There's a lot in life that gets our attention, but ultimately, only one thing matters. Don't get distracted by what doesn't. 1 Thing Matters will help you focus on what matters most for this life, and the better life to come.
Subscribe:.rss.atom.json.md.m3u.pls
Live Last read · last published · next check
Saves to your Listen queue, to pick up on another day or another device.
“All are welcome!” Is that true at our church? Or is church meant only for people of the right heritage who behave the right way - “good church folk”? Is it conceivable that a stranger could walk into church unexpectedly and for some reason, you would ask yourself, “What is someone like that doing here?” Or perhaps you ask that question about yourself. “There seem to be godly people here. I’m not…
The psalmists pray for God’s protection. God promises his people his protection. So… why do we still experience hurt and harm? Does God ignore our prayers? Is he being dishonest when promising his protection? No, in fact, his protection is far more extensive than we could ever ask for or imagine. Trust him. Series: What Makes Christians Different?
I trust the plants will get watered… when I see it raining outside. I trust that I’ll have plenty to pay the bills… when the checking account balance is hefty. I trust that I won’t go hungry… when the fridge and pantry are stocked. But when there are no gray clouds? When the account balance is barely above water? When I can clearly see the back of the fridge and pantry? Trust doesn’t come so…
What do you consider your life’s top priorities? Many people start with family and friends. Financial security and health follow closely. Reputation and recreation make the cut. How about faith? Is it the top priority? What if other priorities must be sacrificed to keep faith the top priority? The Bible helps Christians keep worldly wealth in perspective. It can buy the things of this world,…
Believer or not, it’s pretty well understood that idolatry isn’t a good thing. And, believer or not, it’s pretty natural to assume that idolatry is something that applies to others, not me. But when God defines idolatry, his definition refuses to allow the cushion of wiggle room we’d like to think we have. We are to love him first and best. Certainly not “after” anything or anyone else. But also,…
Planting seed by hand can be extraordinary. In your hand, the seed looks lifeless and insignificant. You put the seed into the soil, and suddenly, all by itself, the seed germinates and sprouts and reaches to the sun. Except when it doesn’t! Plant multiple seeds, and often only some will grow. The Bible describes Christians as planted by the Word. Why do some people grow in faith, and not others?…
We need rest. Without rest, we suffer. Studies show that with too little rest, people experience fatigue and physical imbalances that result in decreased attention, poor decisions, and even speech impairment. People who take no breaks during the workday have lower productivity than those who take periodic breaks. Christians know they need more than sleep or breaks, more than physical rest. We need…
Believers in God and their ministers have always been persecuted. Religious leaders in Jerusalem tried to muzzle the truth, but they only succeeded in sending people to preach the Word throughout the land. The Roman Empire persecuted Christians with stakes and lions, but God’s Church exploded with growth. In Martin Luther’s day, both pope and emperor tried to limit the gospel movement that was…
They never forgot their past. Moses never forgot how he killed a man in a fit of anger. Paul never forgot how he had savaged the Church of God. Matthew never forgot how, as a tax collector for the Roman Empire, he was considered a traitor to his people. But God forgot their past. He forgave all their sins and called them to proclaim his mercy. Christians are sinners whom God has mercifully…
God has revealed himself as triune - one God in three persons. While we should not be surprised that God would reveal himself to us in a way that leaves us in awe of his mystery, neither has he revealed himself to us in this way to leave us confused. No, God - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - is clear not only in the mission he calls us to, but also in how the Holy Trinity uniquely equips us to…
