Grace 809

Remember when you sought a night’s rest and got a colicky baby? Remember when you sought to catch up at the office and got even further behind? You can add to the list of interruptions sorrow, excitement, and bedlam. Sound familiar? Take comfort—it happened to Jesus too.

You may have trouble believing that. You probably believe Jesus knows what it means to endure heavy-duty tragedies. You’re no doubt convinced Jesus is acquainted with sorrow and has wrestled with fear. Most people accept that. But can God relate to the hassles and headaches of my life? Of your life? For some reason this is harder to believe. Jesus knows how you feel. His eyes have grown weary. His heart has grown heavy. He has had to climb out of bed with a sore throat. He has been kept awake late and gotten up early. Jesus knows how you feel.

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What causes you to feel distant from God? In The Life You Were Reborn to Live, Pastor Gary Thomas reveals twelve powerful lies that keep us disconnected – inviting us to exchange those falsehoods for the rich relationship God designed us to enjoy.

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Pastor Gary Thomas encourages you to remember why you can trust God’s character.

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The church names we banter about? They don’t exist in heaven. Because it’s not the denomination that saves you. And I wonder, if there are no denominations in heaven, why do we have denominations on earth?

I know this is a crazy thought, but what would happen if all the churches agreed, on a given day, to change their names to simply “church?” And then when people chose which church to attend, they wouldn’t do so by the sign outside, they’d do so by the hearts of the people inside. And then when people were asked what church they attended, their answer wouldn’t be a label but just a location. And then we Christians wouldn’t be known for what divides us; instead we’d be known for what unites us—our common Father.

Crazy idea? Perhaps. But I think God would like it. It was his to begin with!

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For more inspirational messages please visit Max Lucado.

Between school, social media, gaming, and streaming movies and shows, kids are glued to screens with dangers lurking everywhere. So what can you do to protect them? Mandy Majors explains the different online threats your children may be up against and equips you with ways to keep them safe. With open communication being the key to stronger, healthier relationships, Mandy prepares you to lead your kids in their digital world.

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Mandy Majors offers some practical wisdom on keeping your kids safe when they’re on the internet.

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One morning, my wife Denalyn was with me in the car. “I’m about to remind you why you married me,” I told her as we drew near to the intersection. “See that long line of cars?  See that humdrum of humanity? Not for me. Hang on!” I swerved from the six-lane onto the one-lane and shared with my sweetheart my secret expressway to freedom.

“What do you think?” I asked, awaiting her worship. “I think you broke the law.” “What?” “You just went the wrong way on a one-way street!”

I did. I missed the “Do Not Enter” sign. Before coming to Christ, we all had our share of shortcuts. What we consider shortcuts God sees as disasters. He doesn’t give laws for our pleasure. He gives them for our protection. He knows what we need.

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Whether you’re the mother of a toddler or an angsty teenager, one thing we all have in common is the need for regular prayer. Hillary Ferrer and Julie Loos developed a habit of journaling prayers early on in their lives, which became the foundation for their prayer habit with their families. They share how raw, honest prayer is essential to navigating the ups and downs of the parenting journey.

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Here is a practical idea. Quarry from your Bible a list of the immutable qualities of God and press them into your heart. When calamity strikes, recite them over and over. My list reads like this:

He is still sovereign. He still knows my name. Angels still respond to his call. The hearts of rulers still bend at his bidding. The death of Jesus still saves souls. The Spirit of God still indwells saints. Heaven is still only heartbeats away. The grave is temporary housing. God is still faithful. He is not caught off guard. He uses everything for his glory and my ultimate good. He uses tragedy to accomplish his will, and his will is right and holy and perfect. God bears fruit in the midst of affliction.

Welcome this truth into your heart: Jesus understands. Grip God’s sovereignty and never let it go.

Read more Tame Your Thoughts: Three Tools to Renew Your Mind and Transform Your Life

For more inspirational messages please visit Max Lucado.

Camille Cates talks about a time God delivered her from a bad relationship.

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