bryan Chapell
Jesus' greatest expressions of mercy and grace were poured out on those who believed they had no hope of heaven due to their background, failings, and sin. Their despair of God's care in this life, and of his provision of spiritual security for the next life, made Christ's grace welcome and powerful. ...
The Early Church Fathers on Hell
Scriptural Basis of Hell
Chapter - 9: Bible
10 big things Jesus said which you and I keep (conveniently) forgetting by Dr. Joe McKeever
No one can command his own emotions - fear, anger, love, hate, etc - to the point of being able to turn them on or off at will. ...
Revelation: Its Central Theme Illuminated by Charles S. Meek
The central theme of Revelation is the coming judgment against Old Covenant Israel in AD 70, and the establishment of the New Covenant in full..
Who Is Poor in the New Testament? by Jerome H. Neyrey
Who was poor in New Testament times? Was "poor" an economic or social term or both? What part of the population would be considered "poor"? How did people become "poor"? ...
How Important is The Bible? by Mary Southerland
If we really want to know God, if we really want to understand who we are, the Bible must have the highest place of importance in our lives. ...
10 Steps to Interpreting Scripture by Jennifer Slattery
With so many different interpretations, and many presented by brilliant scholars, how can we ever know which is correct? ...
10 of the Best Things Jesus Ever Said (from Matthew) by Joe
These are my nominations for ten of the best things our Lord said as recorded in Matthew's Gospel. Each one is a nugget of pure gold, deserving to be valued and loved, memorized and obey, preached and taught as often as possible. ...
Section II. Christian Living
Chapter - 10: Prayer
Jesus and Prayer: Programming the God Machine? By William L. Self
If I want to learn about prayer, I want to go to Jesus, whose life was a living prayer, who prayed incessantly, unceasingly. Jesus, the man of prayer, has something to teach us. ...
How to Pray without Ceasing by Kelly O'Dell Stanley
Not only is it possible to pray without ceasing, but it's possible to do so without making any significant changes to your schedule or time commitments. It's all about shifting your thought process and turning everyday moments into prayer. ...
5 Things You Do Not Know About Prayer by Dr. Joe McKeever
It might be helpful to address some of the things we do not know about prayer. ...
20 Quotes from Tim Keller's New Book on Prayer by Matt Smethurst
The following 20 quotes caught my attention as I read Tim Keller's fantastic new book, 'Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God' (Dutton) ...
It's Me Oh Lord, Standin' in the Need of Prayer by Msgr Charles Pope
Beware of Pride. It is our worst enemy. Beg for the gift of humility, for only with it do we even stand a chance. ...
The Purpose of Prayer by Oswald Chambers
To say that "prayer changes things" is not as close to the truth as saying, "Prayer changes me and then I change things." ...
Our Secret Weapon
We are at war "against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" ...
Prayer Does Make A Difference by Martin G. Collins
A primary test of our lives as Christians and saints is the amount of quality time we give to prayer. .
Chapter - 11: Faith
Faith And Prayer by John W. Ritenbaugh
Faith is the foundation of Christian character. Without it we have no access to God. He that comes to Him must believe that He is. ...
Beyond the Words - Living The Faith by J.M. Njoroge
The primary call of God is to know God, to be near God, not to serve God or to argue on God's behalf. Apologetics is important, but it is only a means to an end, and the end is knowing God. ...
Faith in Action - Noah by Dr. Michael Youssef
Genuine faith can only be demonstrated by obedient action. If we truly trust in God and His Word and promises, then we will fully obey Him. ...
Helping our Unbelief by Alan Brehm
The apostle to the Hebrews insists that there is something more to faith than just a subjective feeling of trust. He calls it "the substance of things hoped for." ...
How To Develop Faith by Napoleon Hill
Faith is a state of mind which may be induced, or created, by affirmation or repeated instructions to the subconscious mind, through the principle of auto-suggestion. ...
Poem: My Faith Looks Up To Thee by Ray Palmer
Growing Your Faith by Joel Osteen
Do you desire to have more faith? Scripture tells us that faith can grow and increase. ...
Chapter - 12: Suffering
Power Made Perfect in Weakness By Rebecca Konyndyk Deyoung
What does it mean to have courage in the face of suffering, pain, or even death? ...
Peace, Be Still! A Short Sermon from the Sea of Galilee by Dr. Ray Pritchard
Where there are no storms, there is no faith.
No storms, no faith.
Few storms, a little faith.
Many storms, much faith. ...
Seeing God In The Midst of Adversity
It is often difficult to recognize the hand of God when we are in the midst of adversity. We often feel God has hidden His face from us. ...
Stand By Your Savior (When Disaster Strikes) By Julie Clinton
Difficult, life-changing circumstances. Extraordinary courage. These three women realized that though life was testing them in ways they never could have anticipated, they could choose their response, and their response would determine the course of their lives. ...
When Tragedy Strikes by Chuck Swindoll
What do you do when tragedy strikes? What do you do when a test comes? What's your first response? Is it to complain? To be angry? To blame? ...
Worshiping with a Broken Heart by Rachel Coulter
A broken heart might be a woman who gets the call from her doctor that she has miscarried. It's the child who learns that his father has cancer. It's broken relationships, debilitating depression, dreams dying and crumbling in our hands. ...
Look Beyond Present Suffering to The Presence of God by Fr. Tommy Lane
The good times take us through the bad times. So when our cross is heavy or when we are tempted to despair about the meaning of life, let us look beyond the pain of the present moment and remember those times when we got glimpses of God, those times when God sent us his consolations. ...
How the Bible Sustained Me During My Darkest Days by David Qaoud
"Let the afflicted hear and be glad." The afflicted! Not the person in success, but in suffering. Not the one in prosperity, but in peril. And that person was me. ...
Chapter - 13: Forgiveness
The Happy Sinner by Pete Briscoe
Jesus tells us that the worse our sin, the more grateful we are for redemption - the more grateful we are for Him. ...
The Forgiveness of God by Oswald Chambers
The only ground on which God can forgive our sin and reinstate us to His favor is through the Cross of Christ. There is no other way! ...
The NEED of Forgiveness (part 1) by Henry Law
To estimate forgiveness rightly, its must be distinctly seen. It will be poorly prized, unless its value be weighed in balances of truth. ...
The NEED of Forgiveness (part 2) by Henry Law
Such is the endless end of sin. Such are the penalties to which its guilt is righteously consistent. Such is its sure condemnation. ...
The Originating CAUSE of Forgiveness by Henry Law
The question now occurs, Whence springs forgiveness? Where is the birth-place of this friend to sinners? Here the Word gives distinct reply. ...
The PRICE of Forgiveness (part 1) by Henry Law
Grace originates forgiveness not arbitrarily, not in disregard of holy claims, not in violation of His co-equal attributes; but in fullest recognition of Jehovah's unity. ...
The PRICE of Forgiveness (part 2) by Henry Law
The price has been pondered as a COVENANT price, pledged in everlasting counsels, set forth from the foundation of the world. ...
REPENTANCE, the Path to Forgiveness by Henry Law
Genuine repentance is a threefold cord. Three ingredients compose the cup--three rays combine to form the picture. The following phases are united. ...
FAITH, the Means of Obtaining Forgiveness by Henry Law
The graces of repentance and faith may not be separated. Where the Spirit plants one, He surely adds the other--where one lives, the other thrives. If one be absent, the other has no place--they lead in concert to forgiveness. ...
JOY, the Fruit of Forgiveness by Henry Law
The tree of forgiveness, shaken by the hand of faith, pours down rich fruits. From the showers of descending blessings let holy joy be now selected. ..
LOVE, the Fruit of Forgiveness by Henry Law
The prominent features teach that a realized sense of pardon kindles the flame of fervent love. It must be so, for the knowledge of much forgiveness cannot fail to fan affections into ardent blaze. ...
Condemnation of an UNFORGIVING SPIRIT by Henry Law
Unforgiveness from God is the doom of those who forgive not heartily, gladly, universally, unreservedly, every offending brother his every offence. To withhold forgiveness from offending man is proof that there is not forgiveness from the offended God. ...
ETERNAL GLORY, the Ultimate Cause of Forgiveness by Henry Law
The worth of forgiveness will not be fully known until time swells into eternity. To enliven hope and to encourage, strengthen, and embolden faith, the Holy Spirit withdraws the veil, and presents a prospect of the endless raptures which will then become reality. ...
Chapter - 14: Love
Love of God and Neighbor by Fr. Philip LeMasters
Those who are blessed in the eternal life of the Kingdom are those who have been purified by the love of God to the depths of their souls and who show that love in their relationships with others....
The Unshakeable Love of God by Fr. James Guirguis
God’s love far exceeds any concept of love that we might understand. His love for us is perfect. ...
Be Christians like Jesus, who loves people, and not 'legalistic', 'hypocrites' or 'corrupt' by Pope Francis
The novelty of Jesus is that he brings the Word of God, the message of God, that of God's love for each of us. ...
Love Means Telling the Truth by Dr. Ray Pritchard
Paul knew that true Christian fellowship could only be built upon a solid foundation in the truth. If he didn't tell them the truth, they would go merrily on in their sin and the relationship would be broken. Only the painful step of confrontation would ever make them realize how much they really loved him. ....
Stern Love -- A Meditation on a Moment When Jesus Was Unkind by Msgr. Charles Pope
We tend to equate kindness with love; this is a mistake. Kindness is an aspect of love, but so is rebuke and so is punishment. ..
A Love That Stays by Gwen Smith
Even when we fail, God does not. Even when we disobey His commands and run away from all that is good and holy, He loves us. Yes, consequences will be handed out, but His LOVE will remain. ...
Chapter - 15: Humility
Humble Before the Lord by Wes Saad
When we humble ourselves before God we will then be able to experience the kind of life God wants us to live. ...
More Than a Superiority Complex By Rabbi Dr. Tzvi Hersh Weinreb
People with Superiority Complex focus on their self-importance because they are threatened by the feelings of inadequacy and impotency that they dare not face. Example from Old Testament...
Threats to Humility: Riches and Wealth by John MacArthur
Everything you have, God gave to you. Don't parade your possessions as if you obtained them through your self-created abilities. ...
Threats to Humility: Doctrine and Hypocrisy by John MacArthur
Avoid pride in your position, intelligence, or spirituality. ...
Take Up Your Broom and Follow Me by Dr. Ray Pritchard
Make me a servant, humble and meek; Lord let me lift up those who are weak. ...The greatest person at this church is the greatest servant, because he is the one most like Jesus Christ. Jesus said, "I am among you as one who serves." ...
Lessons on Humility from Matthew 21:23-32 and Philippians 2:1-13 by Steve Thomason
If we are going to be the community of God, then we must be willing to let go of our sense of power and authority. It means admitting when we're wrong and doing something about it. And it means looking out for each other. That is humility. ...
Of Humility by Dom Mark
Humility is to be contented with the meanest and worst of everything, and in all that is enjoined him to esteem himself a bad and worthless labourer, saying with the prophet: "I have been brought to nothing, and I knew it not: I am become as a beast before Thee, yet I am always with Thee." ...
Genuine Salt of Humility by Alistair Begg
Humiliation of soul always brings a positive blessing with it. If we empty our hearts of self, God will fill them with His love. If we desire close communion with Christ, we should remember the word of the Lord: "This is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word." (Isaiah 66:2) ...
Chapter - 16: Peace
Peace That Exceeds Understanding by Chuck Swindoll
God gives complete rest to those who lean on Him for support - to those who trust Him as an unmovable and strong Rock. ...
Christian Endurance and Christ's Peace by Pope Francis
Let us ask the Lord for the grace of Christian endurance that gives us peace, this bearing things with a good heart, this joyful bearing to become younger and younger, like good wine: younger with this renewed Easter youth of the spirit. ...
The Character of A Peacemaker by Ralph Bouma
When self-centered sin entered into Paradise, man, the crown of God’s creation, became a peace-breaker instead of a peacemaker. ...
Peace With One Another by Ralph Bouma
We don't seek peace with the world on the same basis as we do with the body of Christ, but we must live in peace with all men as much as possible. ...
Christ Is Our Peace by John MacArthur
Christ’s atonement made it possible for man to be at peace with God. ...
What About the 'Sword' of the 'Prince of Peace'? By Wayne Jackson
How do you harmonize the Bible passage that supposedly represents Jesus as the "Prince of Peace" with Christ’s own statement, "Do not think that I came to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace but a sword"? ...
The Prince of Peace By Michael Youssef, Ph.D.
We can know eternal peace because of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. We can find peace with God the Father because of the work of our Prince of Peace. ..
Chapter - 17: Joy
How to Have Unshakeable Joy Like Paul by Dr. Matthew Harmon
If we pursue joy in our circumstances, we are guaranteed a life of disappointment. But when we seek joy in Christ, what he has done for us, and the progress of the gospel, we can experience unshakable joy. ...
Joy Versus Happiness by John MacArthur
Happiness is related to circumstances; joy is a gift from God. ...
How to Experience Joy in Any Circumstance
Don't stuff your emotions. Let them out in a healthy way among people your trust. When you do, you'll put yourself on the path to experiencing joy in all circumstances! ...
How to Lose Your Joy by John MacArthur
True joy is God's gift to every believer, yet many Christians seem to lack it. How can that be? ...
Joy Cometh in the Morning by David J. Stewart
Life is filled with problems; some we create for ourselves, some our loved one's create for us, and others which are completely beyond our control. These are ALL "trials" which TEST our faith. ...
Psalm 30:5 - Joy Comes in the Morning by Debra Aiken
Throughout the bible we see where the faith of God's people were tested in their midnight experiences. We also see their “JOY” on the morning after...
Seven Ways to Cultivate Joy by Charles R. Swindoll
Want more joy in your day? Cultivate it! Joy springs from viewing the day's events from eternity's perspective. ...
10 Experiences That Can Make You Happy by Mark Ford
Experiences provide more happiness than material goods. ...
Chapter - 18: Mercy
Justice, Mercy, and Grace by Greg Laurie
When God extends mercy, He doesn't give you what you deserve. And when God extends grace, He gives you His unmerited favor and blessing. ..
God's Mercy by Pope Francis
It is not easy to trust oneself to the mercy of God, because His mercy is an unfathomable abyss – but we must do it! ...
Comfort in God's Mercy by Ralph Bouma
There are consolations received from good things we experience, but there is greater consolation in the good things promised....
Mercy for the Masses by Jill Carattini
Even small glimpses of God's mercy are signs to stay alert to the miraculous gift of a God who hears a world in need and is at work even now in every corner. ...
Mercy And Peace Through Our Mediator by Ralph Bouma
What is mercy? Mercy is undeserved favor! Mercy is one-sided love. We have forfeited everything through sin. We have neither right nor title to God's favor. We have no right to lay any claim upon God. We must have mercy, yet truth can be maintained. There is no mercy in Mount Sinai; not one sin can go unpunished. When our debt was paid in Christ, mercy was born. ...
Sharing God's Mercy with Our Children by Jessica Archuleta
We are all in need of not only God's mercy but the mercy of others; everyone we know will at one time or another be in need of our mercy as well. Let's take this year as an opportunity to grow in mercy and gratitude for the gift of mercy. ...
The Law of Jesus (Mercy & Grace) Not Moses (Mercy) Alone
God has only one answer to save sinners and that is grace. The problem with our receiving grace is not on God's end. He provided His Son for that purpose. The problem is on our end. We cling to pride and refuse it. ...
Mercy and Wrath of God by Eric McKiddie
Do you find it difficult to figure out how God's mercy and wrath go together? Maybe you stumble over God's wrath, wondering how a loving God could be wrathful. Perhaps you doubt God's mercy, thinking God could never forgive you for the sins you've committed. ...
Chapter - 19: Hope
On Christian Hope - Encyclical by Pope Benedict XVI
In hope we were saved, says Saint Paul to the Romans, and likewise to us (Rom 8:24). According to the Christian faith, "redemption" - salvation - is not simply a given. Redemption is offered to us in the sense that we have been given hope, trustworthy hope, by virtue of which we can face our present...
Hope Beyond Failure by Charles R. Swindoll
What tender mercy! What triumphant grace! Failure is not forever. God specializes in forgiveness and hope. He can use even your worst failures in a mighty way. ...
Hope For A Cast Down Soul by Ralph Bauma
The soul is our most intimate companion in all our sorrows and joys. As David's soul was his companion in all his sorrow, so he desired it to be in all his joy. .. The hope and encouragement David proposed to his soul is the only foundation of hope. "Hope thou in God," because His presence and His tender are fatherly love. ...
Inoculated with Faith/Hope/Love by Shawn McEvoy
Do you have Faith to loan to the one today who has lost his, or placed it in something temporal and disappointing? Can you spare Hope for one who doesn't understand that Despair is the only place hope functions? ...
Hope for Those Who Have Lost Hope by Dena Johnson
There are times when we feel utterly hopeless. When our hopes and dreams are shattered, never to be fulfilled... Are you in that hopeless place? He is with you, wiping your tears, holding you up. He will see you through. Trust Him. ...
Hope: The Anchor of the Soul by Dr. Charles Stanley
An anchor was a popular image in the ancient Mediterranean world. The anchor symbolized safety and steadiness. The writer of Hebrews used the word to remind believers that God has given a hope that holds firm in any storm. ..
The Role of Hope In Salavation by John W. Ritenbaugh
There will never be a time in eternity when hope is not on our minds! Think about that! It is that important. ...
Chapter - 20: Silence
Our Silent Path to God By Rev. Dn. Reeves Manikat
How can we overcome our shortcomings and find an answer to our faults? How can we attain this silence whereby we are commuted with the Lord? The silence of our self and the resultant creation of our understandings prepare a pathway that brings us closer to God. ...
If You Want to Hear God, Get Still and Listen by Rick Warren
You have to be quiet in order to hear God speak. If you want to hear God's vision, then you're going to have to turn off the television. You can't listen to God and the TV at the same time!...
The Silence of the Word by Pope Benedict XVI
The cross of Christ not only portrays the silence of Jesus as His final word to the Father; it also reveals that God speaks through the silence: "The silence of God, the experience of the distance of the almighty Father, is a decisive stage in the earthly journey of the Son of God, the incarnate Word. ...
Solitude: A Vital Factor in Growing Closer to God by Charles R. Swindoll
Solitude is good for us. Our natural tendency is to always have people around, always have stuff going on, but let me be candid: I've never learned anything all that significant in a crowd. ...
What I Learned When God Went Silent by Lindsey Maestas
To hear the whisper of God, we must turn down the noise of the world. ...
The Value of Silence Before the Great Mystery of the Incarnation by Msgr. Charles Pope
As the mysteries of the incarnation unfold for us liturgically, Let all mortal flesh keep silence, and with fear and trembling stand, Christ our God to earth descendeth, bearing blessings in his hand (from the hymn, "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence")....
Should I Fight or be Still? by Debbie Holloway
Sometimes God calls us to fight, and sometimes he tells us to be still. How can we decipher it? ...
When Life Goes Without Answers by Shelli Williams
Job seems to move from apparent acceptance to what is happening to him to an out and out challenge of God and God's power in his life. He demands answers now and sees justice as due to him. We identify with Job here. We want answers. Answers would make life easier. And we want answers NOW. But Job doesn't even seem to be able to find God in order to register his complaint. God is maintaining His silence! ...
Some Quotes for Further Reflection:
In his poetic eulogy "The World of Silence", the French philosopher Max Picard says that silence is the central place of faith, where we give the Word back to the God from whom we first received it. ...
Chapter - 21: Service/Discipleship
A Different Kind of Greatness by Dr. Joe McKeever
Nothing proves the Lord's statement that true greatness resides in serving like an example of someone who pulls it off. ...
The Three Tests of a Servant Leader by Dr. Joe McKeever
The secret of effective servant leadership is driving a stake through the heart of the ego. The way to do that is to give yourself a strong talking-to on the matter of duty and expectations. Rebuke your pride, restrain your lust for recognition, and release your love. ...
Cost of Discipleship by Biaya Pemuridan
Discipleship is a serious commitment that requires much thought and careful deliberation. Becoming a follower of Christ is the most important enterprise we will ever undertake. ...
Five Keys to Intentional Discipleship - Mentoring by Melissa Kruger
As you grasp the importance of being intentional about the way you pursue Christ and help others to do the same, consider these principles before you begin a structured type of mentoring relationship. These should help to set expectations and provide a shared vision for your time together. ...
Pursuing Jesus - The Quiet Power of Daily Discipleship by Nathaniel Peters
When praying for a friend, a person ascends "from that holy love with which he embraces a friend to that with which he embraces Christ." The love that exists between Christian friends is a foretaste of heaven. ...
I Can't Find the Words by Suzie Eller
Only in hindsight do we see what Moses could not see in the beginning. God wasn't worried about Moses' lack of eloquence, vocabulary or skill, but whether or not Moses trusted God enough to obey. ...
Leadership Style of Jesus by Michael Youssef, Ph D.
Jesus of Nazareth taught and modeled a leadership style based on morality, truthfulness, servant-hood, humility, and meeting the needs of others. ...
Eternal Servant Leadership by Mark Schindler
Leadership Lessons From The Animal World
Jesus has taught about the value of Servant leadership. Interestingly, this is practiced by the animal kingdom for survival. ...
Section III. Life In This World
Chapter - 22: Family- Marriage
Relationships 1: Gaining Ground by Paul David Tripp
Be honest with yourself. In some way, you've been disappointed with every relationship you've ever had. It's the universal experience of everyone this side of eternity. No, it's not that you've met the wrong people or that you lack relational skills. ...
Relationships 2: Mercy in the Mess by Paul David Tripp
We all dream of the perfect relationship. You know, the one that’s free of disagreement, conflict, communication difficulties, power battles, anger and control. We can envision what it would be like. The problem is, none of us ever get what we were once able to imagine. ...
Relationships 3: Why Can They Be So Scary? by Paul David Tripp
Why are relationship struggles so disappointing? Why do the problems we have with other people affect us so powerfully? Why is relational disappointment one of the hardest disappointments for all of us to face? Let me suggest some reasons. ...
Relationships 4: Something Bigger by Paul David Tripp
We were surprised. We simply didn't see it coming. We thought things were going well. We thought we'd built a good relationship. ...
Relationships 5: Can You Relate? by Paul David Tripp
Have you ever wondered if the people around you deal with the things you do in your relationships? Have you ever wondered if other marriages deal with petty differences, or with the collision of differing agendas? ...
Relationships 6: A Harvest Mentality by Paul David Tripp
God's Word really does open up to us the mysteries of the universe. It really does make us wiser than we could ever be without it. And yet, having said this, it's sad that we don't take more advantage of this wisdom God has given us. ...
Relationships 7: An Investment Mentality by Paul David Tripp
We're in the middle of looking at three mentalities that are essential to creating and sustaining a healthy relational lifestyle. Here's the second mentality. ...
Relationships 8: A Grace Mentality by Paul David Tripp
Previously, we discussed what it meant to live in our relationships with An Investment Mentality. Here's the third and final mentality...
Relationship Health Quiz by Steven Jay Fogel
Is Your Inner Child Keeping You Trapped in a Bad Relationship? 5 Questions to Ask Yourself; The Answers May Help Set You Free. ...
Chapter - 23: Family - Parenting
Some Sober Reflection on Matrimony, Sexuality and the Family by Msgr. Charles Pope
Recently Mona Charen offered some thoughtful reflections on Marriage in National Review. I would like to offer her comments along with some of my own. ...
Marriage: Holy Spirit Unites, Satan Separates by Pete Briscoe
Satan is at work in our marriages, our families, and our friendships, and some of his favorite tools are his lies. ...
Marriage Lie #1: Marriage Is Irrelevant Today by Pete Briscoe
Lie number 1: Marriage is an archaic institution irrelevant for enlightened modern people. Many believe this lie, the rest of us need to ask ourselves if marriage is even worth it. Why do we even need this anymore?" ...
Marriage Lie #2: You Can't be Happy Unless You're Married by Pete Briscoe
Think you have to be married to be whole and happy? Get this: Paul spends the whole chapter of 1 Corinthians 7 convincing people not to get married. ...
Marriage Lie #3: Your Spouse Will Complete You by Pete Briscoe
Your spouse will NOT complete you; your spouse will complicate you. One of God's purposes in marriage is to use our spouse to reveal our flesh patterns, selfishness, and sin. If you are looking for true love and affirmation, only Christ will complete you....
Satan's Lie #4: You two can handle this on your own by Pete Briscoe
Satan's strategy is to divide and conquer. He wants you to think that you are the only ones going through this stuff...
Satan's Lie #5: Divorce is an option by Pete Briscoe
It's normal for marriage to get tough—even so tough that you don't think you can handle it anymore. But your two options are not "stay in this miserable marriage, or get divorced."...
Satan's Lie #6: The Kids Will be Better If We Divorce by Pete Briscoe
Marriage is painful. It's part of the design, as God created this permanent covenant relationship to strip away our flesh and make us more like Jesus...
Satan's Lie #7: Your Marriage Is Hopeless by Pete Briscoe
It's a beautiful image! If your marriage is like that utter wasteland, God says, "You see that devastation? I will restore everything that is lost. I will bring it back to life, new life in Me." ...
Satan's Lie #8: Marriage Isn't Worth It by Pete Briscoe
The truth is that marriage is one of God's best ideas, and a good marriage is an inexpressible joy. Work? Yes. Pain? Yes. Blood, sweat, and tears? Yes, all of that too... but it's worth it. ...
Satan's Lies About Your Marriage - Conclusion by Pete Briscoe
Remember, the secret of marriage is two people walking in the Spirit, loving one another. Let's do something about that, following the pattern Paul laid out in Romans 12:1-2...
Don't Mean It Sins by Lee Eclov
Sometimes we sin without meaning to. We aim for righteousness, honor and wisdom, but we miss by a mile. Leviticus 4:2 introduces a Hebrew word for sin that means "to miss the mark." ...
Chapter - 24: Family - Parenting
A Parenting Guide For The Perplexed By Rabbi Y.Y. Rubinstein
Children have to make their own way, and that way is unlikely to be a replica of their parents' way. It won't necessarily conform to the outcome they would have chosen for their child. ...
Advice To Parents by Saint Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787)
The gospel tells us, that a good plant cannot produce bad fruit, and that a bad one cannot produce good fruit. A good father brings up good children. But, if the parents are wicked, how can the children be virtuous? It is very difficult to find children virtuous, who are brought up by immoral parents. ...
Is Your Child Depressed? By Dr. Meg Meeker
Parents of teenagers can have difficulty differentiating normal teen separation behavior from depression. Here’s how you can do this. ...
Living as Sons and Daughters, Not Slaves by Os Hillman
Satan wants us to see ourselves as slaves and orphans, not sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father. The marketplace wants to make us slaves living from performance instead of our heart. ...
Bear with one another charitably and love your Children by Fr. Tommy Lane
A woman once asked Mother Teresa, asked, "You have done so much to make the world a better place. What can we do?" Mother Teresa smiled and simply said, "Love your children." "There are other things you can do, but that is the best. Love your children. Love your children as much as you can. That is the best." ...
How to Raise Your Son by God's Design by Whitney Hopler
God has created boys according to His good design. As the parent of a son, your sacred duty is to help him grow up to manhood in ways that honor that divine design. ...
Christian Parenting by Edward Bickersteth
The inconsistencies of Christian parents in their conduct and conversation, have a most pernicious influence over their children. The spirit of the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life, manifested by a parent - are eagerly and most naturally imbibed by children. They are creatures of imitation in all things - but they have a natural aptitude in imitating whatever is wrong. ..
12 Truths I Want My Daughter to Know before She Enters College by Cindi McMenamin
These are 12 things I wanted my own daughter to know before she entered college – and 12 things she is still, by the grace of God, holding fast to today..
Setting a Parental Agenda by Paul Tripp
Parenting teenagers is a difficult responsibility. We don't have to deny the reality that as a person passes from childhood into adulthood, the transition can be tumultuous....
The Idol of Appreciation by Paul Tripp
Children should appreciate their parents. Yet, hear me now mothers and fathers - being appreciated cannot be our goal. When it becomes the thing we live for, we'll unwittingly look with hyper-vigilant eyes for appreciation in every situation. ...
Parenting - The Idol of Success by Paul Tripp
"This isn't the way it's supposed to be. We tried to faithfully do everything God called us to do as parents, and look what we ended up with! I ask myself, if I knew that this was the way it would all turn out, would we have ever chosen to have children? I can't describe how disappointed and embarrassed I am." ...
Ben Franklin's Biggest Regret By Craig Ballantyne
In 1736, Ben Franklin, long an opponent of inoculating children against Smallpox, lost his son Franky to the disease. Losing a child must be the greatest burden a parent could bear, but to do so in this manner surely yielded extra heartache to Franklin and his wife Deborah, who had born no other children. ...
Chapter - 25: Personal Improvement
Napoleon's Principle of Success by Wes Hopper
Comparing yourself to others and trying to copy what they do is a waste of time. You can learn from them, but you can't copy them. ...
Fail First by John O'Leary
My friend, a great paradox of life is that in letting go of the desire to not lose, you win; that in releasing the need to never be wrong, you're right; ...
How to Fix Work Stress By Leo Babauta
When we hold on to the idea that we can do everything, and that we have to deal with everything at once, we become stressed because obviously we cannot do it all. ...
Imagination by Napoleon Hill
It has been said that men can create anything which he can imagine....It is worth repeating many times that ideas within the mind are limited only by those limits placed on the mind by the individual. ...
Focusing on Your Strengths By Julie Clinton
Most of us spend far more time focused on what we're not good at rather than what we are good at. But human resource professionals tell us that the greatest opportunity for personal growth and development come from focusing on our strengths, not our weaknesses. ...
How to Affect Change and Growth in Your Life by Ralph Drollinger
What follows is the biblical formula for growth, and it stands in dire and stark contrast to the world's notions of how to achieve that. Unlike the idealistic commodities that are bought and sold today, the biblical formula for growth is not pleasant, nor is it ego-gratifying. It's hard work and it has everything to do with coming to the end of yourself and understanding the critical need for repentance and turning from sin. ...
The Entrepreneur's 5 Pillars of Success By John Bowen
s entrepreneurs, we know we must deliver tremendous value to our clients and our prospective clients. The more value we can give them, the more value we create for ourselves and our stakeholders. This is the enlightened self-interest of capitalism. ...
The Power Of Resilience by Wes Hopper
Get in touch with what's important to you and build your motivation and self-esteem around that. Fill yourself with assurances that you CAN do what needs to be done. ...
Keeping On-Course by Jim Stovall
What you do today will bring you one day closer to where you want to be -whether you are able to recognize it at this time or not. Keeping the faith today is the price we pay and, as always, today’s that day! ...
Chapter - 26: Money/Finance
9 Wealth-Building Lessons From Billionaires by Mark Ford
One of the best ways you can create and maintain wealth is by following the lead of people who've already done so. About 33% of the very rich got their money through inheritance. The rest - two out of three - created their wealth through business. About half of those mega-entrepreneurs started with family money, and the other half started from scratch. ...
Financial Planning for the Birds by Jim Stovall
When it comes to money, we can all learn from our friends the birds. Most people among us know no way to survive financially other than flapping their wings through working at a job and living paycheck-to-paycheck. These people work hard and spend every penny they earn—and often a bit more—thanks to our culture of credit. ...
How To Be Your Own Economic Quarterback
Ultimately, each person must be his or her own best financial advocate. It may take a team of professionals in various fields to provide retirees with the good life, but individuals need to be their own most valuable player for their well-being. ...
Money Management Tips by Mike Finley
The importance of money is impressed upon most Americans as soon as we're old enough to buy candy. But the importance of money management is an entirely different story, says self-made millionaire Mike Finley. ...
Money and Wise Investments for the Future by Edward F. Markquart, Seattle
Have you been making good investments? Have you been planning for your retirement years? Have you been making shrewd investments with those dollars you have saved? ...
Teaching Your Children About Money by Dave Ramsey
We need to teach our children intentionally about money. There are four main areas that our children need to learn....
The Money vs Happiness Debate by Valerie Young
My nephew Jason was pretty excited about starting college. "Do you have any idea what you'd like to do when you graduate?" I asked. "Something in the sciences," he said adding, "and where I can make a lot of money." "Is that all?" I asked. Jason paused for a moment before replying. "Well, I just hope I can find a job I don't hate too much." ...
What You Can Learn About Business Success and Wealth
From John E. Fetzer--Media Mogul, Philanthropist and Former Detroit Tigers' Owner By Jackie Lapin
John E. Fetzer found as much joy in his quest for spiritual enrichment as he did in the wealth he acquired building a financial empire that ultimately made him the sole owner of the Detroit Tigers from 1961 to 1983 and put him on Forbes Magazine's list of 400 richest Americans. ...
Four Warnings to the Wealthy by Dr. Ray Pritchard
The Bible talks about money a lot. In the broadest sense, you can find something about money on almost every page of the Bible. Money is life, and life is money. Ecclesiastes 10:19 even says, “Money is the answer for everything.” Money isn't good or evil.It's what we do with money that matters...
Chapter - 27: Inspirational
Her Life's Sacrifice by Paul Ernest
I can only imagine one of a mother's worst fears is discovering she has cancer just months after the happy news she carrying her firstborn child. ..
A Better Way to Run the Race By Sandy Montgomery
Are you driven by what's pursuing you or by what you're pursuing? ..
The Ultimate Sacrifice by Greg Laurie
I heard a true story about a man who operated a drawbridge.
Anything and Everything by Shawn McEvoy
My children, at ages five and three, knew my weakness. They recognized that it's not ice cream, baseball, or their mom's chili... or even a hug or puppy-dog eyes from them. See, none of the above make me cry. Yes, my children have seen their father cry. ...
Paying the Debt by Brennan Manning
A story is told about Fiorello LaGuardia, the beloved mayor of New York City during the worst days of the Great Depression. ...
Last Words
Manohar Parrikar
Inspiring Words from a Cancer Victim...
An Irish Ghost Story
This story happened a while ago in Dublin, and even though it sounds like an Alfred Hitchcock tale, it's true. ...
Chapter - 28: Poems
Last made but first planned - Spiritual 'Design Thinking' By Dr. Erica Brown
This stanza suggests that although the Sabbath was the last work of His creation, it was conceived of first, the crowning achievement of this intense spurt of divine creativity. All of creation moves towards this shared end of rest and introspection. ...
The Last Supper ( Vanity Poem)
Whatever your cross
there will always be sunshine,
after the rain ....
Poems From Saint Mariam of Jesus Crucified
My God, in spite of all my miseries and sins, I will always hope in You. Even if You cast me into hell, I will still hope in You. ...
The Hound of Heaven by Francis Thompson
How little worthy of any love thou art!
Whom wilt thou find to love ignoble thee...
The Labyrinth by Dr Mrs Mercy Abraham
I am lost in the labyrinth of ways
I was walking through ways that seemed familiar
searching for my home. ...
Thanksgiving Hymn
Come, you thankful people,
and let us praise the Holy and consubtantial Trinity,
to whom belongeth worship ...
My Soul Has A Hat by by Mario de Andrade
I counted my years
& realized that I have
Less time to live by,
Than I have lived so far.
Chapter - 29: India Nostalgia
An Indian Education From a Foreigner's Perspective By Thane Richards
Indian students are taking their useless Indian liberal arts degrees and going abroad to get real ones that signify a real education. A real education being one that challenges the intellect and questions paradigms, not one of rote memorization and conformity. ..
Hunger Stalks My Father's India Long After Starvation End by Mehul Srivastava
India is now a generation removed from those "ship-to- mouth" days, even though those words today still bring back memories of national humiliation. Less than 2 percent of Indians now go without two square meals a day, and far fewer still die of starvation. ...
Is India in a Coma? by Mohan Maruti--India
Europeans believe that Indian leaders are too blinded by new wealth and deceit to comprehend that the day will come when the have-nots will hit the streets. ...
Life in Kerala 100 years Ago
The more we change, the more we remain the same. ... (In Malayalm)
Living in India is like having an intense but insane affair By expat Catherine Taylor
Tonight, as I waved my high heel in the face of a bewildered taxi driver, I thought suddenly: I am absolutely nuts in India. It's a thought I have often. Someone or something is always going nuts, and quite often it's me...
Letter To My Grandson by Dr. Verghese Kurien
I started my working life soon after our country became independent. The noblest task in those days was to contribute in whatever way we could towards building an India of our dreams - a nation where our people would not only hold their heads high in freedom but would be free from hunger and poverty. ...
Reflections on India by Sean Paul Kelley
If you are Indian, or of Indian descent, I must preface this post with a clear warning: you are not going to like what I have to say. My criticisms may be very hard to stomach. But consider them as the hard words and loving advice of a good friend. Someone who is being honest with you and wants nothing from you. ...
Why India is part dysfunctional, fully functional by Aakar Patel
However horrible a place it may be, India is balanced out by all of us: north Indians, south Indians, east Indians and west Indians. We are a unit, and the unit works. ...
Indian culture or Bad Upbringing by Ram Krishnaswamy
Basically Indians are brought up to believe that cleaning is a menial task meant for the low lives and in this instance the cinema cleaners were also Indian students. What Irony. ...
Chapter - 31: Humor
Ant Story
Consultants in Bathroom
How To Prevent Falling Asleep in Seminars
Humor From Church Bulletin Boards
Kids Say The Weirdest Things
To those who have crossed 50:
Nervous Priest
About Malankara World
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