The Gospel In Boston

In the midst of one story from the Boston Marathon last week, we find the gospel.
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From The Archives: Three Things God Can't Do

The list of words that we could use to describe God seems endless. But did you know that there are three things He can't do?
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The Jaw Dropping, Head Nodding Truth About Authority

Authority. Not a word that many people enjoy seeing, hearing, or heeding. But I have not been able to escape that word for weeks. And as I've thought on it, I'm left jaw-dropped and head-nodding.
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A Penny For God's Thoughts

In the midst of the challenges that come with life, how can you stay focused on the truth that God loves you? Here's a simple idea based on a little round piece of copper.
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Who Is The Bible Really About?

As you participate in the Daily Bible Reading Challenge, ask yourself this question: Who is the Bible really about?
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From The Archives: How Would Jesus Celebrate Christmas?

Between Santa and jingle bells, Christmas parties, and presents to buy and hope for, I think most of us struggle to keep our attention focused on the baby in the manger. I've worked hard to make this a Christmas where I had time to consider the sacred. That's why I keep wondering how Jesus would celebrate His birth.
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Uncompromising: The Love Of God

Do you imagine God like a Care Bear? Or boyfriend? Or do you imagine Him as someone just waiting for you to trip up so He can punish you? It's easy to develop a distorted view of God's love. What's the truth?
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Born This Way: When did God fall in love with you?

God doesn't love you because of how you look, what you do, or even who you are. He loves you because He created you. He has loved you from the beginning, and He will love you without end.

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The Story of One Reader's Healing (Inside and Out)

When she first wrote to us, Ruby was a teenager fighting cancer without a relationship with Jesus. But that's just the beginning of her story. In fact, Ruby's story is one of the reasons we keep writing away on this blog. God used this site to heal her in more ways than one. God used you to speak to her heart in a huge way.
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I've made my list and checked it twice. Now what?

Christ's death provided a way for us to be alive in Him. He forgave our sins, gave us hope, and awarded us an inheritance that can never be taken away. But so often, we trade in the freedom that God gave us on Good Friday for sin and bondage.
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What Jesus' Resurrection Means for You ... Today

On the day after Easter, I want to share a few thoughts with you about what difference the resurrection makes, anyway.
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From the Archives: Don't Roll Back the Stone

Christ's death provided a way for us to be alive in Him. He forgave our sins, gave us hope, and awarded us an inheritance that can never be taken away. But so often, we trade in the freedom that God gave us on Good Friday for sin and bondage.
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It's just too easy! (Or is it?)

It is easy for us to have a relationship with God precisely because it was not easy for Him.
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"Little"

Do you think that God is humble? And in your own life, do you pursue humility, or do you view it as "beneath you"?  
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The ONLY way?

Who do you believe Jesus is? And if you believe He's God, are you giving Him His rightful place as Lord of your life?
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Girl, don't face that temptation alone!

Jesus knows the pain of temptation more acutely than you or I ever will, precisely because He never gave into it—He was tempted long and often, but . . . always without sin.
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"I Am" Chooses to be Born

What makes Jesus' birth stand apart from all others isn't the humble stable in Bethlehem, Israel, where He was born or the smelly animals that witnessed His entry into the world, though those were certainly some unique circumstances! What made His birth different than every other was that . . . "His birth did not mark His origin, but only His appearance as a man on the stage of time."
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AWE-some God!

When was the last time you felt . . . awe? I have to say—unfortunately—I don't feel it very often. Except for lately.
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He Put Skin on His Love

If you're not feelin' God's love, the answer isn't to make Him prove it apart from His sacrifice on the cross, but to pour over those moments when He "put skin" to His love and bled and suffered for you in your place.

Unstoppable, Inexorable

I don't know the exact reason why God knits hard times into our lives. Sometimes the reason becomes apparent after the season has passed. Sometimes it never does. But I do know this: God loves us. And if His love is anything, it's inexorable.
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Remembering the Good News

What is the good news? That Jesus was willing to do whatever it took to become our Savior. What did He save us from? That is the question you should be asking this Christmas season.
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How would Jesus celebrate Christmas?

Between Santa and jingle bells, Christmas parties, and presents to buy and hope for, I think most of us struggle to keep our attention focused on the baby in the manger. I've worked hard to make this a Christmas where I had time to consider the sacred. That's why I keep wondering how Jesus would celebrate His birth.

Bring on the Wonder

When was the last time you really, truly wondered?

Pursue Him!

Every time we feel like God is far away we have a choice to either believe His truth or continue to suffer under the shadow of lies.
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On Walking and Praying

Do you like to walk? To pray? Does your prayer life feel stymied? If you answered "yes!" to any of these questions, you'll enjoy this really practical conversation.

How to Hear God's Voice, Part 2

Here are two more ways the Bible teaches we can hear from God.

How to Hear God's Voice

Most of us don't hear from God with our physical ears. So how can we hear from God? How can we make sure that we are hearing from Him and not listening to our own voice or the voices of others around us?

God & The Prince of Persia

How often do you secretly question His reasons for not answering your prayers the way that you'd like them answered? How often are you frustrated with His sovereignty? How often do you doubt whether God's doing the right thing? How often do you fear that if you trust God with your life, He'll mess it up?
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How to Know if You've Been Saved

When I was about ten or eleven years old, I stopped being able to fall asleep easily at night. I’d on my bunk-bed instead, staring at the ceiling and thinking about hell. Where would I go when I died? I said my own version of ‘the sinner’s prayer’ every night, but it didn’t shake my fear. Maybe you can relate.

Many of you have raised questions about your own salvation. How can you tell if you’ve been saved?

I Am Martha

Are you feeling a bit like Martha these days? Are you trying to be the very best at everything? Do you want to be the best athlete, the best student, the best girlfriend, the best friend, the best daughter, the best Christian and the best person in the room?
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Why you don't have to quit

Do you feel like “throwing in the towel” at school, in your faith walk with Jesus, in life in general? You’re not the first who’s felt like that!
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A New Definition of Gossip

If it doesn't glorify God and highly esteem others, I hope to keep my mouth shut.
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"I'm Just So Busy"

When was the last time you left your schedule clear in order to rest? 
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What Are You Waiting For?

What are you waiting for God to do? 
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Is it TIme to See a Counselor?

I think it’s time you seek a counselor. Don’t freak out. We all have issues, and I know just who we can turn to when we need some extra help.
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You Don't Know What You're Asking

We ask things from God in prayer--and that's not a bad thing. He tells us to pray. He tells us to ask, in faith, for Him to provide. At the same time, I'm realizing that I need to hold on to my prayer requests with open hands, willing to hear God say "no" if that's His choice. 
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Has Life Stolen Your Dance?

Today is my birthday. It’s weird to think about, but I was born on this exact date 30 years ago (that’s right, today I’m the big three-o!). It’s hard to imagine it now but I once weighed little more than five pounds and fit snuggly into the arms of my mom and dad. I don’t remember those baby days, but I do know that soon after that first birthday, I started to dance.
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Tell Me About Him!

For a long time now, I’ve wanted to sit down and write out things that are true of my Lover. Not just so I can brag on Him to others, but so when I’m feeling unloved and unpursued by other men, I can remind myself that I have the love of Someone who’s infinitely better!

When All Else Fails ... Throw Flour

Living out God's Truth is a choice. Stress is part of life. Bad days will come. Defeat and despair will always knock at the doors of our hearts. We can react in ways that hurt ourselves or others or we can find a way to keep going and cling to the hope God offers us in His Word. 
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Does Everything Happen for a Reason?

When faced with difficult circumstances, I often hear people say, “Everything happens for a reason.” I can understand why we want that to be true. In the midst of relationship problems, illness, death, and disappointment we want to believe that what’s happening to us has great meaning and will ultimately work out for our good. But does this belief line up with the Word of God?

Does the Bible Really Say That?

This week, I’d like to tackle three ideas that I hear often on the blog and in my interactions with other believers. I want to know if they are affirmed or contradicted by what we find in God’s Word. I don’t have all the answers, but I am hoping we can dig up some serious truth together. 
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Don't Roll Back the Stone

I realize that we all struggle to be holy. But, this Easter, I don’t want you to miss out on the freedom Christ came to give. Jesus’ death and resurrection paved the way for your freedom, but it’s as if you’d rather stay in the tomb.
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The Gospel & Me

As I’ve been taking the time to be quiet before God yesterday and today, the motives I’ve had behind many things are being exposed. Even while I’m praising Him in words, I’m often so much more concerned with making my name look good than Christ’s
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Are Your Palms Up or Down?

The first session of the True Woman Conference has barely begun and already I’m encouraged. Nancy led thousands of us in prayer a moment ago to open the conference. She asked us to participate with our hands. 
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Is God a good King?

You may realize that God is capable of changing your circumstances, but when He doesn't, do you ever secretly doubt that He's a good King? 

He Can Handle It

I don't know about you, but sometimes—especially when life gets tough—it is hard for me to remember what a capable King we serve. 

A Different Kind of Kingdom

Tomorrow we will worship our baby King. We will celebrate the fact that He was born of a virgin and born in a manger. We will reflect on the fact that His birth was announced by a host of angels and a bright shining star that only add to the mystery of wonder of His humble arrival. When we think about Jesus' birth, one thing is clear—we don't serve an ordinary King.

What happens when a King walks among us?

God had a plan all along to save the citizens of His kingdom, but when it came time to put that plan into action, He didn't just send a messenger. He didn't announce a royal edict. He became the message. 

Our Approachable King

We serve a King who is simultaneously powerful and accessible.

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Christ Our Coming King

The story of Jesus Christ is an incomplete picture if we stop at the manger. We must move beyond His first visit to earth to His second coming. 
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Bored With Christ

Do your eyelids have a tendency to grow heavy during church or maybe your prayers have been drying up if they last longer than a few minutes? As I remember falling asleep in His presence, I'm forced to ask myself: What's going on here? How do we become so bored with Christ?


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Don't Miss the Real Meal

How often do I lose sight of the miracle that is Christmas? I may get a little mushy inside when I hear sleigh bells or see Christmas lights, but that's like digging into chips and salsa appetizers while the real meal is on its way.

Eating Mud and the Holiness of God

After reading through a passage in the book of Numbers, it hit me that if God is that holy, how can we expect to talk, pray, and worship Him with sin still hidden in our hearts? 

Celebrating Christ Our King

Christ is a King, and He is worthy of great celebration! And I think it is in the celebration that the rest of the world is able to see Him in us. 

What kind of King do we serve?

I'm learning that ignoring God's role as King means missing a huge part of who He is. More importantly, when I forget that God is the One who sits on the throne, my focus tends to become all about me when it should be all about Him.

Jesus Your King is Knocking at Your Door

I recently had this crazy word picture of how I treat God. It really changed the way I approach Him, so I thought I'd share it with you.

Defining Holiness

Does being holy mean following the rules?
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3 Things God Can't Do

Did you know there are 3 things God can't do?
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Love Versus Fear

Does love have the power to conquer fear?
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Write Your Own Psalm

What would your psalms be? What words would you use to express who God is?
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Is God Really Good?

Does the turbulence of this world ever make you wonder if God is really good?
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Where Were You? God Asks and Answers

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The Hit Song that Got Me Thinking

Do you ever feel like God created the World but now stands aloof from it?

When the going gets really tough are you tempted to believe that God is not really involved in your life?

If you ran into God on the corner, would you follow The Fray’s lead and by asking Him where He’s been?

Meet Joe

Are you stressed out trying to control your job, your grades, your friendships, your family, your future, your current needs, your past regrets? I have good news for you today.

SO, Your Lamp Is Full But...

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Why We Must Think Rightly About God

Is what we think about God the most important thing about us?
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What’s Your Favorite Thing About God?

What are your top 10 favorite things about God?
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Who Do You Really Love?

Who or what is competing with God for first place in your life? Dr. David Powlison’s questions will help you find the answer—if you’re brave and committed enough to probe the depths of your heart for the answers.
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What to do when God feels far away

Do you ever feel like God has moved away? Do you find yourself wondering what happened to the closeness you once felt with Him or feel like somehow your connection to Him has been, well…disconnected?
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7 More Truths to Counteract Deceptive Emotions

Emotions can be decieving. God's Word offers powerful Truth to counteract deceptive emotions.
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10 Powerful Truths to Counteract Deceptive Emotions

When it comes to God, can our feelings be trusted?
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Youth Workers Only—Your Chance to Win a Free Copy of LYWB!

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Getting Into the Word and Getting the Word Into You

Do you hear others talk about all that God is teaching them in Bible study, and feel like you’re missing the boat? Do you sit down to read your Bible but find yourself easily distracted? Do you wonder if it is possible to have consistent, meaningful quiet time?

Me too!
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Thirty-Day Challenge With a Twist

Several months ago, I challenged you to commit to read your Bible every day for thirty days. Several of you agreed to do so. In fact, since the arrival of the New Year some of you have re-committed to this challenge as part of your resolutions.

What a great idea! In fact, I think we should join you. We could all benefit from laying a solid foundation for 2009 by jump-starting our prayer and devotional lives.

And, I’m willing to sweeten the deal.
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Learning to discern—how does it impact the way that we act?

Here’s another segment from Nancy’s series on A New Earth. Pay close attention to how Dr. Whitney encourages us to respond when we discern an imposter of Truth. 
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God is not enough

God promises to satisfy our needs (Philippians 4:19). Even so, 88% of the Christian girls we interviewed agreed with the statement “God is not enough.”

Three main things consistently rivaled God for being enough to satisfy. They were:

1. Friends
2. Material objects
3. Accomplishments

What are your top three?

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Is there evidence of God's hand in your life?

In the shadow of a major election that brought issues like economic crisis, war, and terrorism right into the center of my living room, I am feeling a little…insignificant. More specifically, I woke up this morning feeling slightly anxious and out of control, and I wondered, “God, are you watching all of this?”


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The Most Important Thing

I just got back from the funeral of a very good friend of mine. He was a youth pastor, a teacher, a counselor, a father, a husband, and a trustworthy friend. He leaves behind a wife and five kids. He was thirty-three.

Tragedies like this one have a way of bringing clarity into our lives. My friend was well accomplished. He had several degrees and an important career. But as we remembered him today, very little of that mattered. What does matter is the relationship he had with Jesus Christ.
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Nancy and Dannah on Chris Fabry Live!

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“ I am with you” (Lessons Learned from Church Camp, part 2)

I am wondering where you are looking for satisfaction?

Do you feel like if you can just get a boyfriend, then you will be satisfied? God promises that He will be with you.

Do you feel like if your family situation changes, then you will be satisfied? God promises that He will be with you.

Do you feel like if you can be a star volleyball player, first chair musician, or straight A student, then you will be satisfied? God promises that He will be with you.

Do you feel like if you can just be good enough, smart enough, thin enough, or pretty enough, then you will be satisfied? God promises to be with you.
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Lessons Learned at Church Camp

This week I am blogging from church camp. I am tagging along with a group of 7-12-graders from my church as they spend the week at our local associational camp (think bugs, bunk beds, uncomfortable mattresses and cafeteria food!).

Last night the camp pastor preached from the story of Nicodemus found in John chapter 3. Nicodemus was a Pharisee, a.k.a a religious leader. One night he snuck away to ask Jesus some pretty tough questions. The truth is, I want to ask the same question Nicodemus did...what are the steps necessary to become a Christian? In other words, what does it take to be saved? 

“God is just like my father”

No matter what your experience with your earthly dad has been, you can trust that God is a good Father. In Lies, Dannah writes, “ God is a father, but He is not like any many you have ever known. The wisest, kindest earthly father is only a pale reflection of our heavenly Father. The God of the Bible is infinitely more wonderful and pure and loving than even the most wonderful father. God our Father is perfect (Matthew 5:48) and unchanging (James 1:17). Our earthly fathers cannot be those things (Matthew 7:11). Regardless of how you may think or feel, God is a good Father who dearly loves His children—including you. He can be trusted.”
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Another Dose of Truth

In our newsletter, we promised to address 17 freeing truths here on the site. Check back in the archives to read the first 10 truths along with the honest comments girls have left about the power of those truths in their lives. This week, we are going to address seven more important truths relating to issues like sin, authority, and the church. These truths are the antidote to many specific lies we encountered during our research for the book.
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5 More Truths to Set You Free

Lies lead to bondage. Truth leads to freedom. In our newsletter we promised to post 17 truths to set you free here on the website. Last week we tackled five important truths straight out of God’s Word. Be sure to check it out and join the discussion about the power of those specific truths. This week, we will examine five more truths. God’s Word provides the truth we need to combat lies in our lives. Check it out.
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Thoughts on motherhood (from a new mommy)

I had a baby this week. His name is Elisha and he is perfect. His little fingers and toes make me weak and I am frequently moved to tears over the miracle of his life. I am in full-on mommy mode. My days are now spent burping, changing, cuddling and feeding this adorable bundle and I’m tickled pink. But, if you had caught me a few short years ago, I would have assured you that a baby was not in the cards for me. If you had asked me about my purpose on the planet, I would have responded with an answer that centered around my career instead of my home and family. I misunderstood God’s design for me as a woman. I am not alone.
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Five truths to set you free

In our newsletter we promised to post seventeen truths to set you free here on the website. This is the beginning of the fulfillment of that promise. This week, we will examine five truths taken from God's Word that have the power to challenge, heal, and deliver you.
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