February

How to Stop Worrying and Start Living!, by Warren R. Olson, Senior Living Ministries

Abstract: There's plenty in life to worry about. But you know what? Scripture doesn’t give believers the option to worry.

Key Quote: "As you know, worrying involves your thought life. So I want you to think about your thought life as a corral. Everything within that corral is what you know to be true. But as we go through life, it’s easy to let our thoughts wander out of the corral and into the territory of worry and anxiety. That’s why you and I have to build strong fences around the corral of our thought life! And how do we do build these fences? With the truth of the Word of God."

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You also read during February: On Eagle's Wings: Can Troubles Really Teach You to Fly?

March

Eight Reasons Why I Believe That Jesus Rose from the Dead, by John Piper, Desiring God

Abstract: People are finding what they want to find in "The Lost Tomb of Jesus" and other not-so-new arguments. No thinking person wants to believe a lie. Thankfully, there's so much evidence that supports faith in Christ.

Key Quote: "A saving knowledge of Christ crucified and risen is not the mere result of right reasoning about historical facts. It is the result of spiritual illumination to see those facts for what they really are: a revelation of the truth and glory of God in the face of Christ — who is the same yesterday today and forever."

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You also read during March: Silly Prayers

April

Responding to a "Gay Christian", by Michael Craven, Center for Christ & Culture

Abstract: How do you respond to the person who on the one hand says they are gay and on the other says they are a follower of Christ?

Key Quote: "My dear brother, I am not in any way 'threatened' by your homosexual behavior; I grieve for my own sin as well as the sin of others. But, I am particularly grieved by efforts to legitimize that which God calls sin, and as followers of Christ we are called to speak the truth in order that our ‘brother may be saved,’ in the same way that Nathan confronted David. This is love! Secondly, I am grieved because sin inevitably and always hurts people, including you. I do not judge you, judgment is the Lord’s, but His word is clear on this matter, and therefore I exhort you to turn from your sin and stop deceiving yourself into believing that the Lord is unconcerned with your sin. He loves you, yes, but He died to atone for your sins and mine. It is our sin that we must turn from if we want to truly follow Christ."

User Comment: "I believe Mr. Craven has covered the topic with his Biblically accurate response. We as Christians need to respond with love and tolerance, as would Jesus, while being careful not to condone sin for fear of being 'politically [in]correct.' Repentance is not just feeling sorry for your sins, but standing up and walking the other way with all your heart and soul. My prayers are now with these gay Christians and with us all to handle these situations as Jesus would."

You also read during April: What to Pray For

May

'MythBusters': Christianity Edition, by Eric Hogue

Abstract: For many who have been raised inside of the church, we have adopted certain beliefs that are simply not true...

Key Quote: "While watching Myth Busters via TiVo this weekend (I love technology), I stumbled upon a simple thought; As Christians, how many 'myths' do we hold as 'truths' in Graceland?"

User Comment: "If we can with an open mind and an open heart read God's word and ask for understanding with it, we'll find our awnsers. After all, isn't that why we're supposed to learn His word and seek His kingdom, so when confronted with reports or statements like above, we won't have to question what one feels or is inspired to write, we'll know."

You also read during May: The 'Son of so Many Tears': A Christian Mother's Story

June

Divine Delays, by Greg Laurie, A New Beginning

Abstract: Your disappointment can be God's appointment. So don't give up.

Key Quote: "What do we learn from [the] story [of the Syro-Phoenician woman]? Jesus was not putting up barriers to keep her away, but to draw her closer — barriers that genuine, persistent faith could hurdle. Her faith was so great that even a tiny leftover of Jesus’ power, in her estimation, would be enough to deliver her daughter. Jesus urges us to be persistent in our prayers."

User Comment: "I am so happy to find this site. Every day I look forward to my encouragements, but today I was moved by the article "Divine Delays." I have been praying to God for so many years and at times it seems like He's not near me at all. But today, I have been encouraged by this. I'm praying for you."

You also read during June: Might the Evil of Abortion Destroy Itself?

July

When Satan Comes Knocking, by Dr. Robert Jeffress, Pathway to Victory

Abstract: When Satan comes against your mind with wrong thoughts, you don’t have to concede defeat. Use these practical actions to confront loose thoughts.

Key Quote: "Yet during those 40 days, Jesus was tempted with thoughts of discontent, greed, and pride... Where did these thoughts originate? 'The devil said to Him' (Luke 4:3) — nowhere in the biblical account of Jesus' temptation does Luke record that the devil appeared to Jesus. Possibly, Satan spoke to the Lord the same way he often communicates with us: through the mind. Yet did these ungodly thoughts make Jesus a sinner? Of course not!"

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You also read during July: Hold Lightly What You Value Greatly