The Great Irish Famine invaded Ireland between 1845 and 1849, bringing indescribable suffering to the country. It's estimated that more than a million lives were lost as a result of starvation and disease, but the human suffering was greater than the numbers convey....
Have you noticed that reality TV shows are sweeping our nation? Like it or not, programs such as NBC's Fear Factor and The Apprentice, ABC's Extreme Makeover and Fox's American Idol are revolutionizing the way millions of us entertain ourselves.Though some of these...
Matthew 18:15 spells out the clearest call in all of Scripture for us to walk in reconciliation: "If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother" (NKJV). When it's time to clear up a...
Job 42 makes it clear that Leviathan, the spirit of separation, will not run from man-made weapons. We must use God's weapons if we want to defeat it (see 2 Cor. 10:4). Here are a few strategies to remember the next time you sense a divisive undercurrent beneath the...
You need the added protection that a solid spiritual covering can bring to your life. Here are a few benchmarks to look for whenever you consider connecting with a local church, denomination or ministerial fellowship. 1. THE CHARACTER OF CHRIST Look for...
If we'll keep our hearts free from offense by yielding to God, we can be stronger than ever. In a warm summer Saturday in 2003, I received a call I'll never forget. It was from Trini and Al*, previously joyful members of our church, who now sounded hysterical and...
by David Cannistraci My wife and I recently took a drive in a nice convertible. The top was down, the sun was shining and we were heading for the coast. As we stopped to get a couple of coffees to go, rain clouds gathered and it started to sprinkle. We were...
by David Cannistraci They thought she was fast asleep, but Leah heard everything: Rachel's flirtatious invitation, Jacob's coy reply and the hushed sounds of her husband stealing a moment of passion with his other wife. Though Leah loved Jacob desperately, she...
There is nothing more painful than a relationship breakdown. Here’s how you can find healing and restoration when strife takes its toll.It was one of the worst experiences of my life. I felt as if I were watching a train wreck in slow motion, and I couldn't do...
There is nothing more painful than a relationship breakdown. Here’s how you can find healing and restoration when strife takes its toll.It was one of the worst experiences of my life. I felt as if I were watching a train wreck in slow motion, and I couldn’t do anything to stop it. A great friendship was breaking up.
We had been close at one time, but our relationship had become strained. Words of peace somehow got warped. Confusion and suspicion whispered lies. Then suddenly, a firestorm of words ensued. It was over.
If you’ve ever experienced the pain of an unexpected relational meltdown, you’ve probably encountered the spirit of separation. You are not alone. Relationships in the church are under attack. The last decade has set records for divorces and separations, even among Christian leaders—and in the midst of headline-grabbing revivals.
by David CannistraciThough there are an endless number of reproaches the enemy may use, Scripture points out a few strategic ones he favors most: At a Glance "You will never be fruitful or significant." "You will always be alone." "You are a loser in life." "If you...
by David CannistraciIf you are suffering under the weight of reproach or would like to minister to those who are, keep the following steps in mind: 1. Reclaim the promises of God. Isaiah 61:7 promises: "Instead of your shame you shall have double honor, and instead of...
In the Bible, Leah found fulfillment when she stopped looking to her husband, Jacob, for satisfaction and started looking to God.
A year of humuliation has brought us to a moment of truth.