In 1964 in New York City, Kitty Genovese was attacked for 30 minutes outside her apartment building. She died as a result of the brutal assault. A police investigation revealed that there were 38 witnesses. These were people watching from their apartment windows. But not a single one called the police. Even as the attack … Continue reading Bystander Syndrome
hope
The hope of tomorrow today
Remember the movie Back to the Future? I think it was so popular because people loved the idea of time travel and guessing what the future would be like. Well, we don’t know much about flying cars (yet), but we actually do know what the future is going to be like. We know it because … Continue reading The hope of tomorrow today
When WHAT you say isn’t all that matters
Yesterday we talked about thinking very intentionally about coming up with the reason for the hope that you have within you. The reason we did this is because of 1 Peter 3:15 that says, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you … Continue reading When WHAT you say isn’t all that matters
What is the (real) reason for your hope?
“You don’t actually believe in God, do you?” “Why on earth would you read the Bible?” “What reason would possibly make you want to go to church?” Have you ever heard any of those questions? I’m guessing yes. And unfortunately, many of you feel overwhelmed and unprepared to give a response when someone questions your … Continue reading What is the (real) reason for your hope?
It’s a win-win (With thanks to Billy Graham)
Yesterday we learned that the great preacher Billy Graham passed away at the age of 99. So for today’s devotional, and as a testament to Graham’s own teaching, let me share a story he once told, and which captures something about the hope that was deep within him. There was a 30 year-old truck driver … Continue reading It’s a win-win (With thanks to Billy Graham)
God’s got this
“Faith” is a word that is easy to throw around. “Journey of faith,” “Faith in God,” “Have a little faith.” But what does it mean? Hebrews 11:1 (ESV) says this: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Can’t argue with that. It’s in the Bible! But in … Continue reading God’s got this
When trauma and danger come
In 2008 it rained for days and days in northern England. A family in Chester-le-Street went out for a walk. The 3-year-old daughter, Laura, wanted to jump in the puddles. So that’s just what she did. She ran toward a puddle at the side of the street and jumped! Then she disappeared. Laura’s parents ran … Continue reading When trauma and danger come
If you glorify the past
I’m no stranger to nostalgia. I like looking back and remembering the good ole days. But is there a point when looking back too much is harmful? I believe that if you glorify the past you handcuff the present. In other words, if you put too much stock in what has happened in the past, … Continue reading If you glorify the past
“When I was in pain”
Craig Groeschel's 78-year old grandmother was living alone when she had a stroke and fell in her bathroom. She was paralyzed. And alone. For three days. On a cold, hard bathroom floor. A neighbour eventually checked in on her and called an ambulance. For the next 6 months she was under the constant care of … Continue reading “When I was in pain”
Wait, wait, wait… Boom!
You probably want awesome things for you life. Me too. Have you been waiting? Are you frustrated? If so, this encouragement is for you.
