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The Bible is filled with stories of men whose lives were stained with sin, yet who were also held up as examples to follow. One such man is Jacob, someone who was deceitful, selfish, and did things that were morally reprehensible. What can you learn about your faith from a man like that? Consider that with John MacArthur as he continues his study called A Faith That Pleases God.
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Navigating Depression: Hope for Heavy Hearts – This humble booklet is by no means a comprehensive study of depression; rather, it is a collection of reflections and lessons that Joni has learned in her long battle against the thick fog of dark emotions. It’s her hope that the following insights will help equip you to be more than a conqueror in your fight to find emotional and mental health.
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Every day, we make decisions about money, but not every decision is made with intention. When it comes to generosity, many of us wrestle with the same questions: Where should we give? How much should we give? And does our giving really make a difference?
With so many worthy causes competing for our attention, generosity can easily become reactive rather than intentional. Yet Scripture invites us to see giving as something much greater than another financial habit. Intentional generosity is an act of discipleship that connects our resources to God's work in the world.
Generosity Is Part of God's Purpose for Our LivesThe needs around us are endless. Local churches, global missions, ministries serving the poor, and organizations strengthening families all offer meaningful opportunities to give. Faced with so many possibilities, we may feel overwhelmed or simply respond to whichever need appears most urgent. But Scripture gives us a larger perspective.
Ephesians 2:10 reminds us, "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Our lives are meant to reflect God's grace through good works, and generosity is one way we can do that. The resources entrusted to us aren't simply for our own comfort or financial security. We can also use them to meet needs, serve others, and support the spread of the gospel.
This changes how we think about giving. Rather than viewing generosity as an occasional financial obligation, we begin to see it as a meaningful expression of our faith.
The apostle Paul reinforces this perspective in 1 Timothy 6:18–19, encouraging believers to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share. He connects this kind of generosity with laying up treasure for the future and taking hold of that which is truly life.
Generosity reminds us that the greatest value of our resources isn't found in what we accumulate, but in how faithfully we use what God has entrusted to us.
Where Should We Direct Our Giving?Intentional generosity begins by prayerfully considering where our resources can serve others and reflect God's priorities.
Supporting the local church is an important place to begin. God has established the church as a community where believers worship, grow in faith, care for one another, and proclaim the gospel. Financially supporting its ministry lets us join in that shared work.
Beyond the local church, Scripture repeatedly calls us to care for those in need. Proverbs 19:17 says, "Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD." Whether through local outreach, relief organizations, or helping a struggling neighbor, our generosity can reflect God's compassion in practical ways.
We can also support ministries and missionaries dedicated to sharing the gospel. Romans 10:15 reminds us, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!" Financial gifts can help equip those serving in places and circumstances we may never personally reach.
Of course, we cannot support every worthy cause. Intentional giving requires discernment. We can prayerfully evaluate opportunities, consider the needs God has brought to our attention, and make thoughtful commitments that reflect our convictions and financial circumstances.
A practical starting point is to establish a regular giving plan while leaving room to respond to unexpected needs. This allows generosity to become a consistent part of our stewardship without losing the joy of spontaneous giving.
Giving Flows from Grace, Not GuiltPerhaps the most important truth about generosity is that we don't do it to earn God's favor. It's a response to the grace we've already received.
2 Corinthians 9:7 reminds us, "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
God isn't i
Rob Jackson shares two extremes’ parents might take if their child confesses to living an LGBT lifestyle.
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When Grace Meets Conviction
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Is it possible that a “better” job could actually be a bad thing for you, your family, your relationships? Chip examines what the Bible has to say about jobs, relationships, and being upwardly mobile.
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Rob Jackson addresses common questions parents have when their children identify with the LGBT lifestyle. Offering guidance rooted in faith and love, Rob discusses topics such as gender confusion, same-sex attraction, and approaching difficult conversations. He reminds listeners to find hope in God while navigating their child’s journey.
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From Transgendered to Transformed
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Christians love to sing “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now I’m found. I was blind, but now I see.”
Blind. Blind to the promise of eternal life. Blind to the provider of life. We relate to the words of the was-blind beggar: “One thing I do know. I was blind, but now I see.”
His story is our story. Perhaps that’s why John was in no hurry to tell it. He needed only twelve verses to describe how water became wine, but he dedicated a whopping forty-one verses to depicting how Jesus found and cured and matured the blind man. Now why? Among the explanations is this one. What Jesus did physically for the blind beggar, he desires to do spiritually for all people—to restore our sight.
Remember my friends, you are never alone.
Read more You Are Never Alone: Trust in the Miracle of God's Presence & Power
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