"Now in Joppa there was a disciple whose name was Tabitha. She was devoted to good works and acts of charity" (Acts 9:36).Charity is a word we don't use much anymore. In recent years, the word has taken on cert...

The BackdropProbably one of the biggest beefs people have against God can be summed up in this question: Why do bad things happen?It's a fair question and a logical conclusion given the nature of God that we kn...

"Peter went here and there among the believers. He came to Aeneas who had been bedridden for eight years. Peter said to him, 'Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you" (Acts 9:32-34).Centuries ago, every culture and...

Quick BackdropIt happens to all of us—that occasion when you know you need to have personal quiet time or prayer time, but you don't know what to do. Without a plan, it's more likely that you will&nb...

"So Ananias went and entered the house. He laid his hands on Saul and said, 'Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on your way here, has sent me so you may regain your sight" (Acts 9:17).The su...

"Now as Saul was going along and approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him" (Acts 9:3).When my children were very young, I often would tell them to "act like somebody." Later as...

The BackdropYou've probably heard of the word sabbath, and you may have a good idea of what it means; but as much as that word shows up throughout the Bible, it actually gets very little play in Christian ...

Our kids seem so smart. Juniors especially plow into academics beginning in the fall, knowing their junior year means so much in applying for college.Some of us are youth ministers not because of our SATs, but ...

The Backdrop:Pop quiz: What material did Adam and Eve use to create their first garments the moment they saw that they were naked?If you're thinking fig leaf material, you're right. Now, use your imagination fo...

"Remember me, O God, and do not wipe out my good deeds that I have done for the house of God and for His service" (Neh. 13:14).The prophet Nehemiah continued to pray this prayer throughout the rebuilding of the...