January 2009 Archives

"My son has a rare cancer that caused his kidneys to stop working - it makes my heart heavy with pain for him."
--BLG

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Mark 7:1-23

1 Now when the Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around him, 2 they noticed that some of his disciples were eating with defiled hands, that is, without washing them. 3 (For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, do not eat unless they thoroughly wash their hands, thus observing the tradition of the elders; 4 and they do not eat anything from the market unless they wash it; and there are also many other traditions that they observe, the washing of cups, pots, and bronze kettles.) 5 So the Pharisees and the scribes asked him, "Why do your disciples not live according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with defiled hands?" 6 He said to them, "Isaiah prophesied rightly about you hypocrites, as it is written,

'This people honors me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me;
7 in vain do they worship me,
teaching human precepts as doctrines.'
8 You abandon the commandment of God and hold to human tradition."

9 Then he said to them, "You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God in order to keep your tradition! 10 For Moses said, 'Honor your father and your mother'; and, 'Whoever speaks evil of father or mother must surely die.' 11 But you say that if anyone tells father or mother, 'Whatever support you might have had from me is Corban' (that is, an offering to God)-- 12 then you no longer permit doing anything for a father or mother, 13 thus making void the word of God through your tradition that you have handed on. And you do many things like this."
14 Then he called the crowd again and said to them, "Listen to me, all of you, and understand: 15 there is nothing outside a person that by going in can defile, but the things that come out are what defile."
17 When he had left the crowd and entered the house, his disciples asked him about the parable. 18 He said to them, "Then do you also fail to understand? Do you not see that whatever goes into a person from outside cannot defile, 19 since it enters, not the heart but the stomach, and goes out into the sewer?" (Thus he declared all foods clean.) 20 And he said, "It is what comes out of a person that defiles. 21 For it is from within, from the human heart, that evil intentions come: fornication, theft, murder, 22 adultery, avarice, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, folly. 23 All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person."

From the New Revised Standard Version. Reprinted with permission from HarperBibles.

[1] Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem.

[2] And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault.

[3] For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders.

[4] And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables.

[5] Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?

[6] He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.

[7] Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctines the commandments of men.

[8] For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.

[9] And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.

[10] For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death:

[11] But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free.

[12] And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother;

[13] Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.

[14] And when he had called all the people unto him, he said unto them, Hearken unto me every one of you, and understand:

[15] There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.

[16] If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.

[17] And when he was entered into the house from the people, his disciples asked him concerning the parable.

[18] And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him;

[19] Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats?

[20] And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man.

[21] For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,

[22] Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:

[23] All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.

Welcome back to Beliefnet's exclusive Bill Hybels devotional, "Living with Grander Vision." This feed will appear in your profile every day for three full weeks. Did you miss any entries? Just stay subscribed, and the feed will begin again at the end of its cycle.

I was on the road for a speaking engagement and decided to spend a few private moments with God at a local café. Forty-five minutes and several cups of coffee later, I was walking back to my car, bracing against the blowing snow that was pounding my face, when almost audibly I received a prompting from God. He seemed to tell me to turn around, but I just kept on walking. It was cold. I didn't want to be late for my engagement. Honestly, I just didn't feel like being obedient. Which was ironic, given I'd just come off nearly an hour of devotional time.

To my dismay, his voice wasn't subdued by my obstinacy. "Turn around," he prompted again.

I turned to look behind me and saw absolutely nothing there. See, God? I silently sneered. But as I wheeled back around, I saw an elderly woman--probably at least eighty-five--who had been dropped off by a city bus and was standing on the corner a few feet in front of me. She was shuffling toward the entrance of a shop but was stymied by the wall of snow that
blocked it.

I caught her eye, and smiling, asked, "How are you going to get over that snow bank?"

Without missing a beat, she said, "It's gonna be pretty tough unless you help me, Sonny!"

Looking down the street a little, I noticed that the snowy obstacle outlined the sidewalk for blocks. I kicked the chunks of snow down a little and found inches-thick ice underneath. Even clutching my arm, there was no way she could step across the bank without slipping.

"Ma'am, I'm not sure how to tell you this, but the only way I can help you is to lift you over this thing."

She paused for a moment. "Well I can't stay here all day! Lift away, but you'd better be careful." She loosened her posture as an early sign that she was ready to trust a guy she'd never seen before. As gently as I could, I lifted her over the snow bank and set her down just outside the store entrance. A frail hand on my shoulder, she said, "Thank you for helping me. You're a nice young man."

That was the extent of what happened that morning, God tapping one of his saints on the shoulder and saying, "Please help out." It might have been insignificant in the grand scheme of things, but helping that old lady get where she was trying to go proved far more meaningful than all of the intellectually stimulating things I did that day put together. It's so like God, isn't it?

___
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"Help your kids take responsibility for their lives. Have you ever been around someone who always makes excuses: 'The teacher was no good,' 'It wasn't fair because I was last in line'?" --Mimi Doe...

Mark 2:13-22 13 Jesus went out again beside the sea; the whole crowd gathered around him, and he taught them. 14 As he was walking along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said...

[13] And he went forth again by the sea side; and all the multitude resorted unto him, and he taught them. [14] And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom,...

Beliefnet is pleased to present the first 7 days of devotionals from Max Lucado's "3:16: The Numbers of Hope" (Thomas Nelson, 2007). This is Day 5 of the week-long devotional. If you missed the previous days, stay subscribed to this...

My mother was a big believer in abundance, which for her had more to do with her state of mind than it did with money. In practical terms, this meant offering everyone, from her friends to the UPS man, a...

"Every statement you make about yourself becomes the truth in some way. Be mindful of your words such as, "I'm a loser." It does nothing for you but bring down your energy. "I am constantly improving and growing" is a...

Mark 2:1-12 1 When he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. 2 So many gathered around that there was no longer room for them, not even in front of the door; and...

[1] And again he entered into Capernaum, after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house. [2] And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much...

In your interpretation of Bible, who or what is Satan? Is he an entity, or is it a state of mind? Satan, or the devil, is depicted in various places in the Bible as a personal being (see, for example,...

Celebrate Black History Month with a new inspiring quote every day from a beloved black spiritual leader....

Throughout the month of February, enjoy a daily "love note" from Beyond Blue blogger Therese Borchard. Therese will share her favorite quotes about love and relationships to inspire and encourage you and your relationships....

Beliefnet is pleased to present the first 7 days of devotionals from Max Lucado's "3:16: The Numbers of Hope" (Thomas Nelson, 2007). This is Day 4 of the week-long devotional. If you missed the previous days, stay subscribed to this...

After sternly warning [the healed leper], he sent him away at once (Mark 1:43).Jesus often spoke sternly to people--see Mark 5:40, 43; 8:32-33; and 9:19 for three other examples.Even though we have these instances of Jesus speaking sternly, we tend...

"Hold a specific image of your child succeeding at something he or she is working on. So if she is about to play in a piano recital, hold the image of her happy, centered, calm, and enjoying the performance." --Mimi...

Mark 1:29-45 29 As soon as they left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30 Now Simon's mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once....

[29] And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. [30] But Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell him of...

"A little girl who has fallen very ill to viral encephilits." --mrsfale Add your prayers now...

Thinking of buying a new car? Choose a hybrid! There are 21 Hybrid cars on the market today from brands like Toyota, Chevrolet, Honda, Nissan, and Lexus. Hybrid cars produce less pollution and can save you $4,000 on gasoline. Plus,...

Beliefnet is pleased to present the first 7 days of devotionals from Max Lucado's "3:16: The Numbers of Hope" (Thomas Nelson, 2007). This is Day 3 of the week-long devotional. If you missed the previous days, stay subscribed to this...

Call to mind a difficult childhood memory -- one where you were maligned, or when you felt uncared for. Write five paragraphs about the event as if you are in the midst of the memory, starting with these words: a....

"If you hear people speaking negatively, resist the urge to join in - especially when your children are listening. Rather, switch the subject to something more positive." --Mimi Doe...

Mark 1:14-28 14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, 15 and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news."...

[14] Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, [15] And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe...

"My Son died on Christmas Eve. (Dec 24, 2008). He was 14 years old." --DeanZ Add your prayers now...

Minimize your trash. When choosing between products, opt for the one that has less excess packaging....

Beliefnet is pleased to present the first 7 days of devotionals from Max Lucado's "3:16: The Numbers of Hope" (Thomas Nelson, 2007). This is Day 2 of the week-long devotional. If you missed the first day, stay subscribed to this...

In 2003, I ran for governor of California. During the televised debate, Arnold Schwarzenegger responded to one of my rebuttals by telling me to drink more decaf, a remark I cannot imagine him making that comment to a male candidate....

"Give to your children what you want to receive: more love, acknowledgement, respect, trust, patience." --Mimi Doe...

"My husband and I both have diabetes and with finances are in a crunch. I would like prayers to have the means to improve our health." --msmith1006 Add your prayers now...

[1] The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; [2] As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. [3] The voice of...

Mark 1:1-13 1 The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2 As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, "See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; 3...

Ever since I read in St. James that women should not braid their hair, I've haven't done it. Is it OK or not? And why? There is actually nothing in the epistle of James about hair at all, but when...

Got a ski rack on your car? Make sure to remove it when you're not on your way to the slopes – roof racks create wind resistance, which makes your car less efficient, and causes you to spend more money...

Beliefnet is pleased to present the first 7 days of devotionals from Max Lucado's "3:16: The Numbers of Hope" (Thomas Nelson, 2007). This is Day 1 of the week-long devotional. DAY 1: AN EXTRA-ORDINARY NIGHT "Suddenly a great company of...

[The companions of Jesus] said to him, "Everyone is searching for you." He answered, "Let us go on to the neighboring towns...." (Mark 1:37-38).In this juncture of his ministry, Jesus shifts from giving himself to his immediate neighborhood--his family and...

"Pay attention to the people in your life who give you energy and those that drain you. Make an effort to be around those people who lift your spirit. Your children will be the recipients of more of you when...

Husband is laid off from work - can't find work; only 1 income; threat of losing only home --genac68 Add your prayers now...

[1] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [2] The same was in the beginning with God. [3] All things were made by him; and without him was not any...

John 1:1-7, 19-20, 29-34 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through him, and without...

Spring Break is coming up! If you have teenage kids, consider skipping the expensive resort and doing something that will bring your family closer together and make a real difference in our world. Click here to find out how to...

Beliefnet is pleased to present the first 7 days of devotionals from Max Lucado's "3:16: The Numbers of Hope" (Thomas Nelson, 2007). Introduction The story of Jesus reads a bit like a scrapbook. Headline clippings. Newspaper photos. Jesus's favorite stories...

Recall an event in your childhood when you were happy and carefree. Write about it as if you were telling a friend the story, answering questions like: What were your parents doing? How were you feeling? Where were you? Why...

"Help each of your children bring more order to their room. Notice the sense of calm they experience when everything has its place." --Mimi Doe...

"G.B., who is a recovering alcoholic/addict, has struggled with recovery. Also, please pray for me as I am in a relationship with G.B." --selene Add your prayers now...

John 6:1-14 1 After this Jesus went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, also called the Sea of Tiberias. 2 A large crowd kept following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing for the...

[1] After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias. [2] And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased. [3] And Jesus...

Low-flow showerheads use two gallons less water than regular showerheads every minute. Plus, they pay for themselves - they're available for as little as eight dollars, but will save you about $150 on your water bill!...

Beliefnet is pleased to present the first 7 days of devotionals from Max Lucado's "3:16: The Numbers of Hope" (Thomas Nelson, 2007). This is Day 7 of the week-long devotional. If you missed the first day, stay subscribed to this...

"Become more mindful today of each activity you take part in. Clean when you clean, and eat when you eat. Be fully present to the moment, and experience the joy in that focus." --Mimi Doe...

John 5:1-15 1 After this there was a festival of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2 Now in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate there is a pool, called in Hebrew Beth-zatha, which has five porticoes. 3 In...

"I have been struggling with big family problems since October and trying to deal with my college education too." --v.villanueva Add your prayers now...

[1] After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. [2] Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. [3]...

Your showers account for two thirds of your entire water bill. Try to keep them short and sweet!...

Beliefnet is pleased to present the first 7 days of devotionals from Max Lucado's "3:16: The Numbers of Hope" (Thomas Nelson, 2007). This is Day 6 of the week-long devotional. If you missed the previous days, stay subscribed to this...

Fear of rejection also creeps into our professional life. When I set out to write my second book, this time on political leadership, I worked tirelessly, and to this day I can't think of a project I've been more proud...

"Bring more nature into your home - flowers, rocks, fruit, wood - and notice if the energy shifts into a more grounded, healing place."--Mimi Doe...

John 4:46-54 46 Then he came again to Cana in Galilee where he had changed the water into wine. Now there was a royal official whose son lay ill in Capernaum. 47 When he heard that Jesus had come from...

"My 5 year-old son has Children's Nephrotic Syndrome." --Emma/David Add your prayers now...

[46] So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum. [47] When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee,...

Since so much of the Bible takes place in Egypt, why is there no mention of the pyramids? To this day we don't know for sure how they were constructed, so why no mention of them? Some of the pyramids...

Make sure that your air conditioner filters and heating vents are clean and gunk-free. Your AC will work more efficiently, saving you up to $150 yearly in energy costs....

Beliefnet is pleased to present the first 7 days of devotionals from Max Lucado's "3:16: The Numbers of Hope" (Thomas Nelson, 2007). This is Day 5 of the week-long devotional. If you missed the previous days, stay subscribed to this...

Jesus rebuked [the unclean spirit within a man], saying, "Be silent, and come out of him!" (Mark 1:25)In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus is portrayed as if he is making a military assault on the forces of evil, casting out...

"Pay attention to how you respond to the routine annoyances that show up each day. Do you get annoyed when you have to replace a light bulb? Your responses to life are a template for your children on how to...

John 2:1-11 1 On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2 Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. 3 When the wine gave out,...

"My fiance, Barbara Grammer and her brother Ray were driving - have not been heard from in 2 days - we were to be married shortly after her arrival." --rjtatlarge Add your prayers now...

[1] And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: [2] And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. [3] And when they wanted wine, the mother...

Always keep the thermostat on your home water heater below 120 degrees Fahrenheit. You won't need your water to be any hotter than that!...

Beliefnet is pleased to present the first 7 days of devotionals from Max Lucado's "3:16: The Numbers of Hope" (Thomas Nelson, 2007). This is Day 4 of the week-long devotional. If you missed the previous days, stay subscribed to this...

Parents worry. It's part of our job description. Consider the words of Jesus: "Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met" (Matthew 6:33, MSG). Make a...

"Our older children are exploring who they are and why they are here. This is their spiritual quest, although often misunderstood. You can help them move into their highest self by being a patient and nonjudgmental listener." --Mimi Doe...

"Peaceful means to a cease fire is more than just provential guidelines." --Theresa Elizabeth Schmitt Add your prayers now...

Matthew 12:14-21 14 But the Pharisees went out and conspired against him, how to destroy him. 15 When Jesus became aware of this, he departed. Many crowds followed him, and he cured all of them, 16 and he ordered them...

[14] Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him. [15] But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all; [16] And...

Only run your dishwasher when you have a full load. If you wash your dishes by hand, fill the sink with soapy water and then turn off the tap, instead of leaving the tap running as you scrub, then rinse...

Beliefnet is pleased to present the first 7 days of devotionals from Max Lucado's "3:16: The Numbers of Hope" (Thomas Nelson, 2007). This is Day 3 of the week-long devotional. If you missed the previous days, stay subscribed to this...

I learned an important lesson in 1996 when I agreed to join Al Franken for a segment called "Strange Bedfellows" during Comedy Central's coverage of the elections. Al and I held our political debates from a bed in the middle...

"We have the choice each day to focus on negativity or rise above it and connect with all that is positive. Pause now and make the choice." --Mimi Doe...

"I'm thankful that he...has the opportunity to get clean and away from the terrible situation he was in. Please pray that God will work in his life and give him the desire to change his life and make better choices."...

John 15:1-6 1 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. 2 He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. 3 You...

[1] I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. [2] Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit....

My husband and I have been together for 11 1/2 years, we've been married for 6 1/2. We have 2 beautiful children. My husband has recently been born again and now thinks our marriage is a sin. He was married...

Save about $500 a year by winterizing with double-pane glass windows instead of single-pane. They'll keep the cold out and the heat in....

Beliefnet is pleased to present the first 7 days of devotionals from Max Lucado's "3:16: The Numbers of Hope" (Thomas Nelson, 2007). This is Day 2 of the week-long devotional. If you missed the first day, stay subscribed to this...

Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news" (Mark 1:14-15).The first response Jesus expects of his listeners...

"Your child is a being of light and love who wants to share that abundant spirit. What is getting in your child's way of expressing who he or she truly is?" --Mimi Doe...

"Christ has been in intensive care since Christmas Eve." --Moniqueholguin Add your prayers now...

John 6:41-47 41 Then the Jews began to complain about him because he said, "I am the bread that came down from heaven." 42 They were saying, "Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we...

[41] The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven. [42] And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it...

Check your tires! Every month, make sure your car's tires are fully inflated. Not only is it safer for you, but driving on full tires uses less gasoline, so it'll save you money....

Beliefnet is pleased to present the first 7 days of devotionals from Max Lucado's "3:16: The Numbers of Hope" (Thomas Nelson, 2007). This is Day 1 of the week-long devotional. DAY 1: AN EXTRA-ORDINARY NIGHT "Suddenly a great company of...

The way my daughter goes out of her way to cheer up a hurting friend reminds me of Jesus' pursuing, encouraging love. When my son agonizes for hours over what gift to buy, I can see glimpses of God's extravagant...

"What is it about your childhood you would like to change for your kids, and what might you want to make sure they enjoy as well?" --Mimi Doe...

"A wonderful couple from Norway were on holiday in Kenya, only to tragically lose their son Andres." --Achayo Add your prayers now...

John 10:7-17 7 So again Jesus said to them, "Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. 9...

[7] Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. [8] All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. [9] I...

Consider using fans for cooling as an alternative for high energy-consuming air conditioners....

Beliefnet is pleased to present the first 7 days of devotionals from Max Lucado's "3:16: The Numbers of Hope" (Thomas Nelson, 2007). Introduction The story of Jesus reads a bit like a scrapbook. Headline clippings. Newspaper photos. Jesus's favorite stories...

"Pay attention to the messages that come through your dreams. Talk about your night dreams and your kids will naturally do the same." --Mimi Doe...

John 6:35-42, 48-51 35 Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. 36 But I said to you that you have...

[35] And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. [36] But I said unto you, That ye also have seen...

"I have a friend who is really struggling. He has no job or money. He has a very limited family and a small number of friends. What he does have is his church and GOD." --hubiesz Add your prayers now...

Leave grass clippings on the lawn as fertilizer....

Beliefnet is pleased to present the first 7 days of devotionals from Max Lucado's "3:16: The Numbers of Hope" (Thomas Nelson, 2007). This is Day 7 of the week-long devotional. If you missed the first day, stay subscribed to this...

One of my biggest fears as a young woman was not being liked by other people. Nowhere did this come into play more strongly than in my writing career: It took me many years not to take the criticism of...

"Parenting can be deeply exhausting, but you have the ability to fill your well. Make sure you schedule time to do so. What nurtures you? Do more of it this week." --Mimi Doe...

[23] And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. [24] Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask,...

John 16:23-30 23 On that day you will ask nothing of me. Very truly, I tell you, if you ask anything of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. 24 Until now you have not asked...

"Pray for strength in our union and relationship, pray for peace, love, joy, and happiness for us." --carmelalambert46 Add your prayers now...

When cooking, limit preheating time of around six minutes to save energy....

I have been considering getting a tattoo. Is there anything in the Bible that I should consider before taking this step? You are thinking of Leviticus 19:28. Notice that this text first says that it is wrong to make gashes...

Beliefnet is pleased to present the first 7 days of devotionals from Max Lucado's "3:16: The Numbers of Hope" (Thomas Nelson, 2007). This is Day 6 of the week-long devotional. If you missed the previous days, stay subscribed to this...

And a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased." And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness...." (Mark 1:11-12). Put yourself in the place of Jesus. The same Heavenly...

"Children are deeply intuitive beings and can pick up on our moods and emotions. Notice how you are feeling today and how your child responds." --Mimi Doe...