Guidelines For Living Devotional

Facing Challenges To Faith

Eventually your faith will be challenged, no matter how strong or how weak it is.  It may be challenged by an agnostic professor; or perhaps more likely it will be challenged by the trials of life.  Sooner or later something happens and your heart cries out, "Lord, I just cannot handle this."  It may be a child's illness, or a marriage that turns sour, or a business deal which has not gone well.

The One Thing To Remember About The New Year

Today is the first day of the year, and to be honest with you, it's almost a bit scary staring another year in the face. Looking behind we think, "What happened to the good intentions and resolutions we made a year ago—ones which we have not only failed in attaining but can't even remember what they were?"

3 Ways To Make Next Year Better Than This One

Another year is history, and the firm but often unseen hand of God has written another chapter in the history of mankind.  Like the knots in a sailor's rope, or the trickle of sand through the hourglass, or the fenceposts along the highway, the coming of a new year is a marker in your life, in everyone's life.  Interested in making this coming year better than the one past?  Then today's three guidelines are just for you.  Three phases: forget, remember, and press on.

A Prayer For The New Year

I did something I rarely do: I wrote a letter to God about the year that is upon us.  I suspect some of my thoughts may mirror yours as well.  Listen in.

Do It Now!

Michael Landon was a regular in the Sala household for many years.  Every Sunday night after church, we headed for MacDonalds and then raced home in time for the program, Bonanza.  Landon, who died in his prime, once said, "Whatever you want to do, do it now.  There are only so many tomorrows."  He’s right.

There Is Hope For Every Day Of The Year

Christmas is over, at least it is for most of you.  However, in some places such as in Russia, Christmas is observed in early January.  But no matter when you celebrate Christmas, there comes a time when it is over; and when it is over, it is over.

God Is With Us!

The two were arrested and thrown into prison.  Days turned into weeks and weeks into months.  China is a vast country, but what many do not realize is that in the northern part of China it gets very cold as the Siberian winds come whistling from the north.

The Ten Wonders Of Christmas

Over 365 names and inscriptions are found in the Bible referring to Jesus Christ, but none is more lovely than the one found in Isaiah where the prophet said, "His name shall be called WONDERFUL" (Isaiah 9:6, KJV).  As a light that sparkles on a tree, the wonder of Christ can hardly be reduced to a treatment of a few minutes, but in that length of time I can give you the ten wonders of Christmas.

How Can I See God’s Glory?

When an American missionary wandered into an off-limits area of Burma, he was arrested and interrogated.  Accused of being a CIA spy, he was placed in solitary confinement.  After a few days, his captors gave him a Bible.  For more than 80 days, Bob Purdue had nothing to do but sit on a prison cot and read the Bible.

Why God Chose A Baby

"I have often wondered," wrote Guy Duffield, "why the Roosevelts, the Rockefellers and the Kennedys wanted to go through all the agony and conflict of seeking and holding public offices.  They certainly did not need the money.  I think I have found the answer; it is self‑expression.  It has been the desire of every human heart throughout history.  A Michelangelo did it in marble; a Shakespeare with pen and ink; a Sir Christopher Wren achieved it in the more than 50 churches he designed and built."