Enticement: Understanding Temptation and the Power to Choose
What is the antidote for temptation? You are subject to the same kinds of temptations as everybody else, but God is always faithful to those who rely on him. The choice is yours. He won’t allow temptation beyond what you can bear, but with your surrender to him, he will bring the victory. — 1 […]
Writing with Purpose: An Author in God’s Service
You are expressly purposed through our ministry to be Jesus’ letter to the world—not written with pen and ink but by the Spirit of our living God. His message will not be read from stone tablets but from your changed hearts. — 2 Corinthians 3:3 The Discussion Bible Many people see work as a burden—just […]
Freedom from Frustration
Relax and be patient, knowing that God is in control. Don’t think he is unjust when people are allowed to prosper in their evil deeds for a while. Calm yourself, and don’t let your blood boil. Don’t let the wrongdoing of others lead you to do wrong. — Psalm 37:7–8 The Discussion Bible Frustration can […]
Uplifting Words: The Power of Praise
Sandwich every bit of criticism between two layers of praise. — Mary Kay Ash A common saying among writers is to “Write what you know.” But here’s something even more powerful: Write what you’ve experienced—especially if it has stirred your soul, changed your thinking, or brought you closer to truth. One such theme is praise—not […]
Signs of the Times: Trusting God’s Guidance Through Life’s Journey
What was Jesus saying when he referred to the Pharisees’ ability to predict the weather? In the evening, you say, “The sky is red, so we will have clear weather.” In the morning, you look at the dark sky and say, “It is going to rain.” You hypocrites. You can look at the sky and […]
Reaching the Right Readers
When talented people write well, it is generally for this reason: They’re moved by a desire to touch the audience. — Robert McKee A few decades ago, the message New and Improved. could sell almost anything. From toothpaste and cereal to cleaning supplies and cable TV packages, advertisers used the phrase as a magical shortcut […]
Momentum: Moving Forward with God’s Strength
Why should Jesus’ story about the judge who didn’t care about the people be an encouragement to keep praying, never giving up on God? The power of God is at work in you to accomplish his purpose and make you his great delight. You are like the stars, giving light to the night. — Philippians […]
Choosing Purpose Over Popularity
How we face our experiences determines who we are. And there is simply no greater purpose for telling our stories. — Dara Marks In an age of digital noise, instant feedback, and social pressure, writing has become more than just putting words on a page. It’s a constant tug-of-war between authenticity and applause. For writers […]
The Heart of Communication
What is the most crucial aspect of sharing the truth? We speak the truth in love so you will grow up to be more like Christ in every way, for he is the head of our family. Don’t use foul or abusive language, but let your words be an encouragement, pleasant to the ear. — […]
Yesterday—a Sad Day
Well … sort of. Wednesday marked the end of an era: forty-four weekdays of radiation treatment for prostate cancer. That’s right—my final zap. I’ll miss the radiation like a toothache. But sadness kept me from using the brass bell to ring out my last day. I just didn’t feel like celebrating. Why? I had to […]
Writing with Energy
Writing with Energy So long as you invest energy in anything, there will be a training effect. — Jim Loehr Every writer knows the feeling of sitting at a desk, staring at a blinking cursor or a blank page, wondering, “Where did all my energy go?” More than words, writing requires focus, passion, and perseverance. […]
Motivation That Matters: The Driving Forces
How important is doing the work God has called us to do? We are God’s creative masterpiece, brought to life in Jesus Christ so we can do the great work he designed for us in the beginning. Whatever you do for people, give your best effort to please the Lord, knowing that the greatest reward […]