God’s Call to Women to Change the World
Women of God have always been at the center of His purposes. Mothers of faith will play a vital role in establishing the course of Christ’s kingdom. It is the dawn of a new millennium—and the start of a significant new day for women in the church. Speaking as a brother in Christ and a
How to Receive God’s Mercy
I think we would all agree that there is no such thing as a “weakness” in God. However, if there were, it would be this–mercy. God’s mercy embodies all the fullness of His compassion, kindness, tenderness and favor. It is the expression of His goodness and pity toward us. When you are assailed ferociously by
The Lord Provided
Our pastor’s son, Marty, was determined to stay in college. But the income from our small congregation made this an “iffy” situation–at least if it depended on help from his family.
My own daughter, Dana, was also in college, and the contrast between her circumstances and Marty’s raised questions in my mind. My child had all the material goods that a freshman in college needs–a new car, clothes and an allowance.
Marty, on the other hand, struggled constantly with shabby clothes, a poor specimen of transportation that seemed to inhale the income from his part-time job, and little money for trips home and sundry other expenses. Why, I wondered?
Why We Need Sisters
Whether you call it connecting or bonding, women do it remarkably well. Certainly, this has been my experience. A recent shopping trip overwhelmingly confirmed my theory. “Oooh, that looks lovely on you. You should get it!” my admirer told me. It was 7:30 a.m., and my favorite store was having a knock-down, drag-out sale. Take
Step Into a Moment of Holy Visitation
As we journey to a place of deeper intimacy with God, we will have times of special visitation by the Holy Spirit. These times of precious fellowship are a foretaste of glory–a glimpse of the heavenly ecstasy that awaits us beyond the veil of this life. They are direct encounters with the love of God.
4 Reasons Christians Quit Following God
Over the last few years, I have grieved deep within as I have watched believers around me get knocked off by the enemy through their negligence, lack of self-control and wrong choices. Though Satan is the author of every evil thing that happens, we can’t continue to blame him for everything. Weekly, I am meeting
When Perfect Pastors Divorce
Learn how to pray and support your pastors before a crisis erupts in their marriage. Pastor Jack (not his real name) stood before his congregation in tears. He said, “I have to confess that I have been involved in an extramarital affair. Effective today I am resigning as the senior pastor of this church. I’m
Is There Bitterness in Your House?
I was once scheduled to speak at an annual women’s conference at the Potter’s House in Dallas. Before I arrived, I prepared the teaching I planned to give, “Is There a Lady in the House?” in which I describe two kinds of women: the industrious one lauded in Proverbs 31 and the “keeper at home”
There’s No Such Thing As Retirement
AT 80 YEARS OLD, ELEANOR WORKMAN IS STILL FEEDING, HOUSING AND TEACHING HUNDREDS OF ORPHANS IN HAITI.
Childhood is supposed to be a carefree, idyllic time, a time of making happy memories to cherish and remember throughout life. Not so for the children of Haiti, where most youngsters, even 4- and 5-year-olds, can be found carrying water jugs on their heads, baby-sitting, running errands or cleaning house. Statistics show that in this, the poorest nation in the western hemisphere, about half the children die before age 5 because of starvation, malnutrition or exposure to disease and inclement weather. Many are abandoned by their parents or orphaned and left to roam the streets, begging for food.
But amid the destitution, political upheaval, voodoo worship and witchcraft that hangs like a heavy, dark cloud over this small island in the West Indies, there is an angel by the name of Eleanor “Mom” Workman who relies on the power of God to save–both physically and spiritually–as many of Haiti’s children as possible.
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The Ingredients of the Anointing
OLD TESTAMENT PRIESTS WERE CONSECRATED TO GOD THROUGH THE USE OF SPECIAL OILS. TODAY, WE MUST BE SURE WE DON’T MIX THE WRONG ELEMENTS WHEN WE SEEK TO CARRY HIS ANNOINTING.
Throughout my teen-age years, my aunt owned a catering business. She was known particularly for her ability to bake wonderful cakes–as beautiful as they were delicious. These weren’t your everyday oven fare made from butter, eggs, sugar and flour. These were anointed cakes, and they included a secret ingredient.
I remember one occasion when her daughter asked her to bake a huge cake for a friend’s baby shower. My mother and I and several others were in the dining room when she was putting the cake together.
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The Balanced Life
I once heard a message in church on “the balanced life.” The speaker made the point that we need to give equal time to each of the most significant areas of our lives so we don’t get out of balance.
I felt prompted to do a search on the word “balance” in my small computer Bible to find scriptural backing for the message. The only reference given that contained the word was a verse in Proverbs, and that had to do with a scale–in other words, with weights and measures, not with the way we use our time.
What I found did not convince me that the preacher was right. I asked the Holy Spirit to show me the truth, and He replied, “The truth is that being wholehearted for God is the key to balance.”
Whatever Happened To the Ten Commandments?
MANY PEOPLE TODAY CAN’T EVEN LIST THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. WE MUST TEACH YOUNGER BELIEVERS THAT GOD’S MORAL LAWS ARE AS IMPORTANT TODAY AS THEY WERE WHEN GOD GAVE THEM TO MOSES.
A few months ago I read an article in a national newspaper that surprised me. A television talk show commentator had interviewed a number of people in nightclubs and other places on the street. He asked each the same question, “Can you name one of the Ten Commandments?”
I was deeply grieved to learn that no one he interviewed could quote any of God’s laws. The ones who tried were way off base.
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Celebrate Diversity in Worship
Because of the music ministry with which God has blessed me, I have had the privilege of worshiping in countless churches. I have praised the Lord with people of numerous races and denominations. As a result of my experiences, I have come to the conclusion that, regardless of doctrinal differences, racial preferences and varying worship styles, the body of Christ has more in common than it has differences.
Time and time again, I have seen the love of Christ as it has been demonstrated to the lost and hurting. I have seen the church in action as its members became agents of healing and wholeness.
How to Deal With a Mad Teenager
John stood at our door arrayed in all his black leather splendor. Safety pins ringed his ear lobes; jewelry pierced his nose and lips. Tattoos covered his arms. Both sides of his head were shaved, the hair on top spiked down the middle. Our daughter had told me her date was coming, but I wasn’t