Reset with Bonnie Sala

A Fresh Redirect For Your Frustration.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:34:37 +0000

Faith and Flops in the Kitchen, Overcoming Failure with God's Perspective.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:34:14 +0000

The Life-Giving Secrets of God's Way.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:33:44 +0000

This is What True Freedom Looks Like.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:33:05 +0000

Wake Up to God's Presence With You Now.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:32:41 +0000

Here's Why You Should Keep Planting Seeds of Hope.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:32:17 +0000

Are You a Peacekeeper or a Peacemaker .mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:31:52 +0000

Love in the Waiting Room, A Story of Faith.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:31:27 +0000

The Secret Power of Your Table.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:31:01 +0000

Does God Have Fun .mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:30:29 +0000

Speak These Words Over Yourself.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:30:00 +0000

Making Wrong Things Right.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:29:30 +0000

Here's How to Live with Turmoil.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:29:07 +0000

Would You Pass This Test .mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:28:38 +0000

Hope, The State of Being on the Way.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:28:10 +0000

When You're in Over Your Head.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:27:38 +0000

You Belong Here.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:27:10 +0000

Relief from Your Burdens Found Here .mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:26:41 +0000

Turn Up the Truth to Tune Out the Lies.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:25:30 +0000

Moving from Worry to Wonder.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:24:08 +0000

God's Search For You.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:23:43 +0000

Be the One Who Prays!.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:23:17 +0000

Who Are God's Friends .mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:22:45 +0000

100% An Invitation for the Hopeless.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:22:07 +0000

100% When You're Stuck in the Middle.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:21:43 +0000

Here is the Light You Long For.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:21:20 +0000

This Is Fearless Love.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:20:54 +0000

To Grow in Generosity, Start Today.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:20:18 +0000

Your Path to Peace When Falsely Accused.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:19:46 +0000

Kickstart Your Journey from Grumbling to Gratitude.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:19:16 +0000

Is God On My Side.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:17:17 +0000

Your Soul Choice in Loss.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:16:45 +0000

Breakfast on the Beach—A Lesson in Welcome.mp

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:15:49 +0000

There’s a Forever Family For All.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:15:09 +0000

Unsure Believers Wanted Here.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:14:43 +0000

Lesson From a High School Reunion.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:14:00 +0000

Why You Can Take Heart in Problems and Trials.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:13:20 +0000

This Daily Dialogue Leads to Unforgettable Change.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:12:53 +0000

Life is Hard, God is Near.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:12:28 +0000

God's Love Without Limits Is For You.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:11:26 +0000

The Danger Of Always Being Right.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:11:03 +0000

When Spiritual Leaders Fail.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:10:38 +0000

Counting the Cost, A Story of Young Faith.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:10:03 +0000

Three Truths to Take Into Tomorrow.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:09:28 +0000

Good News For Bad People.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:08:09 +0000

How God Views Your Mistakes.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:07:41 +0000

What Does Life Look Like After Christmas.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:07:15 +0000

For the Hurting On Christmas.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:06:45 +0000

What Jesus's Lineage Says To Us Today.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:06:21 +0000

Dissolving our Double Standards With Mercy.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:05:55 +0000

Beyond Self-Reliance, The Two Profound Truths You Need to Hear.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:05:23 +0000

Consider the Result of Unchecked Anger.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:04:34 +0000

Open Arms For Those Who Know They Need Them.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:04:01 +0000

93% This Has the Power to Heal Senseless Hate.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:03:27 +0000

Shielded From Shame, Called to Repentance.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:03:00 +0000

When Darkness Closes in, Choose Light!.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:02:23 +0000

The Powerless Deception of Rule-Following.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:02:03 +0000

The Limits of Self-Help and the Limitless God.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:01:41 +0000

Is Marriage Obsolete .mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:01:14 +0000

Assessing Where our Loyalties Lie.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:00:31 +0000

Are You Living Your Ikigai .mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:00:03 +0000

God's Invitation That Surrounds You.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:57:26 +0000

From Acorn to Oak, Valuing Your Faith Journey.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:56:43 +0000

The Ever Present God.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:54:35 +0000

What Your Reaction to Mistreatment Tells You About Yourself.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:51:53 +0000

God Speaks Your Language.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:51:15 +0000

The Secret to Words That Help, Not Hurt.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:50:35 +0000

Leave Your Past Where it Belongs.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:48:41 +0000

Presence, Friendship’s Greatest Gift.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:47:54 +0000

This is the Secret to Joy.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:42:28 +0000

Discover Your New Name of Hope.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:41:41 +0000

When Your Resilience Crumples.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:40:29 +0000

Ironing Out Love, A Tale of Selflessness.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:40:02 +0000

The God Who Bends Down to Listen.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:39:34 +0000

There's Freedom to Think Through Your Faith.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:39:11 +0000

Sinking in Skepticism.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:38:46 +0000

When God Meets Your Anger with His Glory.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:38:16 +0000

Hope for Your Uphill Climb.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:37:48 +0000

Why Study the Bible .mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:36:50 +0000

The God of Welcome.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:36:08 +0000

God With Us in Our Grief.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:35:45 +0000

The God Who Wrestles With Us.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:35:20 +0000

The Power that Brought Peace Where Bullets Once Flew.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:34:51 +0000

What's the Point of Fasting .mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:34:21 +0000

When the Bad Guy Seems to Win, Sure Hope in God's Love.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:33:52 +0000

The Secret to Living Intentionally.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:33:19 +0000

The Greatest Treasure Hunt of All.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:32:51 +0000

Facing the Unknown with God's Wisdom.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:32:16 +0000

The Beauty of the Imperfect.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:31:27 +0000

A Living Faith is More Than Words.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:30:56 +0000

A Living Faith is More Than Words (1).mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:30:25 +0000

Loving Requires Listening.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:29:54 +0000

An Unexpected Talk Show Lesson on Blessing.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:29:07 +0000

When the Pressure's On...Stand and Wait.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:28:20 +0000

Steve Job's Bad Advice.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:27:52 +0000

Mother, the Greatest Preacher.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:27:20 +0000

Finding God in Inconvenience.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:26:54 +0000

100% Won't He Do It Yes, He Will!.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:26:26 +0000

Jesus, Doorway to Eternity.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:25:47 +0000

Jesus, Judge Who Took Your Sentence.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:25:12 +0000

esus the Giver of Life.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:24:38 +0000

The Boldest Claim of Jesus.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:23:58 +0000

The Journey to Beloved.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:22:24 +0000

The God Who Makes His Home With You.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:21:31 +0000

95% This is the Pause That Refreshes.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:20:25 +0000

51% Redefining the Win, The Upside Down Concept of Love and Honor.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:19:55 +0000

Are You Blessed.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:19:08 +0000

The Radical Call of Jesus.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:15:40 +0000

Are You Growing Beyond Today’s Mistakes .mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:14:54 +0000

Here's Where to Focus First.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:14:15 +0000

Turning Desperate Despair into Hope.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:13:33 +0000

When Your Burden Is Too Heavy.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:12:56 +0000

The Transformative Power of Vulnerable Love.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:12:26 +0000

Learning the Art of Stewardship.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:11:59 +0000

Touched by Brokenness, Redeemed by Love.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:11:28 +0000

God Likes You.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:10:49 +0000

Are You Living Your Ikigai .mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:09:31 +0000

God's Invitation That Surrounds You.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:09:07 +0000

From Acorn to Oak, Valuing Your Faith Journey.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:08:09 +0000

The Ever Present God.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:07:29 +0000

100% What Your Reaction to Mistreatment Tells You About Yourself.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:07:06 +0000

100% God Speaks Your Language.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:03:49 +0000

The Secret to Words That Help, Not Hurt.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:03:23 +0000

Leave Your Past Where it Belongs.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:02:57 +0000

Presence, Friendship’s Greatest Gift.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:02:29 +0000

This is the Secret to Joy.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:01:56 +0000

Discover Your New Name of Hope.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:01:24 +0000

When Your Resilience Crumples.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:00:45 +0000

Ironing Out Love, A Tale of Selflessness.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:00:13 +0000

The God Who Bends Down to Listen.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:59:44 +0000

There's Freedom to Think Through Your Faith.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:59:17 +0000

Sinking in Skepticism.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:58:44 +0000

When God Meets Your Anger with His Glory.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:58:18 +0000

Hope for Your Uphill Climb.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:57:53 +0000

Why Study the Bible .mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:57:20 +0000

The God of Welcome.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:56:49 +0000

God With Us in Our Grief.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:56:23 +0000

The God Who Wrestles With Us.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:55:55 +0000

The Power that Brought Peace Where Bullets Once Flew.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:53:44 +0000

What's the Point of Fasting .mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:53:07 +0000

100% When the Bad Guy Seems to Win, Sure Hope in God's Love.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:52:07 +0000

The Secret to Living Intentionally.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:51:42 +0000

The Greatest Treasure Hunt of All.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:49:40 +0000

Facing the Unknown with God's Wisdom.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:48:12 +0000

The Beauty of the Imperfect.mp

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:47:44 +0000

A Living Faith is More Than Words.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:47:02 +0000

A Living Faith is More Than Words (1).mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:46:40 +0000

Loving Requires Listening.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:42:32 +0000

An Unexpected Talk Show Lesson on Blessing.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:42:08 +0000

When the Pressure's On...Stand and Wait.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:41:44 +0000

Steve Job's Bad Advice.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:41:11 +0000

Mother, the Greatest Preacher.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:40:19 +0000

Finding God in Inconvenience.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:38:23 +0000

Won't He Do It Yes, He Will!.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:36:03 +0000

Jesus, Doorway to Eternity.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:35:31 +0000

Jesus, Judge Who Took Your Sentence.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:35:02 +0000

Jesus the Giver of Life.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:28:40 +0000

The Boldest Claim of Jesus.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:25:39 +0000

The Journey to Beloved.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:25:02 +0000

The God Who Makes His Home With You.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:24:32 +0000

This is the Pause That Refreshes.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:24:01 +0000

Redefining the Win, The Upside Down Concept of Love and Honor.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:21:48 +0000

Are You Blessed.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:21:20 +0000

The Radical Call of Jesus.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:20:01 +0000

Are You Growing Beyond Today’s Mistakes .mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:19:28 +0000

Here's Where to Focus First.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:15:16 +0000

Turning Desperate Despair into Hope.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:14:47 +0000

When Your Burden Is Too Heavy.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:10:57 +0000

The Transformative Power of Vulnerable Love.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:10:17 +0000

Learning the Art of Stewardship.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:07:44 +0000

Touched by Brokenness, Redeemed by Love.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:07:06 +0000

God Likes You.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:06:28 +0000

Do I Obey Out of Ritual or Relationship .mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:05:34 +0000

Evaluating Our Priorities, Live for What Lasts.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:04:53 +0000

God's Unlikely Candidates.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:02:05 +0000

Why Did God Choose a Cross .mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:01:32 +0000

Recovering from Compromise.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:00:57 +0000

What Defines You .mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:00:23 +0000

Are You Good Enough for God .mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 10:59:46 +0000

Are You Good Enough for God .mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 10:59:10 +0000

Want to be a Great Leader .mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 10:58:39 +0000

Falling Forward in God's Hands.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 10:57:02 +0000

The Healing Journey of a Lifetime.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 10:55:25 +0000

How to Pray, Help, Thanks, Wow and Sorry.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 10:54:38 +0000

You, God and Your Messy Emotions.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 10:53:56 +0000

Quench the Thirst of Your Soul with This.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 10:53:27 +0000

You Can Run Into These Arms.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 10:52:23 +0000

The God Who Felt Pain.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 10:51:49 +0000

Leaving the Pity Party.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 10:51:10 +0000

Harnessing Rejection's Secret Opportunities.mp3

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 10:50:31 +0000

A Call to Anguish

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 10:48:22 +0000

Is it Unspiritual to Struggle?

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 08:00:00 +0000

Experts say that perfectionism is increasing, and with it, mental health struggles.

You Were Made to Do Hard Things

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 06 Jun 2023 08:00:00 +0000

Have you ever felt like you're a failure because you're struggling?

You Can Live in Contentment Today

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 08:00:00 +0000

One of the richest men in history was once asked "How much money is enough money?" His reply? "Just a little bit more"[1].

[1] Biography.com Editors. "John D. Rockefeller Biography." The Biography.com website, A&E Television Networks, 2 April 2014, https://www.biography.com/business-leaders/john-d-rockefeller. Accessed April 27, 2023.

Until Redemption, God Gives Himself

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 02 Jun 2023 08:00:00 +0000

One Mother's Day, Kay's son asked her to help him end his life. He was 12 years old.

Everyone’s Invited to This Wedding Feast

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 08:00:00 +0000

John and Tanya got married and their wedding was anything but ordinary.

The Courage to Love Beyond Emotions

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 31 May 2023 08:00:00 +0000

If you've ever been married, you know how feelings for your spouse can change from one day to the next.

Navigating the Tension of Longing and Surrender

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 30 May 2023 08:00:00 +0000

Have you ever wanted anything so much that you think about it all the time, even begged God for it?

There’s Fresh Strength for You Each Morning

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 29 May 2023 08:00:00 +0000

Has there been a time in your life when you really wished you wouldn't wake up the next morning?

Here’s What a Spiritual Person Is and Isn’t

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 26 May 2023 08:00:00 +0000

It's called reality tv. It's unscripted, filmed with real people and often reveals that in real life, we don't get along with each other all that well.

Becoming Beloved

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 25 May 2023 08:00:00 +0000

In many cultures, the meaning of one's name is a powerful part of identity.

Here’s a Great Reason to Stop Judging Others

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 24 May 2023 08:00:00 +0000

Judging others is a universally favorite human pastime.

The Role of Holy Rest in Our Lives

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 23 May 2023 08:00:00 +0000

Have you ever watched a cat or dog basking in the sunshine? Animals always make time to stretch out in the golden calm in a garden or city ledge.

How to Survive Rainy Days in Your Relationships

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 22 May 2023 08:00:00 +0000

Life has it's gray, gloomy rainy days and so do people and relationships.

Turning Messes into Masterpieces

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 19 May 2023 08:00:00 +0000

Can you imagine working in the best restaurant in the world and dropping a plate of food about to be served?

Am I a Hypocrite? Facing Ourselves

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 18 May 2023 08:00:00 +0000

It's easy to point out where someone else can improve. But it's harder to take a look at our ourselves.

Bedrock Faith for a Torn Apart World

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 17 May 2023 08:00:00 +0000

What is faith? Many people talk about faith as believing with all your heart, but it's more than that.

How Sorrow Deepens the Space for Joy

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 16 May 2023 08:00:00 +0000

It's been said that you don't know what you had, until you've lost it. But as deep as your loss may be, there's a joy that's deeper.

God Values Honest Labor

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 15 May 2023 08:00:00 +0000

Have you ever done work that you didn't end up getting paid for? You were no doubt unhappy...and so was God.

The Power of God’s Promise in Times of Heartbreak

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 12 May 2023 08:00:00 +0000

Crushing disappointment is one of the most challenging emotions to navigate because disappointment can stamp out hope.

Accepting Jesus’s Right to Rule: Your Path to Peace

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 11 May 2023 08:00:00 +0000

Do you remember what you said as a kid, when a sibling tried to tell you what to do? Did you yell, "You're not the boss of me?"

A Powerful Lesson About Identity and Purpose

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 10 May 2023 08:00:00 +0000

Marco was an ambitious young man with lofty dreams who fell into a deep depression after getting fired from his job. He had taken some big risks, and caused his company big losses. His father visited him and told him something that would change his life. He said, "Your whole life, you've defined success as making it big, only letting yourself be happy if you did. But that's never how we've defined success. God loves you, and if you spend your life loving Him, that will be your success."

There’s a Hope That Darkness Can’t Dim

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 09 May 2023 08:00:00 +0000

One of the most inspirational people to ever live was born without the ability to see or hear. Her name was Helen Keller.

How Do You Treat Those You Lead?

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 08 May 2023 08:00:00 +0000

How would you define leadership? Is it more than just getting people to do what you want them to do?

The God Who Welcomes the Humble

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 05 May 2023 08:00:00 +0000

Most of us assume that we're right and know more than we do. It's called pride. Simply put, we think of ourselves as better, wiser, and more capable than we actually are.

Getting Our Tiniest of Priorities Straight

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 04 May 2023 08:00:00 +0000

The humorist Franklin Jones is credited with saying, "You can learn many things from children. How much patience you have, for instance."

Helping Children Process Tragedies

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 03 May 2023 08:00:00 +0000

It shouldn't happen. But time and time again, tragedy is touching the lives of our children.

What Motivates You at Work?

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 02 May 2023 08:00:00 +0000

Have you ever been caught procrastinating by an authority figure and quickly pretended that you were working?

Our Greatest Rescue When Trapped

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 01 May 2023 08:00:00 +0000

One of the worst feelings a person can have is that of being utterly and hopelessly trapped.

Escaping the Criticism Trap: Let it Go and Love

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 08:00:00 +0000

No one likes to receive criticism, but most of us are pretty good at giving it.

Where Is God When I’m Disillusioned?

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 08:00:00 +0000

Most people think of disillusionment as the prerequisite for quitting.

The Difference Between Wishing and Hoping

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 08:00:00 +0000

What do you wish for? Better relationships, fewer problems, and a happier life?

How to Access Heavenly Riches

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 25 Apr 2023 08:00:00 +0000

Most people in the world spend their lives trying to outrun poverty, but do you know even the rich can be poor in spirit?

The Way to Repair Relationship

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 24 Apr 2023 08:00:00 +0000

We've all done it. When we realize we've messed up, we're quick to spit out an "I'm sorry."

The Infinite Love You Can Know

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 21 Apr 2023 08:00:00 +0000

Have you ever been far away from city lights and looked up at the stars?

The Secret Way Children Are Like God

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 08:00:00 +0000

It's easy to picture God as old and wise. But have you ever stopped to think that the vitality and joy of children also show us His nature?

The Power of a Pizza Party

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 19 Apr 2023 08:00:00 +0000

Few things embrace the good and beautiful in life like gathering around a table and sharing a meal.

How to Unlock Your Potential

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 08:00:00 +0000

Did you know that feeling safe is key to unlocking your courage and intelligence?

You Can Trust God with Unanswered Prayers

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 17 Apr 2023 08:00:00 +0000

Knowing what to do with life's pain, disappointments, and unanswered prayers can be challenging. Where's God in it all?

This is What You’re Hungry For

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 14 Apr 2023 08:00:00 +0000

We're often so used to a counterfeit, that it's profoundly moving when we encounter irresistible, genuine love.

The Infinite God of the Little Things

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 13 Apr 2023 08:00:00 +0000

Parking spots. Can you actually trouble God for the little things in life, like a parking spot in a crowded lot when you're running late?

God’s Ocean of Love for You

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 12 Apr 2023 08:00:00 +0000

If you've never been to the ocean or it's been a while, rest assured--its never-ending waves are still majestically crashing onto the beach.

What’s in Your Heart?

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 11 Apr 2023 08:00:00 +0000

How do we impress others? We humans spend a lot of time and money trying to figure this one out.

Discover the Heart of the Perfect Father

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 10 Apr 2023 08:00:00 +0000

Have you ever felt afraid of God? Much of our fear comes from a lack of understanding of His love.

Breaking Down Division and Inequality

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 07 Apr 2023 08:00:00 +0000

Bernadette Mukakabera's story is amazing. She forgave her husband's killer and today their children are married.

Jesus’s Radically Values Women

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 08:00:00 +0000

You may not think of Jesus as a radical, but He radically measured all people by the same inner standards, regardless of ethnicity or sex.

Here’s a Simple Way to Shine

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 08:00:00 +0000

Festivals of light are celebrated all over the world--light plays a starring role in celebration and encouragement.

This Light Banishes All Darkness

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 04 Apr 2023 08:00:00 +0000

Blackout. In times of war, you don't want even a pinprick of light revealing where you are during a nighttime air raid.

Between Laughter and Tears

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 03 Apr 2023 08:00:00 +0000

Our world holds two strange realities which shape our lives. Every day there is birth and new life. And yet, we see daily decay and death at work.

The Power of Prayer to Change Hearts

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 31 Mar 2023 08:00:00 +0000

Loving others is an admirable goal, but we've each experienced how hard it can be in practice.

What Does Love Look Like?

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 08:00:00 +0000

Every human is born craving love. Babies cry to be held and children reach for their parents. We all yearn for connection and then begin to define love based on our experiences.

Will God Judge Me?

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 29 Mar 2023 08:00:00 +0000

Have you ever been in court? If you have, I'm guessing it might not have been a very pleasant experience.

In the Desert of Waiting

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 08:00:00 +0000

Are you waiting for something? Waiting to meet someone to marry, waiting for test results, or waiting for someone to come home?

Peace is Possible When Nothing Changes

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 27 Mar 2023 08:00:00 +0000

To an outsider looking in, Aleena is trapped. In her culture, women don't go out of their homes without a male relative, so Aleena spends most of her time in her kitchen.

God in the Rubble

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 24 Mar 2023 08:00:00 +0000

Only days after a devastating earthquake struck the countries of Turkey and Syria, the stories began to trickle out.

Happy People Never Do These 3 Things

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 23 Mar 2023 08:00:00 +0000

For years in a row, Finland has ranked No. 1 as the happiest country in the world, according to the World Happiness Report.[1]

[1] Martela, Frank. "I'm a Psychology Expert in Finland, the No. 1 Happiest Country in the World-Here Are 3 Things We Never Do." CNBC, CNBC, 5 Jan. 2023, https://www.cnbc.com/2023/01/05/what-people-in-finland-happiest-country-in-world-never-do-according-to-psychologist.html.

The Kindest One I Know

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 22 Mar 2023 08:00:00 +0000

Have you ever seen the power of kindness in action? There's nothing that works faster or better to bring hurt or angry people back into loving relationship.

We Become What We Behold

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 08:00:00 +0000

"Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is God's handwriting,"[1] John Ruskin is credited with saying.

[1] New York Teachers' Monographs. United States, New York Teachers' Monographs Company, 1904.

There’s a Snake in Your Garden

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 20 Mar 2023 08:00:00 +0000

He's an old snake that people have been fighting with in the gardens of their lives for millennia.

God’s One Requirement

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 17 Mar 2023 08:00:00 +0000

Our world has never been busier, demanding constant multi-tasking as we manage sky-high expectations. It's hard to limit ourselves to doing just one thing.

How to Fix a Broken Relationship

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 08:00:00 +0000

There are few wrongs harder to get past than the violation of trust we call betrayal.

When We Disagree…

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 15 Mar 2023 08:00:00 +0000

You'll never find a confident, free-thinking person who agrees with you on absolutely everything! Thankfully, love, respect, and unity don't always depend on agreement.

What Hurting People Really Need

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 08:00:00 +0000

Alone in a pit of pain. What do you need when you're hurting?

When Man Makes God Look Bad

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 13 Mar 2023 08:00:00 +0000

A distraught woman went to her pastors for counseling because it was terrible at home. But they didn't believe her.

How to Face a Discouraging Future

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 10 Mar 2023 09:00:00 +0000

It is not easy being a young adult today. Living payday to payday, stressed out over the state of the world, and craving meaning in life, the future looks grim to them.

Dig a Trench of Truth

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 09 Mar 2023 09:00:00 +0000

We are creatures of habit. Do something, or think something, over and over and you're soon stuck in a habit.

How to Get Out of a Rut

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 08 Mar 2023 09:00:00 +0000

Craig Groeschel tells a story about the roads in Alaska where winter snow melts, creating seriously muddy ruts in summer. A road sign reads, "Choose your rut carefully. You'll be in it for the next 60 miles."

What Grace Is and Isn’t

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 07 Mar 2023 09:00:00 +0000

Imagine you're at a park observing a child repeatedly hitting his mother. Each time, his mother says, "I forgive you." Is that a show of self-control, kindness or grace?

Finding God’s Wisdom for Us in Boundaries

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 06 Mar 2023 09:00:00 +0000

When you hear the word "boundary," do you think of something that holds you back or something that creates safety?

Weakness Welcome Here

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 03 Mar 2023 09:00:00 +0000

We edit photos to remove our flaws and craft resumes that tell people everything we're best at. Our world exalts and promotes strength while hiding weakness.

What God Says About You

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 02 Mar 2023 09:00:00 +0000

In the YouTube video watched by 86,000 people, teens stepped up to the camera one by one, and all said the same thing: I want to be seen.

How to Turn Losses Into Wins

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 09:00:00 +0000

Marathon runners know it better than anyone: endurance is only developed by pushing our limits and going just a little farther than we went the day before.

Life and Peace Found Here

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 09:00:00 +0000

For thousands of years, religious people have tried to attain perfection and goodness. Countless rules have been written, only to reveal our still imperfect hearts.

What You Need to Know About Change

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 27 Feb 2023 09:00:00 +0000

The Greek philosopher Heraclitus is credit with saying, "The only constant in life is change," and who would argue with that?

In Times of Anxiety, Remember This

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 24 Feb 2023 09:00:00 +0000

A popular business publication states that people feel helpless and out of control in this post-Covid world. It's true, but what can we do about it?

The Safest Friend to Turn To

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 23 Feb 2023 09:00:00 +0000

Ever feel like you've walked a long road and wished you had a friend who could understand everything you've ever been through?

The New Story God Offers You

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 22 Feb 2023 09:00:00 +0000

The Bible spares few details in describing what people are really like. But the surprises lie in finding out what God is like when He comes face to face with our weakness and humanity.

2 Tools for Uprooting Bitterness and Living in Freedom

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 21 Feb 2023 09:00:00 +0000

You've been done wrong in this life and you've no doubt experienced, first-hand, how difficult the realities of forgiveness can be.

Renouncing Regret: A New Story for Everyone

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 20 Feb 2023 09:00:00 +0000

Regret can be a powerful influence in our lives. It's easy to hold onto regret over mistakes, missed opportunities, losses, and poor judgment.

Your Problems Are No Match for God’s Power

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 17 Feb 2023 09:00:00 +0000

In the light, things are different than what they seem in the dark.

What We Know & Don’t Know About Suffering

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 09:00:00 +0000

Are you in a painful place right now? There are two things we don't know about suffering but one that we do.

3 Truths for When There’s No Good Reason

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 09:00:00 +0000

Antonio had finally gotten the degree he'd worked (and borrowed for), passed his board exams and gotten a good job. Then, less than a year later he was laid off.

There’s a Holy Invitation in Loss

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 09:00:00 +0000

Hellhole Canyon. That was the name of the hike I'd started off on, a sunny winter's day in the desert.

You Are Fully Known and Fully Loved

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 09:00:00 +0000

To know me is to love me is an old cliché. But, closer to the truth for most of us might be "I can't ever let you know what's really inside me."

There’s Hope If You’re Spiritually Blind and Know It

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 09:00:00 +0000

Jesus wasn't liked by the religious people of His day. Although they had physical sight, Jesus called them spiritually blind.

Have We Lost the Capacity to Grieve?

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 09 Feb 2023 09:00:00 +0000

Darya sat in the dark, clutching her infant son and sobbed. Forty people, including children, were dead after an apartment building like hers was hit by missiles.

Just Stop!

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 09:00:00 +0000

Scientists have yet to find a creature that doesn't sleep, but when it comes to humans, well, that's another story.

What’s Wrong with Gambling?

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 09:00:00 +0000

Horses, cards, lotto, slots...fantasy football? Are you a gambler?

Unpacking Thou Shalt Not Steal

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 06 Feb 2023 09:00:00 +0000

Sure, we know that robbing a bank, shoplifting from a store, or forging a signature on a check is wrong. But we steal from each other in many much more subtle ways, that we may not have stopped to think about.

What We Really Need to Know Now

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 03 Feb 2023 09:00:00 +0000

To be honest, there are some things about Jesus and His Kingdom that just aren't easy to understand. Even His disciples had real questions.

As You Think, So You Are

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 09:00:00 +0000

Ever stopped to think about where your thoughts are taking you? If you're not controlling them, they're controlling you.

Losing Your Religion?

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 09:00:00 +0000

Pauline said she stopped calling herself a Christian in her 30s. Diana said she "lost her faith" as a process of gradual disengagement.

Here is the Only Safe Space

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 09:00:00 +0000

Did you ever play the schoolyard game of tag as a kid? There was always a homebase you could run to, where you'd be safe and no one could get you!

God’s Creative Calls

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 30 Jan 2023 09:00:00 +0000

Who knows how long the people watched the sycamore tree. But when Albert Brandt stopped to camp under it in the 1940s, the day they longed for had come.

5 Ways to Focus on Your True Identity

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 27 Jan 2023 09:00:00 +0000

It's one thing to declare that your past doesn't define you. But it's another thing to live like you really believe it.

You Haven’t Messed Up Beyond God’s Grace

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 26 Jan 2023 09:00:00 +0000

Megan sat in the circle of women with her head in her hands. "What I've done is so bad that I can't ever forgive myself," she cried. She was miserable and felt she deserved to live this way.

Hope for When God Says Not So Fast

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 25 Jan 2023 09:00:00 +0000

He was the logical choice to lead. Raised in the home of the ruler of the land, educated with the elites, powerful in both speech and action. But God said, "not so fast."

What is a Christian, Anyway?

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 24 Jan 2023 09:00:00 +0000

"You're very religious," my friend commented. "Would you call yourself a Christian?" "Well... yes," I answered. "But what do you think a Christian is," I asked in return.

Hedging our Bets with God

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 23 Jan 2023 09:00:00 +0000

It starts with disappointment. You prayed as a kid, for a sick pet to get well and...it didn't. When the circumstances God allows aren't what we've wanted, we hedge our bets the next time.

The Counter-Intuitive Cure for Financial Fear

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 20 Jan 2023 09:00:00 +0000

Are you ever fearful of not having enough money? The solution is counter-intuitive: give more away!

There’s a Cure for Spiritual Restlessness

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 09:00:00 +0000

If we're being honest, our natural tendency when it comes to others is usually, After me, you first!"

Remember the Power of Living Rooms

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 09:00:00 +0000

Do you have a living room, or a sala, or a salon in your home? If so, you've got what it takes for community to happen.

Here’s Where You’ll Find Wisdom for Life

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 17 Jan 2023 09:00:00 +0000

Have you ever wavered back and forth between two options at some critical time in your life? Decision-making can be excruciating.

This Spiritual Habit Will Transform You

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 16 Jan 2023 09:00:00 +0000

Most people today describe themselves as "spiritual." They want to believe that their lives have significance beyond their everyday existence.

Bandaging Meaninglessness with Comfort & Hustle

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 13 Jan 2023 09:00:00 +0000

Comfort and hustle--they're our two newest idols. They might sound opposite but they're both born out of the same descent into meaninglessness.

Going Beyond ”Let Me Know if You Need Anything”

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 09:00:00 +0000

We've all said it and meant it. But it's just not really helpful.

The Double Victory of the Cross

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 09:00:00 +0000

Jesus Christ died by being nailed to a cross. But did you realize that that not just one, but two, were put to death by that crucifixion?

The Lazarus Problem

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 09:00:00 +0000

In some cultures, it's called "losing face." No matter how you describe it, no one likes to be proven wrong and look foolish.

This Love Brings Hope When Nothing Else Can

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 09:00:00 +0000

At 21 years old your life should be just beginning. But for Besiana, life seemed over.

This is the Yearning That Was Meant to Be Filled

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 06 Jan 2023 09:00:00 +0000

There's a mysterious longing that consciously or unconsciously, we all try to fill, sometimes at great cost.

God’s Watch Over Evil is Sure

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 09:00:00 +0000

There's something in all of us that wants to see justice done and the "Good Guy" win over the "Bad Guy."

The Well Lived Life Isn’t a Productive One

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 04 Jan 2023 09:00:00 +0000

I hate to tell you this, but there aren't going to be any awards on the other end of life for the person who got the most work done.

When You’re Just Tired

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 03 Jan 2023 09:00:00 +0000

God uses ordinary people who get tired, scared, burned out and even those who quit. If you're in one of those categories today, there's encouraging news for you.

Here’s What We Know About a New Year

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 02 Jan 2023 09:00:00 +0000

Standing on the runway of a brand-new year, there's a lot that we can't see—like what the year holds for us, or for our crazy world. When we can't see, it's time to go back to what we know.

The Unexpected Thing to Do When There’s Not Enough

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 30 Dec 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Never enough. Do you live in fear that there won't be enough time, money or love, for you to be happy? You may be suffering from what's called a scarcity mentality.

You Can Have Confidence in Real Relationship

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Dec 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Ever noticed how far the distance can be from your head to your heart? In our minds, we know that God is all-powerful and able to protect us yet calming down our nerves isn't always easy.

How Can God Tell Us Not To Fear?

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 28 Dec 2022 09:00:00 +0000

God tell us not to fear 365 times in the Bible. Have you ever wondered how He can ask that of us? After all, we're only human!

Take Your Focus Off Your Fear

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 27 Dec 2022 09:00:00 +0000

What Are You Afraid Of?

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 26 Dec 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Snakes, flying, dinner parties with strangers, or maybe needles. What are you afraid of?

God with Us in the Unexpected

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 23 Dec 2022 19:31:39 +0000

Relief for Gift-Giving Anxiety

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 22 Dec 2022 09:00:00 +0000

It's gift giving season. Does that give you anxiety just thinking about it? If so, you're not alone.

What Your Kids Really Need This Christmas

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 09:00:00 +0000

What do your kids, or your grandkids, need this Christmas? Toys? Books? Clothes? You can give them something much greater.

The One Invitation You Should Accept This Christmas

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 20 Dec 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Christmas is happening! There’s an invitation waiting for you this season but it’s not to a party or a concert.

Moses and the Christmas Story

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 09:00:00 +0000

He was portrayed by the master sculptor, Michelangelo, as a powerful figure with a stern face and horns. Believe it or not, Moses set the stage for the Christmas story.

The God Who Whispers

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 16 Dec 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Would you say that you've heard the voice of God? He does speak to us but we don't always hear Him.

All God’s Works-in-Progress Are Good

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 15 Dec 2022 09:00:00 +0000

He'd come so far, but all she could see was how far he still had to go. Margo had forgotten the days when her young adult son couldn't even get out of bed in his depression.

We Have No King but Ourselves

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 14 Dec 2022 09:00:00 +0000

It was a power struggle—the religious leaders vs. the ruler of the day. The tie breaker was an appeal to self-interest.

Jesus, Our Morning Star

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 13 Dec 2022 09:00:00 +0000

We live in an electrified world. But cycles of darkness and light ruled the ancient days in ways we may not understand. That is, until the lights go out.

Do You Know the God of All Comfort?

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 12 Dec 2022 09:00:00 +0000

It's the opening lyric of one of the world's most famous pieces of music: "'Comfort, comfort my people,' says your God."

Delays Aren’t Always Denials

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 09 Dec 2022 09:00:00 +0000

The Bible says that "when the right time came," God sent His Son (Galatians 4:4). God has a just "right time" for everything.

This is the Love That Went First

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 08 Dec 2022 09:00:00 +0000

It wasn't really the pig pen that got to him. It was love.

The Course Correction We All Need

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 07 Dec 2022 09:00:00 +0000

You can't begin to follow Jesus without it, and you can't grow without continuing to do it—we're talking about repentance.

God’s Kindness is Calling

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 06 Dec 2022 09:00:00 +0000

The handmade signs on the street corner read: Jesus is coming to judge the earth! Repent! But as people walked by the display, not many reached for the brochure offered to them.

Thoughts for the Very Worst

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 05 Dec 2022 09:00:00 +0000

There are times in life when there are no explanations. The worst has happened. It's hard to even breathe.

How Global is Your Faith?

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 02 Dec 2022 09:00:00 +0000

I see the faces of my friends when I'm thinking about heaven as I worship: Sara, Ansel, Tani, Rabia, Alex and Abdullah. One day we'll worship together for all eternity!

Here is God’s Really Big Plan

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 09:00:00 +0000

God makes big plans. I don't. So sometimes I need to be reminded of just how big His plans really are!

A Moment of Glory

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 30 Nov 2022 09:00:00 +0000

"I'm the king of the world!" filmmaker James Cameron proclaimed while accepting the Best Director prize for his blockbuster movie, Titanic. This was Cameron's moment of glory.

The Best Homecoming is Yet to Come

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 29 Nov 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Life can be brutal, but there's one place we go to for comfort, belonging and welcome. We call that place home.

Where’s Your Blind Spot?

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 09:00:00 +0000

When a parent is teaching a teen to drive, one piece of advice they may give is: "Watch your blind spot!" As it turns out, that's great advice!

Don’t Let Them Change Your Name

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 25 Nov 2022 09:00:00 +0000

It was strange advice to give a college-bound son: "Don't let them change your name!"

Your Detour is by Design

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 24 Nov 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Detours. Name one person who actually likes them. With God, however, even our detours are by design.

The Law That Leads to Life

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 23 Nov 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Does the word "law," have an ominous ring to you? "Obey the law, or else," you may have learned as a new driver when a siren and flashing lights behind you, got your attention.

Jesus Has No Bummer Lambs

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 22 Nov 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Once in a while, a mother sheep will reject one of her babies, kicking the tiny animal away and never taking it back. That little lamb is called a "bummer lamb."

The Secret to Sustainable Faith and Love

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 21 Nov 2022 09:00:00 +0000

In today's fast-paced world fixated on results, it's easy to forget to rest. When we define ourselves by our achievements and work, we may even feel guilty resting!

The Boldest Response in Crisis

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 18 Nov 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Their leader was in prison. The first Christian church in Europe could have easily closed. But then the letter arrived.

A Generous Response in Crisis

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 17 Nov 2022 09:00:00 +0000

What can I do? This is often what we think when we hear of a terrible crisis that's just happened.

A Prayerful Response to Crises

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 16 Nov 2022 09:00:00 +0000

In times of global crisis, we may experience anxiety and fear, even if those affected are on the other side of the world.

Your Mission in Crisis

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 15 Nov 2022 09:00:00 +0000

What do you do when you just can't fix something--like a world where disasters feel like they're coming faster than ever?

Where is God in Global Crisis?

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Listen to just five minutes of the news and you'll hear about wars, earthquakes, famines, diseases, and persecution. It's easy to ask, "Where is God?"

Are You a Jesus Believer or a Jesus Follower?

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 11 Nov 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Narrow, difficult, hard to find. If you came to a hiking trail labeled with those words, you'd probably think twice before heading up it, wouldn't you?

You Can Grow Forever

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 10 Nov 2022 09:00:00 +0000

When you were growing up, did your parent stand you up against a wall with a pencil to mark where the top of your head reached? It's exciting to see growth!

Passing Through

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 09 Nov 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Can you remember when you were 13 years old? Do you wish you could forget?

Blinded by Our Own Brilliance

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 09:00:00 +0000

"I regard the brain as a computer which will stop working when its components fail. There is no heaven or afterlife for broken down computers; that is a fairy story for people afraid of the dark."[1] These were the words of Stephen Hawking, one of the most brilliant physicists to ever live. Hawking was an atheist. Many of the world's most dazzling minds—Nobel Prize winners like Madame Marie Curie, Albert Camus and Milton Friedman, all refused to believe in God.

[1] Ducharme, Jamie. “Stephen Hawking Was an Atheist: His Words on Death and God.” Time, Time, 14 Mar. 2018, https://time.com/5199149/stephen-hawking-death-god-atheist/

You Are an Influencer

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 07 Nov 2022 09:00:00 +0000

They're called influencers—they're the people who have the power to motivate us to

act in one way or another.

Be The Person

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 04 Nov 2022 08:00:00 +0000

The little reminders were here and there, left in places where Shawna would see them often. On each sticky note the letters "BTP" were scribbled. What were these mysterious messages all about?

Waiting on God—In the Very Worst

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 03 Nov 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Waiting, in any circumstance, is hard. Given the opportunity to get yourself out of a bad situation, why wouldn't you?

When You Wish You’d Waited on God

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 02 Nov 2022 08:00:00 +0000

God has promised to meet all the needs of those who come to Him for help. Sometimes, that help takes longer to arrive than we'd like.

4 Questions God Probably Won’t Ask You

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 01 Nov 2022 08:00:00 +0000

There are four questions you may worry about that God probably won't ask you. Erika Pizzo writes about mental and physical health in her blog, Your Temple Care. Pizzo says: "Our bodies are temples of the living God, so let's treat them that way."[1] Pizzo is referencing Scripture that says, "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body" (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

[1] Pizzo, Erika [yourtemplecare]. "Four Things God Probably Won't Ask You When You Get to Heaven," Instagram, September 15, 2022, Instagram.com/yourtemplecare/.

Will You Watch a Brother’s Back?

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 31 Oct 2022 08:00:00 +0000

When Stevie was 5, neighborhood bullies roughed him up. His older sister marched down the street to show them a thing or two--and came home with a black eye.

Transformation Begins with Your Yes

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 28 Oct 2022 08:00:00 +0000

From business turnarounds to home makeovers, the idea of transformational change is hugely appealing.

Where is Your Gilgal?

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 27 Oct 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Sometimes God stops us in our tracks, just short of where we want to be.

You’re Called to the Impossible!

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 26 Oct 2022 08:00:00 +0000

It's called atychiphobia. Common symptoms include anxiety, avoidance, and indecisiveness. You and I know it as fear of failure.

Don’t Settle for a Lifestyle

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 25 Oct 2022 08:00:00 +0000

A lifestyle of their choosing--it's what people increasingly say they want out of life.

You Can Know for Sure

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Scientists have discovered that in our last moments, we may experience a kind of "life flashing before our eyes."[1]

[1] Honderich, H. (2022, February 23). Life may actually flash before your eyes on Death - New Study. BBC News. Retrieved October 4, 2022, from bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-60495730

Here’s Why You Are So Valuable

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 21 Oct 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Scrolling through social media occasionally nets some nuggets like this statement: Your value does not decrease based on someone's inability to see your worth.

Knowing When It’s Time to Get Help

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 20 Oct 2022 08:00:00 +0000

His career coach asked him to list all the things he was doing in his job. When his list topped 50 different things, Craig realized why he was exhausted.

Lunch, Listen and Learn

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 19 Oct 2022 08:00:00 +0000

The last time you had lunch with a friend, do you remember who finished their food first?

Don’t Do Anything...Just Stand There

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 18 Oct 2022 08:00:00 +0000

This phrase describes the urge we all feel when under pressure: Don't just stand there...do something!

Take the First Light Challenge!

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 17 Oct 2022 08:00:00 +0000

The renowned landscape photographer, Galen Rowell, echoed the Creator of the universe when he said, "My first thought is always of light."

The Story Behind the Story

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 14 Oct 2022 08:00:00 +0000

You may think that Bible stories are for kids, but there's always a story behind the story that gives us profound insight into what God is like.

Should My Giving Be Proportional to My Means?

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 13 Oct 2022 08:00:00 +0000

If you give to God out of your surplus, is that really even giving? Does God value non-sacrificial giving?

They’re Coming from Everywhere

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 12 Oct 2022 08:00:00 +0000

When Sara first came to understand that Jesus is God, she thought that she was the only person in her entire country to follow Jesus. She even baptized herself with a cup of water.

The King that Calls You to the One Another Life

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 11 Oct 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Kings and queens, with their colorful pageantry and coronation regalia, are still fascinating to us in this post-modern age.

An Invisible Chain That Links the Whole World

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 08:00:00 +0000

The refugees arrive exhausted and without any belongings. But Yuri and Nadia don't hesitate to offer help to the broken men and women arriving in their community.

What People Say Who Have Suffered for Jesus

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 07 Oct 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Those who have suffered because of following Jesus, all seem to come to the same unwavering conclusion.

There is No Other Comfort Like This

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 06 Oct 2022 08:00:00 +0000

She was a maverick--a 28-year-old Cambridge-educated doctor who, in 1953, went to work in what was then called the Congo.

Resisting the Urge to Turn In

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 05 Oct 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Incurvatos in se. It's the curious Latin term that the North African theologian, Augustine, used to describe one of the things that sin does to us.

Is That All There Is?

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Is that all there is? That's what a little 9-year-old girl asked herself.

Why It’s an Easy Slide into Greed

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 03 Oct 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Sex, heaven and hell are pretty weighty topics. But Jesus Christ spoke more about another topic than any of these.

There is Redemption in the Ruins

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 30 Sep 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Think about the great ruins of the world-- the Pyramids of Egypt or Stonehenge in England. Ruins make us stop and wonder, what happened here?

The Gospel is for All

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Sep 2022 08:00:00 +0000

There's a reason that the Bible is the most translated book in the world. At 3,350 translations no other book comes anywhere close.[1]

[1] “Top 8 Most Translated Books in the World - Updated 2022.” TranslateDay, 1 Sept. 2022, translateday.com/most-translated-books-in-the-world/.

Jesus Followers Don’t Quiet Quit

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 28 Sep 2022 08:00:00 +0000

He said he wasn't appreciated for how hard he worked at his job. But he had bills to pay and so Michael did the only bare minimum required for his role. In today's work world language, Michael "quiet quit."

The Gospel is Bigger Than You Are

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 27 Sep 2022 08:00:00 +0000

If you think that Jesus Christ came to save you, think again.

There Are Unseen Powers Around You

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 26 Sep 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Who is running this world? Presidents, prime ministers, kings?

This is the Way Out of Darkness

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Before he knew about God's love, Maksi said he thought that violence was the only way to keep his family under control.

The Irresistibility of Transformative Love

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 08:00:00 +0000

When he first encountered the gospel, Omar realized he didn't know his own Muslim faith. He immersed himself in becoming a "true Muslim," and then, something happened that he didn’t expect.

What You Can Do in Helplessness

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Helplessness. It's one of the worst feelings a human can experience.

Going Beyond Integrity That Just Looks Good

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 20 Sep 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Question: What does living with integrity even mean today?

Will God Bless Me for My Spiritual Practices?

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Why does God bless or punish us? Ever stopped to think about what you really believe?

When Not to Say It

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 16 Sep 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Stick to your own knitting. That's a great piece of advice, but hard to do.

Here is the Way to a Life of Rest

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Human beings have lived with invasions, plagues, famines and fear since the beginning of history. If you're resigned to living with a sense of continual unrest, keep listening!

Not The Throne You Imagined

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 14 Sep 2022 08:00:00 +0000

If you really want one, there's a business in New York City that will sell you a throne. You can choose a King David Throne or even a King Kong throne!

You Can Come Home

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 13 Sep 2022 08:00:00 +0000

The poet Maya Angelou once wrote, "The ache for home lives in all of us. The safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned."[1]

[1] Goodreads. (n.d.). Home Quotes. Goodreads. Retrieved August 23, 2022, from https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/home

There Are Always Possibilities with God

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 08:00:00 +0000

In the middle of something can be a hard place to be.

The Awesome and Personal God

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 09 Sep 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Grace and Lucas didn't see God, face to face. But He was there…in the hospital with their little son.

Do This When You Need Help

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 08 Sep 2022 08:00:00 +0000

You are not alone. You're not alone if you've felt overcome by inadequacy, exhaustion or fear.

Have You Discovered God at Work?

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 07 Sep 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Naomi was a teen when she learned a valuable lesson about God many of us may not have gotten yet.

Bad Things Happen: Be Ready

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 06 Sep 2022 08:00:00 +0000

No one has to convince you that bad things happen in life, often without reason.

This is What Makes People Repent

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 05 Sep 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Repent! Now there's a word that makes us uncomfortable

Recognizing My Own Rebellion

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 02 Sep 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Just before dawn three young men with machine guns burst into the hotel room of missionaries Martin and Gracia Burnham.

God Does All the Work in This Classroom

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 08:00:00 +0000

I don't know if you liked school very much but God's classroom is different—He does all the hard work there.

Here’s Where God is in Your Loss

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 08:00:00 +0000

People who have experienced staggering loss and yet continued to declare the goodness of God are fascinating and inspiring.

The Three Kinds of Relationships

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 30 Aug 2022 08:00:00 +0000

"People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime."[1]

[1] Chalker, Brian A. "Reason, Season, or Lifetime." Arlington Public Schools, VA, https://eap.apsva.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2020/05/Season-Reason-Lifetime-for-Friendships.pdf

Does God Want You to Be Happy?

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 29 Aug 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Mark listened carefully to his pastor's words: "God is not interested in your happiness." "Wow, he thought," that makes sense because I am definitely not happy!"

When You’ve Got a Tough Act to Follow

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 26 Aug 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Following in another's footsteps can definitely be difficult.

The Way to Be Truly #Blessed

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 25 Aug 2022 08:00:00 +0000

For a while, it was popular to post the most impressive thing about yourself on social media with the hashtag: #blessed. But this braggy habit had little to nothing to do with being blessed by God.

Cleaned Up is Much, Much Better

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 24 Aug 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Gleason Archer Jr. once told about a young woman who was new to following Jesus. She didn't realize yet that while Christians agreed that sins need to be confessed, it rarely ever happened outside of silent prayer.

You Can Avoid the Tragic End of Buried Sin

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 23 Aug 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Who doesn't love the mystery of buried treasure? Stories like "Buried Treasure That Hasn't Been Found Yet!" get even adults excited. But there's a story of buried treasure in the Bible that didn't end well.

You Can Go Forward in Freedom

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 22 Aug 2022 08:00:00 +0000

It had been stashed away behind the refrigerator in the garage for 10 years. Daniel needed physical evidence of his father's cruelty. But now truly free, he got that horse whip out, and threw it away.

Can You Handle Answered Prayer?

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 19 Aug 2022 08:00:00 +0000

The Bible is full of what we might call "dangerous answers to prayer."

When You Just Can’t Pray Anymore

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 18 Aug 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Laila was exhausted. She and her husband had prayed for a baby. They'd gone to the doctor. Month after month and then, year after year. But there was no baby and no understandable reason why. "I can't pray about this anymore," Laila told her father.

Have You Forgotten to Remember?

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 08:00:00 +0000

How quickly can you answer this question: What was the last answer to prayer in your life?

The 2 Ways God Answers Prayer

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Search the internet for an answer to this question and you'll get over 51 million results: How does God answer prayer?

How Long Should You Pray About Something?

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 15 Aug 2022 08:00:00 +0000

If you've prayed for something for years without any visible success, would you assume you should give up?

The Words that Bring Life

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Remarking about the noise of modern life, an alternative pop rock band once sang: If we're adding to the noise, turn off this song!

We Can Only Enter Heaven as Ourselves

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 11 Aug 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Have you ever taken a personality test? Perhaps you learned that you were a solitude seeking introvert or a people pleasing extrovert! Ever feel like someone else's personality type is somehow better than yours?

Let’s Think About Heaven

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 10 Aug 2022 08:00:00 +0000

For centuries of Christianity, hope meant just one thing: the expectation of a glorious eternity in Heaven.

How to Live a Life of Discernment

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 09 Aug 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Beth knows her Bible inside and out. Raised in Sunday school, church, Vacation Bible School and Wednesday night Bible study, Beth is very sure of right and wrong when it comes to life's choices.

Can’t People Just Get it Right!?

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 08 Aug 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Should a follower of Jesus react differently to life's irritations and the flawed people that rub us wrong day after day?

The Interrupted Path to Your Real Life

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 05 Aug 2022 08:00:00 +0000

We call them interruptions, but they may be something very purposeful and powerful.

Grieving is the Path to Comfort

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 04 Aug 2022 08:00:00 +0000

There are times when we think that ignoring pain or loss will make it disappear, even when we're simply suppressing it.

Wrestling with the Secrets of God

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 03 Aug 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Are you concerned that there are things about God you just don't understand? Don't be.

Life on Loan

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 02 Aug 2022 08:00:00 +0000

William Shakespeare is known for penning the line, "Neither a borrower nor a lender be," but the fact is that all of us have a loan that could be called in at any time.

That Time Jesus Said, ”Don’t Cry”

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 01 Aug 2022 08:00:00 +0000

All hope was gone. She was widowed and her only son had died, dooming her to a life of insecurity and social exclusion.

You Can Pray ”No Plan B Prayers”

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Desperate, agonizing prayer. Ever prayed like that?

There’s a Spiritual Gift of Faith

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 28 Jul 2022 08:00:00 +0000

When you pray for a need, just how confident are you that God will hear and answer?

The Cake That Faith Baked

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 27 Jul 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Anyone who decides to follow Jesus has a measure of faith. But there’s a gift of faith that enables those with the gift to trust God beyond the limits of what we think is humanly possible.

Here’s How Faith Grows

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 26 Jul 2022 08:00:00 +0000

How does faith grow or increase in a person?

Faith in What?

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 25 Jul 2022 08:00:00 +0000

What does it mean when a person says, I have faith or I'm a person of faith?

The God That Suffered So You Would Know Love

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 22 Jul 2022 08:00:00 +0000

By high school she'd been through 12 different foster-care homes. Tori Hope Petersen's young heart had grown callous toward God and people.

This is What People of Great Faith Do

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 21 Jul 2022 08:00:00 +0000

What is so different about people of great faith?

Here’s How to Experience True Life

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 20 Jul 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Money, and lots of it. That's what Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Bernaud Arnault, Bill Gates and Warren Buffet all have in common.

Before You Say That...

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 19 Jul 2022 08:00:00 +0000

"Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt so that you may know how you ought to answer each person" (Colossians 4:6). That's a great Bible verse, but how do you really do that, in the heat of problems in relationship?

Live the Life He Puts In

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 18 Jul 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Have you found that you can't live a holy life? Good for you—you've discovered one of the most important principles in life!

Feel Like an Imposter?

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 15 Jul 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Harvard Business Review defines it as, "Doubting your abilities and feeling like a fraud." It's called Imposter Syndrome.

Show Me How Much You Care

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 14 Jul 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Have you heard it said, "People don't care about what you know, they want to know how much you care?

The Path You’d Never Think Of

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 13 Jul 2022 08:00:00 +0000

This stanza of a poem written in the 1700s is where we probably get the familiar phrase: God works in mysterious ways. After decades of watching God work, I'd say, if I can think of how God might do something, that's probably not the way He will work! And I'm thankful that God's methods aren't limited to my human-sized brain.

A Reflective Day’s End

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 12 Jul 2022 08:00:00 +0000

What was the last thing you did last night before your eyes closed?

Before You Panic…

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 11 Jul 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Have you ever wished life had a big panic button you could hit?

The Passage Through Pain

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 08 Jul 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Sometimes, you have to go through something to get past it.

What Makes You So Great?

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 07 Jul 2022 08:00:00 +0000

What gives a person significance? Is it his age, his worth, her image, or her accomplishments?

The Way to Living an Undistracted Life

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 06 Jul 2022 08:00:00 +0000

"The opposite of hope isn't despair, it's distraction," tweeted Bob Goff,[1] and he is so right.

[1] Goff, Bob [@bobgoff]. The opposite of hope isn't despair, it's distraction." Twitter, 5/21/22, https://twitter.com/bobgoff/status/1528094061726314496?cxt=HHwWgMClyf7c8LQqAAAA

This is the Wisest Investment of Your Time

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 05 Jul 2022 08:00:00 +0000

We have become impatient people. We're so used to being able to satisfy our curiosity about any subject, compliments of our smart phones, that we don't like to wait to find out anything!

What You Can Do When Feeling Helpless

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 04 Jul 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Been feeling helpless? All that's happening in the world might lead you to feel that way.

Do You Love Jesus?

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 08:00:00 +0000

How does a person know if they really love Jesus?

In the Darkest Night of the Soul

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 08:00:00 +0000

There are times in this life, agonizingly painful times, when it can seem that all hope is lost.

The Restorative Pattern of 6 and 1

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 08:00:00 +0000

If you're finding it increasingly harder to concentrate, you're not alone. Our world today often leaves us taxed mentally, frazzled emotionally and impatient with others.

God Doesn’t Answer Complaints

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 28 Jun 2022 08:00:00 +0000

It's ok to pour out the concerns of your heart out to God. There's even an entire book of the Bible devoted to lament.

Are You Praying ”Greyhound Prayers?”

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 27 Jun 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Prayer is an amazing thing. It's amazing that we can simply talk to God and He listens… and answers!

Is the Future Bright?

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 24 Jun 2022 08:00:00 +0000

The future is as bright as the promises of God. Do you believe it?

Why Your Best Effort Falls Short

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 23 Jun 2022 08:00:00 +0000

"Apart from me, you can do nothing." That's Jesus' answer to our best attempts at being "good people" (John 15:5).

It’s All in Your Head

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 22 Jun 2022 19:25:00 +0000

Did you ever hear the old saying about fish and houseguests? Both should be thrown out after three days.

Living the Whatever Life

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 21 Jun 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Life just happens. The good. The bad. Yes, the ugly, too.

Preparing for Difficulty

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 20 Jun 2022 08:00:00 +0000

The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him, but... he will pursue his foes into darkness. Nahum 1:7-8

When things go wrong, what's your first thought? God let you down? You're under attack?

No Performance Necessary

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 17 Jun 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Not a single one of our human parents were perfect. So we get into trouble when we think about God as some sort of cosmic parent.

There Is a Father That Loves Perfectly

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 16 Jun 2022 08:00:00 +0000

When you were a kid, did your mother ever say to you, wait until your father gets home?!

God is Clear on This

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Have you had a slice of humble pie lately? “Swallowing your own pride seldom leads to indigestion,” said an unknown pundit.

Who Do You Really Depend On?

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 14 Jun 2022 08:00:00 +0000

There is no dependence that can be sure but a dependence upon oneself," wrote English poet John Gay. Was he right?

What God Expects of You

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Think you know what God expects of you? Maybe you do, but maybe you don't!

Your Dependable Father

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 10 Jun 2022 08:00:00 +0000

How do you know if you can really depend on God?

We Honor God with Joy

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 09 Jun 2022 08:55:36 +0000

When is the last time you felt pure joy? Aside from a birth or a graduation, have you experienced much joy in just…life?

Learn to Understand Expectations

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Whether you realize it or not, you're living your life based on some pretty specific expectations. In fact, not realizing that can get you into trouble.

Don’t Live Disappointed

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 07 Jun 2022 08:00:00 +0000

If there's one thing we all try to avoid if at all possible, it's this: Disappointment.

We Never Stop Needing This

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 06 Jun 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Hey, you're awesome! Who doesn't like getting a compliment? That's what Tom Greaves, the creator of the Compliment Machine demonstrated.

This Love is Fail-Proof

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 03 Jun 2022 08:00:00 +0000

One billion dollars. That's the amount of money spent on romance fiction each year.

The Purposeful Pain of Relationship

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 02 Jun 2022 08:00:00 +0000

You know that argument you had with your spouse last night? Turns out, there’s some good that can come of it.

God Waits to Hear from You

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 01 Jun 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Sometimes, the simplest things are the most profound.

Shortly after my grandfather passed away, I found a small, leather-bound book among his things. Practicing the Presence of God was embossed on its cover. Written by a 17th century layman who served in a monastery as a cook and a sandal maker, these short writings give us some beautiful pictures of a personal and vibrant relationship with God. The author called himself "Brother Lawrence."

This Will Change the Way You See Everything

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 31 May 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Could you come up with one-thousand things to be thankful for? Ann Voskamp suggests you try it!

The One Appointment You Should Keep

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 30 May 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Depending on the circumstances and your temperament, being alone can be a calm, peaceful state or a destitute, painful place.

What Story Do Your Scars Tell?

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 27 May 2022 08:00:00 +0000

None of us get out of this life without a few scars.

God Will Answer This Prayer

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 26 May 2022 08:00:00 +0000

My friend Millie is 95 years young. Born to missionary parents in China before the Communist Revolution, she’s known Jesus for a long time. Millie is vibrantly beautiful, but it’s one of her prayers, that I’ll always remember.

You Can Do This: Your Story, God’s Story and a Conversation

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 25 May 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Anuja Lal is a vibrant woman with dark, soft hair, dressed in a bright yellow Nepalese pant suit. She's a woman with a message.

The Secret Elite Runners Know

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 24 May 2022 08:00:00 +0000

In world class running, they're called rabbits or pacers—they're runners who are tasked with keeping elite racers at just the right pace to set the next world record.

Who Moved?

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 23 May 2022 08:00:00 +0000

“You’re either growing or you’re dying.” Those words from a famous American football coach apply to trees, marriages, businesses, and human beings.

A New Way to Think About Brokenness

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 20 May 2022 08:00:00 +0000

The longer I live the more painfully obvious it becomes: This world is broken, and I am broken.

Jesus Welcomes Curiosity

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 19 May 2022 08:00:00 +0000

When you were a teen, do you remember your parents saying something like, "Nothing good happens after midnight?

Much More Than Living Forever

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 18 May 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Jesus Christ did not die so that you could live forever.

You Can Love the Life You Never Wanted

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 17 May 2022 08:00:00 +0000

My friend Megan sat across the desk from a lawyer and signed the papers. Divorced—she was getting divorced.

Is This As Good As It Gets?

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 16 May 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Life is here today and gone tomorrow. That's what the wisest man who ever lived concluded.

Escape from the Chains of Bitterness

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 13 May 2022 08:00:00 +0000

How can you forgive someone who insulted you, lied to you and humiliated you for a long time? Now those are difficult questions.

You Have What It Takes

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 12 May 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Has God called you to do something for Him? If you're a parent, an employee or spouse, the answer is, yes.

You Were Meant for More

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 11 May 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Have you ever watched a glorious sunset and wished you could hold on to that beautiful moment forever?

Does God Hear Me The First Time I Pray?

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 10 May 2022 08:00:00 +0000

How many times do you need to pray the same prayer asking God to do the same thing, before He hears you?

The God of Surprise Endings

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 09 May 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Sometimes when we pray, it seems like God is silent. Do you ever wonder if some of your prayers will ever be answered?

The Living Book of the Living God

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 06 May 2022 08:00:00 +0000

What does a pastor offer to his people when their land is under attack, bombs are falling and destruction threatens everything they hold dear?

The Lies We Tell Ourselves

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 05 May 2022 08:00:00 +0000

A handsome movie star with a beautiful wife was caught having an affair with his kids' nanny. "I found I was a different person than I thought I was. I'm just so disappointed in myself," he admitted surprisingly.

You Can Find Refreshment in Spiritually Dry Times

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 04 May 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Life is filled with mountaintops, plains and valleys. But when you're in a deep, dry valley, you can't remember much else.

God, Art and You

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 03 May 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Theologian Francis Schaeffer once posed the question, "What is the place of art in the Christian life?" How would you answer that question?

Are You Good Enough?

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 03 May 2022 00:37:00 +0000

When it's all over, just how good do you have to be to be good enough?

The Myth of If-Then Christianity

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Here's a question for you: Should a life lived following Jesus be an inherently better life?

Nope, You Just Can’t Change Them

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 28 Apr 2022 08:00:00 +0000

What's the key to love? Would you say that it's accepting another person "as is?"

Always Handfuls of Grace

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 27 Apr 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Writer Ann Voskamp says, "…there is not even one of us who hasn't lost something, who doesn't fear something, who doesn't ache with some unspoken pain."[1]

[1] Ann Voskamp, The Broken Way (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2016), 19.

How God Works in You

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 26 Apr 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Have you noticed that God usually doesn't do things the way we would?

When You’re Just Done

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 25 Apr 2022 08:00:00 +0000

There sometimes comes a time when a person is just done.

Kay Bruner was done. The 30-something missionary stood in the middle of a gravel road, in the highlands of Papua New Guinea and said, "I can't do this anymore." So, they gave her a little blue pill and put her to bed. When she woke up, she wanted to die.

There Is a Way Out of Hopelessness

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 22 Apr 2022 08:00:00 +0000

What would you say? Is there such a thing as a totally hopeless situation?

The Bully is No Match for God

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Bullies are nothing new. Would you believe there are bullies in the Bible?

If you've experienced being bullied, you're in good company. Two stories in the Bible show us that God sees, hears and cares about those who have been bullied.

When God Repeats Himself, Listen!

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 20 Apr 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Don't make me tell you again, is a phrase that often comes out of the mouths of frustrated parents. But you won't hear that from God, your spiritual Father.

”How Long” Faith

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 19 Apr 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Do you ever have a hard time reconciling the reality of God on His throne, with the reality of life on the streets?

How We’re Losing our Minds

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 08:00:00 +0000

When God wanted to reveal Himself to humans, he didn't start a YouTube channel, he wrote a book. God used words. Words matter to God.

One Kingdom, One Lord, One Body

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 15 Apr 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Borders between countries can be unnerving places. Each time I cross one, I'm secretly holding my breath that all my documents will be in order and that nothing in my bags will be a problem.

God’s Grand Designs for You

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 14 Apr 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Home improvement is a popular hobby, with entire streaming networks based on shows like Fixer Upper or Dream Home Makeover.

Am I Responsible for the Poor?

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 13 Apr 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Jesus said, "You will always have the poor among you" (Mark 14:7), but the fact that poverty is impossible to stamp out doesn't mean that we're exempt from doing something about it.

When the Needs of the World Feel Too Big

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 12 Apr 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Every time I pick up my phone, they're there. Image after image, story after story, about war, immense suffering, injustice, and overwhelming need.

Faith that Does the Next Thing

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 08:00:00 +0000

What do you do when crisis hits? When the unthinkable happens in life? My friend, Nadia, stands in the kitchen; strain visibly etched on her face. For weeks, her country has been under relentless attack by an enemy. Nadia cries out to God for strength and rescue. And then she makes soup. She makes a huge pot of soup for those who help pack and deliver food, between air raid sirens.

Are You Willing To Eat Last?

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 08 Apr 2022 08:00:00 +0000

What would you say it takes to be a great leader? Charisma, brains, a take-charge attitude?

When God Writes Your Story

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Have you ever wondered what it really means to "give your life to God?" Maybe it looks something like the lives of Mother Teresa or Billy Graham?

Yes, Following Jesus Includes This

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 06 Apr 2022 08:00:00 +0000

A man decided to donate a relatively small piece of land to his church. It was swampy and not suitable for development. Soon after, the church had the land appraised and coal was discovered. A geologist was called in and an exploratory well brought up oil! In the course of oil production at the site, uranium was discovered near the vein of coal.

What Is Committing To Following Jesus?

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 05 Apr 2022 08:00:00 +0000

In 1865, William Booth, founded what would be a huge mission called the Salvation Army. He was once asked. What's your secret?" The story goes that Booth thought about it for a moment and said, "God has had all there was of me!"

Faith Is For The Middle

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 04 Apr 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Being in the middle of something can be disheartening. Remember when you were a kid, sitting in the back seat of the car in the middle of a long road trip and you kept asking your parents, "Are we there yet?!" So frustrating! But when you're in the middle of treatment for cancer, or you're in the middle of years of prayer for someone you love who's walked away from Jesus, in "the middle" can be an excruciatingly painful place to be.

A Hope For Now And For Then

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 01 Apr 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Followers of Jesus have a unique hope. We've got wealth that is stored for us where there's no rust or threat of a break-in. Scripture refers to this storage place as heaven (Matthew 6:20), which Jews historically interpreted simply as, "in God's realm." "But honestly," you might ask, "why bother with treasure you can't access?"

The Unstoppable Word Of God

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Hannah Whitall Smith is known for writing a little book called, The Christian's Secret of a Happy Life. Since 1875, millions of people have been helped by it. But if you thought that Smith was qualified to write this devotional because her life was perfect, think again.

The Backwards Math Of Jesus

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Jesus spoke about money to his disciples saying, "So don't be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it (Luke 12:32-33).

I Love You

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 29 Mar 2022 08:00:00 +0000

When my dad would teach on relationships, he told a joke that was funny, sad and probably true in a lot of relationships. A woman who was asked, "When did your husband last tell you, 'I love you'?" The wife answered with "years ago!" Then they brought in her husband, and he gave exactly the same answer: "I told her that I loved her when I married her," he said, "and I also told her that if I ever changed my mind, I'd tell her that too!"

When God Gives Doesn’t Seem Enough

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Lisa's circumstances made home-schooling the best option for her children. But her home was small, her husband worked long hours from home and "school" had to be done at the kitchen table. It was super messy, and it was stressful to keep her two healthy boys quiet enough for her husband to make business calls.

The Only Foolproof Beauty Secret

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 25 Mar 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Mothers used to tell their daughters, "Beauty is, as beauty does," to emphasize that real beauty is an action, rather than a look, or outfit of the day. The Bible teaches, "Don't be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God" (1 Peter 3:3-4). Those verses were always a bit discouraging to me, for that gentle and quiet spirit can be a hard thing to produce.

A Time To Grieve In Prayer

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 24 Mar 2022 08:00:00 +0000

It's late at night on the other side of the world when I finally get a text message on my phone. It's Anya, my friend for whom God answered many prayers, when Anya and her husband welcomed a baby girl into their arms two months ago.

A Better Than New You

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 23 Mar 2022 08:00:00 +0000

When we look around in this world and want to know just exactly what God intended when he created people, we're not going to find an answer. What we were, at creation, ended through disobedience, through our desire to be equal to God. The Bible says that "When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam's sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned" (Romans 5:12).

God Wants To Visit With You

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 22 Mar 2022 08:00:00 +0000

I've developed a habit that helps me keep my friendships alive. At the conclusion of having coffee with a friend, I make sure we put another date on the calendar to be together--even if it's months and months away! Because we need to be together to have relationship.

What Is The Thing That You Must Do?

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 21 Mar 2022 08:00:00 +0000

There are crossroads in life where the subject of vocation looms large. Maybe you've just finished a degree or finished raising children. "What are you going to do now?" people ask. And you're probably wondering the same thing.

Be Mastered By This

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 18 Mar 2022 08:00:00 +0000

After 70 years of studying, preaching, and teaching the Word of God, my grandfather Duffield was in the hospital, nearing death. When He asked me to read from his Bible at his side, I thought, "Grandpa, you could recite that passage word for word!" He wanted to hear the Word He had loved and mastered. Now, his peaceful, sweet spirit showed that God's Word had mastered him.

When You Get Bad News

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 17 Mar 2022 08:00:00 +0000

The news is bad. Your bar exam results came back… and you failed again. Your biopsy was positive, or your pregnancy test was negative. No one escapes the bad news of life, but the Bible gives us a beautiful example of how to handle the very worst of news.

Oh, That’s Why!

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Bible teacher, Jill Briscoe, gave a talk titled, "Prayer that Works."[1] Sometimes we think of prayer as either "working," or "not-working," depending on whether we received our desired outcome. "We know that He hears when we make our requests," the Bible assures us (1John 5:15). He always hears, He always answers, and sometimes the answer is no.

[1] Briscoe, J. (2019, July 10). Prayer That Works. Speech, Irvine, CA; Harvest Christian Fellowship.

Why Resting Is A Humble Action

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 15 Mar 2022 08:00:00 +0000

I was looking forward to a weekend of rest after a hectic week. Saturday morning dawned with sunshine and birds outside my window, but I felt strangely anxious. I made a quick list of the things I thought I would do in the next two days as I "rested." I realized I had a problem when I counted 21 things on my "restful weekend" list!

Love God? Love His People

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 14 Mar 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Jesus said it three times (John 13:34-5). You'll find it a dozen times in the New Testament of the Bible. It's a little phrase that describes something people have a hard time doing, but followers of Jesus are supposed to be known for it.

The World’s Most Important Question

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 11 Mar 2022 09:00:00 +0000

She was crowned Miss USA while getting her law degree and an MBA. The former Division I college athlete then left law to become an Emmy Award nominated television correspondent—and she'd just turned 30. But when she couldn't answer what she called, "the world's most important question," Cheslie Kryst jumped to her death from a New York high-rise.

When You Think You Can’t

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 10 Mar 2022 09:00:00 +0000

I can't, but You can. That's my prayer each morning, as I think about my responsibilities in the day ahead, hoping that I can remember to think before speaking and fight the urge to put myself before others. Sometimes, it's enough to make me want to stay in bed.

Yes, The End Is Near

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 09 Mar 2022 09:00:00 +0000

This world is passing away. And it's ok.

We need to remember this when we hear about terror attacks, child pornography, human trafficking, racial injustice, and the list goes on. "The world around us is under the control of the evil one," the Bible book of 1 John explained long ago (1 John 5:19). "My Kingdom," Jesus said while here on earth, "is not an earthly kingdom" (John 18:36). Satan is a supernatural enemy of all humans, an angel who rejected God's authority. He continues to fight against God and those who follow after God, inspiring most of what ends up as the news, streaming 24/7.

Raise Daniels, Davids, Esthers And Peters!

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 08 Mar 2022 09:00:00 +0000

There's a lot of handwringing going on today. Have you heard people saying things like: "What kinds of world will my children face as adults?" or "I sure wouldn't want to be raising kids today! But you won't hear comments like these from Alex Cravens. He's a youth pastor and father of two young sons.

What To Do In A Severe Storm

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 07 Mar 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Jesus got into a boat with His disciples to cross the Sea of Galilee, a journey of about six miles. Tired, Jesus went right to sleep. The Bible says, "A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, 'Teacher, don't you care that we're going to drown?' He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, 'Quiet! Be still!' Then the wind died down and it was completely calm" (Mark 4:37-39).

Here’s What Your Prayer Can Do

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 09:00:00 +0000

When Charles Colson wanted to start a prison ministry, he went to the Chief of the Bureau of U.S. Prisons, requesting permission to go into the jails and do Bible studies with the men. The prison head didn't agree but said he'd take it under consideration.

The Life-Changing Power of Forgiven Debt

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 03 Mar 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Jason's best friend, Matt, moved to Japan to be a missionary. When Matt met his future wife there, they planned a wedding near Christmastime. Jason bought a plane ticket to attend the wedding months in advance for nearly $1000. But as the wedding neared, Jason realized he'd mistakenly bought his ticket for November and his flight had left without him a month ago. Jason was devastated because he couldn't afford to replace the ticket.

Can God Use ME?

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 02 Mar 2022 09:00:00 +0000

I don't know who said it, but I like this saying: "We are all crooked sticks through whom God strikes a straight blow." Perhaps it's a version of what Martin Luther may have said: "God can draw a straight line with a crooked stick."

Soul Refreshment Available Here

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 01 Mar 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Soul weary. It's the condition expressed well by Bilbo Baggins in Tolkien's, The Fellowship of the Rings. "I am old…I don't look it, but I am beginning to feel it in my heart of hearts…Why, I feel all thin, sort of stretched, if you know what I mean: like butter that has been scraped over too much bread. That can't be right. I need a change, or something."[1]

[1] Tolkien, J.R.R. The Tolkien quote database - lotrproject. The Lord of the Rings Family Tree Project. Retrieved January 30, 2022, from http://lotrproject.com/quotes/book/thefellowshipofthering//2

As If It Never Happened

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 28 Feb 2022 09:00:00 +0000

An insurance company ran commercials in what they called their "Get You Back Where You Belong" campaign. One began with a red convertible car rising up out of the ocean and flying up onto a cliff, where the car had been parked. A smiling man had been leaning against the car, posing for a photo, when the car had begun to roll and propelled off the cliff. The idea was that this brand of insurance was so good that it would put your life back together, as if the disaster had never happened.

That Time That Jesus Was Amazed

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 25 Feb 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Jesus was God. He was also man. Yet, perhaps like me, you find it hard to imagine Him experiencing human emotions just like we do. The Bible tells us that He cried (John 11:33), He was angry (Matthew 23:33) and He felt compassion (Matthew 9:20-22). But are you familiar with the time that Jesus was amazed?

Why You Need A Magnifying Glass

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 24 Feb 2022 09:00:00 +0000

The law of sowing and reaping is written on the human psyche. When trouble strikes, we immediately begin to wonder what we've done to end up in the mess we're in. Why did this happen to me?

The Formative Power Of Failure

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 23 Feb 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Success is never final, and failure is never fatal. Need an example of that today? Meet John Mark, a man who lived in Jerusalem in the first century, mostly known as just Mark. We're introduced to him at a prayer meeting was held in his mother's home in Jerusalem. It was at that small group he met a man who was to leave a deep impression on his life named Peter. You can read about all of this in the New Testament book of Acts, chapter 12.

Here’s How God Describes Himself

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 22 Feb 2022 09:00:00 +0000

God. What's the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear that word? Judge? Spiritual force? Whatever your response, you may be surprised at the way that God described Himself in the Bible. God appeared to a man named Moses and represented Himself with a description that may not match the one in your head.

Is God Really Able?

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 21 Feb 2022 09:00:00 +0000

The Bible is God's divine revelation to man, but one of the things that I love most about it, is its depiction of men and women of faith as definitely less than divine. Real people, with struggles just like you and I face, are God's people.

How To Live Free Of The Next Best Thing

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 18 Feb 2022 09:00:00 +0000

The Greek storyteller, Aesop, told of a father who took his son and set off to market. The son rode a donkey, and the father led the animal. When they passed through the first town, people commented, "What a lazy boy. Imagine, riding while his father walks." The father heard the criticism and changed places. At the next town, people called out, "Old man, how dare you ride and let your son walk!" The father again responded to the criticism by getting off the donkey, and then both walked. Coming to a third town, the father heard people whisper, "How crazy can you get? Two people walking and letting the donkey carry nothing!"

When Caring Requires Caution

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 17 Feb 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Abraham was God's man. The Bible shows Abraham as obedient to God and yet, still human. God told Abraham, "Leave your native country, your relatives and your father's family, and go to the land that I will show you" (Genesis 12:1). But, then we read that he departed, as God instructed, "and Lot went with him."

The Secret To Crafting A Meaningful Life

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 09:00:00 +0000

No matter where you live in this world, you're probably interested in a better life--being a better version of yourself. That's why the global personal development market is valued at over $13 billion a year! God weighed in on the subject thousands of years ago in the Bible, inspiring a man named Paul to encapsulate the formula. He wrote: "One thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:13-14). In three words, here's his secret: Concentration, forgetfulness, and anticipation.

There Is No Forgiveness Promised For This Sin

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 15 Feb 2022 09:00:00 +0000

We know when we've done wrong. Even your dog tucks his tail between his legs after he's helped himself to your sandwich sitting on your coffee table when you stepped away. The world's three largest religions: Christianity, Judaism and Hinduism, all recognize a concept of sin. Christianity is unique, in that its entire message is based on man's redemption from sin through the person of Jesus Christ.

Are You Asking Too Much of Your Marriage?

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 09:00:00 +0000

If you're married, are you getting what you want and need from your relationship? Single and want to be married? People couple-up for many reasons, including companionship, someone to share long nights and difficult seasons with. But there's one thing that marriage or a love-relationship won't ever do for you and that's complete or fulfill you.

Does God Still Speak Through Dreams?

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 11 Feb 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Joseph, the husband of Mary, mother of Jesus, was a man who was asked by God to take on a huge responsibility. God picked him out to marry the pregnant Mary and be the early father Jesus grew up with. God's very specific instructions to Joseph came via dreams.

Let’s Be Grace Givers

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 10 Feb 2022 09:00:00 +0000

If you have kids or grandkids, you know that they can be frustratingly oblivious to the messes they create. My friend Ming shared that one of her biggest pet peeves is having to constantly remind her kids to lean over their bowls when they eat. Ming wants to train them not to waste food or create more work for others through carelessness. She confessed that she tells them this so often, it comes out harshly.

How To Be Freed From Shame

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 09 Feb 2022 09:00:00 +0000

The Bible is full of people whose crimes made them guilty under God's laws and most human laws, too. Moses murdered a man, King David sexually exploited a woman, and the Apostle Paul oversaw the persecution of minorities. Yet they sought and received forgiveness. God's forgiveness toward each of these men didn't undo their guilt. Instead, Jesus transferred the ultimate consequences of their guilt onto Himself so that they could be released from shame.

What Are You Aiming for?

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 08 Feb 2022 09:00:00 +0000

When the apostle Paul was counseling the Romans on how to determine what thoughts and actions were in keeping with Jesus' teachings, he wrote, "stop being conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds" (Romans 12:2). The fact is that we are constantly being transformed by something. Renewal is what ensures that the life of follower of Jesus, practically demonstrates a focus on Jesus, not other people, or "the world." Paul's instruction to stop conforming to the world is often interpreted as "don't be like other people." But the real goal is aiming at being more and more like Jesus. The more you study the ways of Jesus, the more profound this instruction is.

The Brokenhearted God

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 07 Feb 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Most, if not all of us, are not going to get out of this life without at least one broken heart. Without unrequited or lost love, artists, writers and musicians would have to scramble for material.

Is The Jesus Way For You?

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 04 Feb 2022 09:00:00 +0000

"I'll give some money and volunteer." Most people think that's what God wants out of us. If we can do that without pain, fine. But Jesus said, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang onto your life, you will lose it" (Matthew 16:24-25).

The God Who Is Near

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 03 Feb 2022 09:00:00 +0000

It was still dark when the sounds of the Muslim call to prayer woke me up. My father said, "Get dressed! Let's go explore!" I was probably 11, but not too old to clasp my dad's hand tightly as we left our hotel. I'll never forget wandering the awakening streets and markets of Ammon, Jordon. I was entranced…and terrified. But with dad by my side, I knew I was safe.

How To Make Space For Willingness

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 02 Feb 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Do you consistently feel like there aren't enough hours in the day? Michael felt like that. He worked a fast-paced job, volunteered on weekends, and was raising two kids at the same time. He felt constantly anxious; his health and relationships suffered. He needed a change, but it took several years of careful habit-breaking to truly slow down.

God Is Not In A Hurry

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 01 Feb 2022 09:00:00 +0000

A work deadline was approaching, and I got my laptop mixed up with that of my colleague as I rushed to an appointment. Later, I panicked when I couldn't log on to the computer, jumped to conclusions based on some strange circumstances, and notified the police of a suspected data attack. No such thing had happened. Next, I knocked over a full cup of coffee. Finally, I calendared an appointment for the wrong day and then stood a friend up.

This Life Takes Courage

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 31 Jan 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Courage. Maybe you think of it as the stuff of heroes who live extraordinary lives. But living in this world of uncertainty and living life as a follower of Jesus, takes courage!

A Message From The Persecuted

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 28 Jan 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Rita El-Mounayer is a small but powerful woman. She heads SAT-7, the satellite TV network that blankets the Middle East and North Africa with hope in Christ. Viewers interact with the network and the programming serves as a huge source of encouragement for believers living under persecution. One woman wrote the network saying, "You are our only source of fellowship—just watching the screen. When I see you SAT-7 people, I will bow down and wash your feet for all that you are doing for the church here."

Consider One Another

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 27 Jan 2022 09:00:00 +0000

In his book, The Jesus I Never Knew, Philip Yancey tells of a man who was working in an inner city who encountered a woman who had been a prostitute. She was in poor physical shape, homeless and unable to buy food for her two-year-old daughter. The Christian worker asked her if she had thought about reaching out to the church to help. "Church!" she said, "Why would I ever go there? They'd just make me feel even worse than I already do!"

Are You Doing The Invisible Work Of Love?

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 26 Jan 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Have you noticed that in relationships like marriage, true partnership is usually more desirable than fancy gifts or good looks? Relationship experts point out that one of the most meaningful ways you can express love, is to notice! There's a lot of uninteresting work to the business of living and letting the one you love know that you see their actions fills a relationship tank up.

Are You Doing The Invisible Work Of Love?

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 25 Jan 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Here’s What Church Really Is

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Many of us picture church as a building - a place where people meet to sing, worship, listen to teaching, and hopefully, eat. But church isn't defined by a place, it's a community. The church is a global network of all people who put their faith in Jesus, even though a member in Somalia may never meet or know a member in Mongolia.

The Eye-Opening Light of Jesus

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 21 Jan 2022 09:00:00 +0000

There's a fascinating story in the New Testament book of John about a man named Nicodemus. Nicodemus was a leader of the elite religious ruling council, and a curious man. He'd seen the miracles that Jesus had been doing and he came to talk with Jesus under cover of night. Nicodemus was a seeker.

A Prayer For Real Life

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 20 Jan 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Each year we yearn to start life afresh. And yet, if we've lived a while, we know that the reality of life is that our futures will be a mixture of both good and bad.

Don’t Borrow Trouble

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 19 Jan 2022 09:00:00 +0000

My grandma Sala had some great little sayings that often come to my mind. One was "Don't borrow trouble." Much like the phrase, one day at a time, Grandma would remind herself (and me) that nothing is accomplished by careening into tomorrow and beyond, in my head. Grandma believed Jesus when He said, "Don't worry about tomorrow…for each day has enough trouble of its own" (Matthew 6:34).

You Can Find Truth

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 18 Jan 2022 09:00:00 +0000

"In our world, the idea of ultimate truth — something that is true at all times in all places and has relevance for our lives — is about as extinct as the dinosaur,"[1] points out Lindy Keffer. But Jesus Christ talked about truth and claimed that He was "the way and the truth and the life" (John 14:6). What's more, He said, "You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free!" (John 8:32). But what is this truth and how can we come to know it, as Jesus said was possible? Jesus' own words and Scripture say this: ultimate truth exists, and God's spirit leads seekers into the Truth.

[1] Keffer, L. (2021, September 3). Absolute Truth in a Relativistic World. Focus on the Family. Retrieved December 20, 2021, from https://www.focusonthefamily.com/church/absolute-truth/

Wherever You Go, I’ll See You Soon

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 17 Jan 2022 09:00:00 +0000

When he was a toddler, my son did not do well with goodbyes. He loved nothing more than to be surrounded by a crush of family and he'd cry mournfully when grandma and grandpa, or the cousins drove away, after a visit.

How To Be Transformed

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 14 Jan 2022 09:00:00 +0000

When Paul wrote to the Romans he said that those who embrace Jesus in their lives become transformed. Have you noticed how very few transformations in nature are instantaneous? The growth of a flower bud into fruit is a process that takes time. Even a caterpillar inside its cocoon turns to goop before it's transformed.

Three Responses To Criticism

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 09:00:00 +0000

It's easy to see the problems in another person, but we don't always recognize our own shortcomings. When someone criticizes you, do you usually write it off as jealousy? Or maybe you're prone to strike back with sharp words. It's always better to first consider some ways in which you may be able to benefit from critique.

What Is Righteousness?

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 12 Jan 2022 09:00:00 +0000

I recently enjoyed watching an online show about a fictitious Orthodox Jewish family living in Jerusalem. It was interesting to hear young, engaged couples expressing their desire to establish they what they called a righteous Jewish home. You don't hear that word righteous much these days.

There Is A Shield From Hatred

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 11 Jan 2022 09:00:00 +0000

You won't go far in this life without coming up against hatred. But, if you know that you're loved, you will be less likely to be derailed by it. The apostle Paul achieved that sense of confidence in the face of hostility because he was secure in his relationship with God.

Encouragement For A Not So Happy New Year

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Charles Spurgeon was a famous preacher and Bible teacher of the 1800s. But his wife, Mrs. C.H. Spurgeon, or Susie, had a powerful ministry of encouragement long after her husband's death. Susie's life was one of great physical suffering, but she encouraged others in their discouragement from her vibrant relationship with Jesus.

Waiting For Change In Someone You Love

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 07 Jan 2022 09:00:00 +0000

The first time it happened was awful. It was New Year's Eve and Beth's college-aged son had been driving drunk. When he hit the car of a husband and wife returning home from festivities, the woman was expecting a baby and had to be hospitalized. Beth's heart was broken again sometime later, on the day her son stood in court …for a second DUI or driving under the influence charge. Beth had been praying that her son would surrender his life and his drinking, to God. It seemed her prayer wasn't being answered.

Called Away To Rest

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 06 Jan 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Can you remember naptime in kindergarten? After lunch, each child in the class had a blanket from home that they dutifully unrolled on the floor; we were then expected to sleep for a half hour. But I had no intention of sleeping. I hated naps! There were too many things to discover and too much fun to be had, to sleep.

When Suffering Is A Mercy

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 05 Jan 2022 09:00:00 +0000

One of my friends shared with me what she had imagined her adult life would be when she was a child. She'd had grand plans—an illustrious career that enabled her to be a gift to society, so everyone would praise her. She'd have a family of perfect individuals or be contentedly independent. She'd be surrounded by beautiful possessions but would have such a peaceful and humble spirit that she barely noticed them.

Are You the Next Unlikely Hero?

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 04 Jan 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Of all the women and men of the Bible, Jacob can seem like a strange person for God to associate Himself with. "The God of Jacob" is a frequent title used for the God of the Bible, and Jacob is referenced 22 times in scripture.

The Way To Life Of Fulfillment

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 03 Jan 2022 09:00:00 +0000

In the Bible book of Luke 10, Jesus explained that the way to live is to love God with all the parts of who we are—with our hearts, souls, our minds, and our strength. These parts of us are distinct but intertwined. We might think of these aspects of ourselves as our emotions, our eternal essence, our reasoning, and our dedication. We engage with God through all of these. Understanding how to live fully in alignment with God, in every aspect of our personhood, is the key to a life of fulfilment.

The God Who Changes Us

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 31 Dec 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Most of us would own up to having parts of ourselves that are messy. The most honest among us would admit to being wrecks, apart from the grace of God. Our inclination is to hide our flaws and failures, just like Adam and Eve did back in the Garden of Eden. Scripture says that God sees the conduct of all people (Jeremiah 32:19) and because of His love (that makes no human sense), He has compassion on us (Psalm 103:8). The God of the Bible, rather than demanding that we reach up to Him, reached down to us in love, through the gift of Jesus. Moreover, He continues to reach down, to refine us and heal us.

What To Remember About The Future

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 30 Dec 2021 09:00:00 +0000

My friend Kim had had a bad night. Expecting her first baby, she and her husband had recently discovered that the family dog had a stomach condition that made him ill in the night quite often. After a night of little sleep, she wondered how she was going to be able to cope with being up with a baby and a dog in the future!

What Overflows From Your Heart?

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 29 Dec 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Imagine filling a pot with water. Then you put the pot over a fire, put on the lid, and wait for it to boil. Now, only a fool or a character in a fairytale would expect to take the lid off and find that the water had turned itself into a hearty soup!

Helps For Absorbing Scripture

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 28 Dec 2021 09:00:00 +0000

How important is Scripture? Pastor Rich Villodas points out that, "When Jesus was tempted, scripture flowed from his lips. When Jesus was challenged, scripture flowed from his lips. When Jesus was crucified, scripture flowed from his lips. One of the ways to live like Jesus," he concludes, "is to internalize scripture, so that when we are cut, it spills out."[1]

[1] Villodas, Rich [richvillodas]. Instagram, December 3, 2021, https://www.instagram.com/p/CXBetZZAlaz/?utm_medium=copy_link.

In Case Things Did Not Go As Planned…

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 27 Dec 2021 09:00:00 +0000

When one year turns over into another, we tend to reflect. Most of us sense or are even embroiled in global unrest, fear, and uncertainty. Many of the goals we'd hoped to reach remain unmet. We're not the first people to feel this way! The Apostle Paul lived in the thick of trials and tribulations of his own era. His practice was to always train his focus on following and being together with Jesus. He wrote, "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me…." (Philippians 3:13-14).

Lay Your Failure In The Manger

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 24 Dec 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Christmas time can make you feel like one big failure. It used to be popular to send a "creatively written" Christmas letter that bragged about everything your family had done that year. We knew what had really happened in our lives—failed marriages, kids that got into trouble and jobs that were lost. But we didn't include that in those Christmas letters.

Lay Your Loneliness In The Manger

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 23 Dec 2021 09:00:00 +0000

There's more than one disease plaguing humankind this Christmas--loneliness is a global epidemic. Locked down and socially isolated by the pandemic, people of all ages have felt the pangs of loneliness. Many are still working from home and large numbers of former churchgoers have simply given up gathering together in person. Now, we greet Christmas in our loneliness.

Lay Your Brokenness In The Manger

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 22 Dec 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Christmas, no, make that all of life, comes with a great big platter of expectations. We expect that Christmas will mean gifts, cheer and goodwill. In life, we expect that parents will love and protect children, marriage covenants will be kept and that doing the right thing will bring the right results. But this is not always reality. Sadly, Christmas can make the brokenness in our lives searingly more painful; like the young mother in the troubled marriage who realized one Christmas morning, after all the gifts under the tree had been opened, that there were no gifts for her. Our hurts, our brokenness, feel like an extra heavy load to carry at this time.

Lay Your Loss In The Manger

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 21 Dec 2021 09:00:00 +0000

There's no way to pretend otherwise: Christmastime makes the losses we've suffered feel more acute and more agonizing. As the world seems to swirl more garishly and noisily, Jesus of the Manger, waits for those of us grieving loss, with powerful comfort.

Lay Your Fears In The Manger

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 20 Dec 2021 09:00:00 +0000

It's nearly Christmas. Come to the Manger of the Nativity now, with all that you're carrying, and gaze upon Him, the Savior that is not just for all people, but for you.

Why Is Jesus So Controversial?

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 17 Dec 2021 09:00:00 +0000

The follower of Jesus is going to run into opposition--ever increasing opposition when we speak His name. Here are two reasons why.

Speak The Name Of Jesus!

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 16 Dec 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Jesus was clear as to His mission on earth, reaching back to a 400-year-old prophecy saying: "…the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners" (Isaiah 61:1).

Has Jesus Gone Missing From Your Conversation?

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Try dropping the Name of Jesus at your next work social event. And I don't mean as a cuss word. Because you can talk about "God," or say that you're a "person of faith" or that you're "spiritual," without offending many people. But please, keep Jesus to yourself.

This Is The Name That Changes Everything

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 14 Dec 2021 09:00:00 +0000

I will never forget the day I was sitting in the bleachers at my son's lacrosse game, chatting with several of the parents. I'd become friends with one of the moms, who was Jewish. Somehow the conversation turned to church and faith. My friend knew that I was a Christian, and she asked me, rather loudly: "But what about Jesus?" Would you tell me that if I don't believe in Jesus, I'm going to hell?"

Yes, Following Jesus Is Hard

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 13 Dec 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Meg wanted to go to hear the popular surfer turned evangelist who was speaking at a summer crusade. She listened intently and made the decision to repent and begin a relationship with Jesus. Her friend, Amy, was excited! A follower of Jesus, Amy encouraged Meg to find a community to worship with and offered to do Bible study with her. After a few weeks had passed, however, Amy got a message from Meg: "This is too involved a commitment for me. I don't want to talk about this anymore."

We Need This Constantly: Forgiveness

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Can we ever talk too much about forgiveness?

The Bible uses four different words to describe forgiveness. Three words are Hebrew and one is Greek. The first is translated as, "to cover," as in throwing a blanket over a pile of laundry. The second word means "to lift and take away," as if removing a stain from your best shirt. Third, "to pardon" or "to wipe clean" is a weightier term, reminiscent of criminal records. The final word means "to let go," as if what is pardoned on paper becomes physically embodied.

The Future Is Uncertain, So What Now?

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 09 Dec 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Right before her wedding day, Laura was struggling with doubt – she dearly loved her fiancée, but forever is one long commitment! How could she be certain of the future? A friend gently reminded her that we actually can't be certain of what hasn't happened yet. Some doubt is healthy because it's a sign of honesty.

Freedom From Your Past Is Possible

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 08 Dec 2021 09:00:00 +0000

When ancient Greeks formalized the adoption of a child in court, an adopted child received a new name. If the young person had committed any crimes against the state, their record was expunged at the time of adoption into their new family.

Don‘t Forget to Call Your Dad

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 07 Dec 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Have you ever seen an incredibly beautiful person pass by, or artwork that stopped you in your tracks, or heard someone speak with such clarity that your mouth dropped open? You think to yourself, I want to be like THAT! When Jesus' followers heard Him pray, they thought, "we want to learn to pray like THAT!" So they asked Jesus to teach them.

Don‘t Let Deceit Shape You

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 06 Dec 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Many of us discover early on in life that it's easy to deceive people we perceive as naïve or generous. Watch your kids at play: one child will deliberately praise the beauty of a doll she's uninterested in so that her sister will want it and exchange dolls with her, getting her the toy she secretly wanted. Or here's a more serious one: A man named Laban in the Bible actually switched up the daughter he was giving in marriage, under the cover of night. Talk about an early morning surprise for Jacob, the groom (Genesis 29).

The Pattern-Changing Peace Of Jesus

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 03 Dec 2021 09:00:00 +0000

I had to rise very early one morning to catch a flight. There were a lot of important things happening at home and I'd be gone for a whole week. I felt anxious! My old pattern of coping has been to try to control everything and everyone. But I didn't want to go back to that; I'd worked hard to move away from this unhealthy way of handling life without Jesus.

Give From An Honest Heart

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 02 Dec 2021 09:00:00 +0000

In the Bible book of Acts 5, there's a story about a couple named Ananias and Sapphira. They sold a piece of their land so that they could give the funds to the church. But they decided to keep some of the money for themselves and lied to the church about it. Almost as soon as the lies left their mouths, they fell down, dead!

Living Beyond The Sting Of Failure

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 09:00:00 +0000

It's devastating to stumble just before you reach the finish line of a race. Others rush past you as you sit in the dirt and the prize slips away. Yet what we experience as defeat can still serve God's purpose.

My Rags For His Righteousness

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 09:00:00 +0000

I was preparing to go a mission trip in a developing country. The trip was going to involve a lot of outdoor work, so I was careful to select clothing that wasn't the "best" of my wardrobe. In fact, let me be honest: I packed my old clothes. As the trip concluded, I washed the clothes as best I could and left them in my hotel room for the woman who would clean after I checked out. I felt self-righteously generous as I toted my nearly empty suitcase home.

The God Who Comes To Meet You

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 29 Nov 2021 09:00:00 +0000

There once was a farmer who told his son to be home at a certain hour but one Saturday night the son failed to come home. At midnight the father got out of bed and turned the lock on the front door. He was still awake when he heard his son come home and try the door, without success.

Is God With You?

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 26 Nov 2021 09:00:00 +0000

If you read Bible stories as a kid, it's interesting to revisit them as an adult. The story of the children of Israel escaping Egypt, Red Sea parting and all, was always a favorite of mine. What strikes me now is the evidence God gave His people that He was with them.

Does Your Stuff ”Spark Joy?”

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 25 Nov 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Have you heard of Marie Kondo? Kondo is a popular guru known for helping people simplify and tidy up their lives. She asks people to really think about why they own the things that they do. Many around the world have been inspired to take critical stock of what has use or importance in their homes.

Living With An Angry Person

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 24 Nov 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Mae's husband was mad again. She crouched in the bathroom, his breath hot on her neck as he yelled, "Stop crying like a baby! You're crazy! No one else would put up with you!" The fact of the matter was, that no one but Mae would put up with her angry, abusive husband. Beaten down for many years, Mae continued to pray that God would change her husband. Unfortunately, Mae's church gave her bad counsel, sending her back to the anger, again and again. Woman and men, like Mae, need our compassion and help.

You Make Me So Mad!

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Have the words, "You make me so mad!" ever come out of your mouth? If so, you're not alone. It's easy to think that someone else's wrong or thoughtless behavior is causing you to be out of control and angry! If that were true--and many people live their lives as if it is, we would constantly be angry and bitter! We're surrounded by a world of imperfect people who will always irritate, wrong and disappoint us.

Asking For Eyes That See

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 22 Nov 2021 09:00:00 +0000

I met a friend in person for the first time; she's a vibrant woman who exudes Jesus' love. Patricia has been a nurse and educator for over 50 years in New York City. As she shared her story with me, I was struck by the way racism had affected her life as a black woman—like the time a patient kicked her, screaming "Get away from me!" when she tried to care for the woman. I would have never seen that wound in my friend. How many times, I wondered, have I been blind to much in the lives of those around me?

Are You Ready To Be Fully Alive & Perfect?

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 19 Nov 2021 09:00:00 +0000

What is heaven like? Heaven already exists, but it's not in its final form, according to scripture. The Bible refers to a place where God is and where Jesus returned to when He ascended from earth. This place is a realm where followers of Jesus are fully alive in completely perfect bodies, having shed the broken-down versions we lived in on earth. The Apostle Paul wrote, "we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you to himself" (2 Corinthians 4:14).

This Is The Choice That Brings Blessing

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Let's play a word association game: what comes to mind when you hear the word, "obedience?" My friend, Luisa, comes back with "blessing." I, on the other hand, think, "coercion, followed by…spanking." I recall a Christian parenting program that instructed parents to insist on first-time obedience from their children, or else!

The Ways We See Jesus

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Jesus is one person, but in Scripture and in our relationships with Him, we see so much of our own humanity. First, each of us sees Jesus as He relates to us, and us to Him. Because Jesus was fully God and fully man, we all can each see ways that "Jesus was just like me."

But What About Those Hypocrites?

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 09:00:00 +0000

It used to be popular to put adhesive stickers on the bumper of your car, endorsing a politician or bragging that your kid was an honor student at the local elementary school. One especially irritating bumper sticker read, "Christians aren't perfect, just forgiven." It was infuriating when the driver of a car with this sticker on it cut you off in traffic. Jesus, himself, showed open anger for religious people who honored Him with their lips when their hearts were far from Him. (Mark 7:7)

When You Can‘t See, God Does

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 09:00:00 +0000

My son once took part in a discipleship program that involved mountaineering activities. One night was spent deep down in a cave, with this restriction: no light of any kind was allowed. Some found it difficult to sleep, panicking, unable to discern up, down or even the passing of time.

Your Poor Brother

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 12 Nov 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Old Testament law of the Bible dictated that farmers should cut grain in a circular pattern. This left the corners of a field untouched, so that poor people and immigrants could harvest there for free. Few of us own fields today, so how can we interpret this? Yes, you can give money to people who help the poor, but you're passing helping to the hands of others. There's something exciting about giving directly to another person who has a need; that's why God put hundreds of reminders to care for the poor in the Bible.

The Value Of Lost Treasure

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 11 Nov 2021 09:00:00 +0000

When I was a kid, I lost my backpack on a bus. It held some clothing and all my money, about $10. When I discovered it was gone, I was distraught. I cried as we searched all around us. My dad said he would replace the money, which only pained me more because I knew he didn't have much either. Imagine my relief when a passenger discovered that my backpack had slid under the seats up to the front of the bus!

What You Can Do in Suffering

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 10 Nov 2021 09:00:00 +0000

When Candice first noticed Leon's cough, she never dreamed that Leon would spend six months in the hospital, too weak to talk on the phone, with Candice unable to visit him. When Leon finally returned home, much suffering was behind him but there was still a long journey of recovery ahead of him.

When You‘re Facing Giant Problems

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Children love the story in the Bible of the boy David defeating the giant Goliath with a slingshot. It illustrates something that we believe is impossible by the time we reach adulthood – conquering a problem that is much bigger than us with just a flick of the wrist. It wasn't David's good aim that defeated an outsized enemy, but the power of God. Even so, sometimes we need help finding the right tools.

The Way To A Life Of Refreshment

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Are you a rule breaker? Rule-breakers are often glamorized-- the bad boy, the rebel in real life, the guy who says, "I'll do it, my way." Religious people, of course, also do things, "their way," proudly keeping the rules and feeling pretty good about it. Both rule breaking and rule keeping are both just symptoms of sin. The rule breaker says, "I don't need God," and the rule keeper says, "Aren't you impressed, God? Look at my checked list of dos and don'ts! I'm doing everything right!"

God Uses Real People Like Us

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 08:00:00 +0000

One of the things I love about the Bible is that it tells us about real people with real flaws and shows us how God interacts with them.

Do You Need To Turn Off the Noise?

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Feeling distracted lately? In this hyper-connected world, distraction is our constant companion and temptation. We take in so much information, so many images and so much stimulation, that before you know it, time is gone. Not only that, but mindless scrolling focuses my mind on what the Bible calls "the world." This includes things like "the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life." (2 John 2:16)

The Spy With Discouragement-Proof Faith

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 08:00:00 +0000

If you're a movie fan, you might argue that the most famous spy in the world is…Bond… James Bond, the British agent who's been played by a dozen actors in at least 25 films. But the Bible also has a spy of great reputation, and his name was Caleb.

Learn How To Walk Another‘s Trail In Conflict

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 02 Nov 2021 08:00:00 +0000

When Jo Shetler moved to a rural area of the Philippines, she discovered that her new neighbors had a beautiful technique for resolving conflicts. Jo was a teacher and she was distressed when someone else came to town trying to teach a conflicting curriculum. She wanted to address the other teacher, but one of her Filipino friends told her frankly, "Jo, you don't know how to discuss things with others." So Jo asked her friend to teach her the way.

The Least Understood Spiritual Discipline

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 01 Nov 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Giving God praise may be one of the least understood spiritual disciplines of our day. It's incredibly valuable because it puts us in the right position relative to God. When we give God praise, wrote Ruth and Warren Myers, "We consent to His gracious, transforming work in our lives; we agree that He can work in us, so that we'll be willing and able to do His will. In other words, we choose to let Him be God in our lives. This is our greatest privilege, the highest thing we can do."[1]

[1] Ruth Myers and Warren Myers. 31 Days of Praise (Sisters: Multnomah, 1994), 23.

Your Secret Sin Isn‘t a Secret

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 29 Oct 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Lee thought that no one knew what he watched privately on his phone. No lightning bolt had come from the sky to strike him--it was his personal secret. But secret sin isn't a secret from God. A hidden sin is no less a sin than a public one. Both need to be repented from and God forgives both.

Four Strategies For Parents Of Adults

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 28 Oct 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Alfonso has two sons who are adults. He's no longer the one to put bandaids on their scraped knees or buy videogames for their birthdays, but he wants to stay connected to his sons in a healthy parent-child relationship. Transitioning from the role of parent of children to parent of adults can be puzzling!

Why Isn‘t God Answering?

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 27 Oct 2021 08:00:00 +0000

He had the degree. He'd done research with a prestigious university. Month after month went by and my son applied for jobs, networked, interviewed, and interviewed. But not a single job offer in eight months.

Who Is The Good Lord?

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 26 Oct 2021 08:00:00 +0000

We don't encounter the title Lord, much these days, aside from period English dramas or the Lord of the Rings by Tolkien. But the word, Lord, is found throughout the Bible. When written in all capitalized letters, LORD is the English translation of the Hebrew name of God, YHWH, which is a respectful abbreviation of God's name, "I Am Who I Am" from the book of Exodus 3.

Retracing Painful Steps

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 25 Oct 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Elijah had a difficult task. This prophet, in the Old Testament of the Bible, was God's spokesman in a land that wanted nothing to do with God. The rulers of the land hated Elijah's warnings and they kept trying to kill him. Elijah ran away into the wilderness, thoroughly exhausted, scared, lonely, and depressed.

You Were Meant To Be A Mirror

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 22 Oct 2021 08:00:00 +0000

As crazy as it sounds, God made us because He wanted to have relationship with us. He made us for relationship, for love, which is why we feel so terrible when we're lacking in either one. He made us to need Him and to need one another. That's why He called His people the Body of Christ, with parts that have different functions. We are all different and designed to rely on one another.

There Is A Refuge In The Day Of Trouble

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Psalm 91 talks about the lion, the adder and the dragon and says that you, as God's trusting child, can triumph over these adversaries. All of the difficulties and challenges that you will ever face in life are represented by one of these three images.

Three Ways To Be More Humble

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 20 Oct 2021 08:00:00 +0000

The Bible records Moses as a humble man, but he didn't start out that way. (Numbers 12:3) He went from orphan to prince to fugitive to leader to wanderer. By the time he was called humble, Moses had learned that it was not his personal prestige that defined him, but the grace of God in his life. As a humble man, Moses was dedicated to serving others, even though it cost him personally. Seeing the pain of others very often humbles us, as we recognize how much we've been given.

Discover The Lifestyle That Is Free And Light

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 19 Oct 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Life is complicated today. Apart from God's design for living, there are so many lifestyle options, you may be unsure just how to navigate. It makes me think of the cities I've been in throughout the world where driving lanes might be painted on the roads, but no one pays any attention to them; everyone goes their own way as fast as possible, and chaos ensues. We generally think that we can figure out what's best for us, and chafe at a God who limits us or tells us how to live.

Four Pieces Of Advice On Living With Purpose

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 18 Oct 2021 08:00:00 +0000

The life of David in the Bible is a picture of how humans can do both wonderful and terrible things. David was full of faith and grace, made in the image of God, yet he still sinned, just like us. David's life gives us insight into how to find and follow God's purpose in our lives.

Would Jesus Flip A Table At Your Church?

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 15 Oct 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Many of us experience church through the language of economics: funding, budget, promotion, engagement, growth. If we produce a quality church experience, we'll attract more attendees, right? That's a good business model. But the family of God isn't a business.

Three Obstacles To Faith

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 14 Oct 2021 08:00:00 +0000

The apostle Paul, who wrote the letter in the Bible to the Romans, recognized how it seems counterintuitive for humans to place their faith in God. When telling the story of Abraham, who had his first son around age 100, Paul wrote, "against all hope, Abraham in hope believed." Practicing faith isn't the most natural option in our minds.

Good News For People Who Hate Camping

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 08:00:00 +0000

My friend Ben hates camping. He doesn't like sleeping on the ground, and he especially dislikes when the wind snaps at the tent walls because it's loud, cold, and unsettling. Modern tents are usually made from waterproof performance fabrics, but historically, tents were made from animal skins, which could also be waterproof and flexible.

You‘ve Got Enemies

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 08:00:00 +0000

I grew up in a peaceful home. Fighting was a rare occurrence, that usually involved doing after dinner dishes. The fight invariably ended with some snapping of a dish towel and tears. But if you and I are Christ-followers, we do have some fighting to do in the here and now, because, we've got enemies.

Letting Go Of Your Wayward One

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 11 Oct 2021 08:00:00 +0000

"Going rogue," is the term the authors of the book, Letting Go, use to describe the rebellion of a wayward person. Originally used to describe elephants who had abandoned their roles in the herd for erratic and dangerous behavior, the person who has gone rogue has chosen to ignore God's authority in their lives. They choose a pattern of unrepentant sin and walk away from roles of spouse, sons or daughters, friends, employer or employees. "When a fool decides to reject God's voice, he'll stubbornly and inexplicably allow his life, job, marriage, family, children and money to go up in smoke."[1]

[1] Dave Harvey and Paul Gilbert. Letting Go: Rugged Love for Wayward Souls (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2016), 47.

Is There A Moral Obligation To Break Immoral Laws?

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 08 Oct 2021 08:00:00 +0000

You can probably call to mind a law of your government that you think is unjust. In the United States, interracial marriage was prohibited by law for centuries. In China, giving birth to more than one child was punishable under the law for decades. Disobeying these laws was illegal, but not immoral.

Rocking Chair Prayer

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 07 Oct 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Inventor Benjamin Franklin is credited with creating the soothing seat that's especially popular with mothers and babies. It's called the rocking chair. The chair rests on curved, usually wooden feet, that allow it to sway gently backward and forward in a calming motion.

Singing Psalms In Every Situation

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 06 Oct 2021 08:00:00 +0000

The Bible book of Psalms is a collection of 150 poems and prayers designed to be set to music. Do you know how commercial jingles or multiplication facts set to music stick in your head? Well, Psalms are meant to permeate our minds in the same way so that we carry them with us always.

Best Friends Forever Or …Maybe Not

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 05 Oct 2021 08:00:00 +0000

The teen movie Mean Girls became a cult classic for its depiction of high school female cruelty and cliques. The movie obviously struck a chord: We women know that we can be horrible to one another, and we've all experienced some degree of treachery in navigating friendships.

Love Brings Salvation To Sinners

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 04 Oct 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Think about this: If our greatest need was money, perhaps God would have sent someone to teach business. If it was of utmost importance that we understand the workings of the universe, maybe Jesus would have taught astrophysics. And, if we lacked information, God could inspire more gospels.

The Final Commandment To Love

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 01 Oct 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Most of the original ten commandments are phrased in the negative, "you shall not." But the negative is only half the picture. After reminding the Israelites to obey God's commands, Moses spoke these words still inscribed in many Jewish homes, "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength" (Deuteronomy 6:4-5).

Who Is With You In Disaster?

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 30 Sep 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Ever heard the story of King Hezekiah? This Jewish king was a man of integrity who was righteous, was faithful to his family, honest in his work, and glorified the God who set him on the throne. But "After all that Hezekiah had so faithfully done, Sennacherib king of Assyria came and invaded," the book of 2 Chronicles tells (32:1).

Humble Like A Rolling Stone

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 29 Sep 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Have you seen a beach pebble before? The stones are completely smooth, rounded and refined by the constant churning of ocean waves. People who are humble have often experienced that same churning, which is a painful process.

Why The Gospel Is Different

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 28 Sep 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Since ancient times, people have sensed that something stands between God and us. So, all sorts of sacrifices and rituals were invented to try and please God. The Bible says that what is standing in the way is called sin – something that every human does. In contrast, God is the only righteous being.

When Sleep Does Not Come

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 27 Sep 2021 08:00:00 +0000

1:30, 2:30, 3:30…AM. I watched the hours progress slowly on the glowing display of my bedside clock. Why couldn't I shake this anxiety? The worries in my life seemed to parade around my bed, larger, yes, so much larger, than they ever were in the light of day. In the quiet of night, life's burdens, fears and sorrows bubble up to the surface of our minds. Scripture has many things to say about our anxieties and the darkness of the night, but here are two truths to hang onto.

Self Help For People Who Aren‘t Jesus

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 24 Sep 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Painless growth and ultimate victory! That's what the self-help empire promotes. Sure, we can gain wisdom from people who have struggled before us, but we often assume that, if we read the right things at the same rate at which we increase our productivity, we can perfect ourselves. Next comes the inevitable burnout.

How To Correct A Lying Child

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 23 Sep 2021 08:00:00 +0000

A mother once tried to keep her son from lying by saying, "Tell me the truth, John… in the presence of Jesus!" She was right in thinking that God knows whether we're being truthful, but her tactic of referencing Jesus as if He were a police officer may have resulted in ramifications she didn't intend.

The Dishonor Of Divided Love

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 22 Sep 2021 08:00:00 +0000

The English word "polygamy" comes from two Greek words meaning "many marriages." Someone who practices polygamy has more than one legal spouse at the same time. Polygamy was practiced in ancient times and is still practiced in some cultures today. Then there's polyamory, or "multiple loves," that's also present in many cultures, with the distinction that partners may not be legally bound to one another.

Do You Have Faith Like A Child?

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 21 Sep 2021 08:00:00 +0000

You've probably seen paintings of Jesus with children on His knee or in His arms. These images are inspired by a passage in several of the Gospels. In these passages, Jesus was indignant that His disciples were turning children away from "bothering" Him while He taught crowds (Mark 10:13-14). Jesus responded, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18: 3-4) You may be surprised to know that Jesus never said anything about "childlike faith." That's a phrase we've taken from the idea of "becoming like little children."

The Light That Darkness Can Never Extinguish

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 20 Sep 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Wherever you live in the world, there's a time of year where the sunshine of summer begins to lessen in its intensity, and you find yourself turning the lights on earlier and earlier. Perhaps you've felt a little sad watching the impending change coming on, knowing that long nights are to come. The darkness has begun its descent and now you won't have time to walk or enjoy being outdoors much after work or school.

When Hurt, We Speak From The Heart

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Have you ever felt that someone disliked you before they even met you? Perhaps, later, you find out that they heard a story about you that colored their perspective. Once you get to know one another, you realize whatever they heard was just plain false. You've been a victim of gossip.

Had A Good Laugh Lately?

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 08:00:00 +0000

"Among those whom I like or admire," wrote the poet W.H. Auden, "I can find no common denominator, but among those whom I love, I can: all of them make me laugh."[1] Laughter is truly a gift when shared with others. In these days of serious stress, loss and uncertainty, the Bible reminds us in Proverbs 17 that "a cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person's strength."

[1] "Forbes Quotes: Thoughts on the Business of Life." Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 17 August 2021, www.forbes.com/quotes/9550/.

Where To Find The Presence Of God

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Jesus promised His followers that His presence would always be with us. So why do we not always feel that presence?

The Powerful Force Of Community Prayer

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 14 Sep 2021 08:00:00 +0000

In Seoul, Korea, Christians meet for prayer every morning of the year. Many churches open for communal prayer at 4 A.M. This practice began during the Korean war, when people recognized their need for the comfort of community. They wanted to be with their siblings in Christ before going to work in dangerous fields and factories.

Can I Pray An Angry Prayer?

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 13 Sep 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Do you pray more respectfully toward God than you speak to people? Or more emotionally? There's no right or wrong answer. The way we pray is very personal and in the moment. There simply aren't strict rules about how our prayers should always sound.

What To Do With Unfinished Business

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 10 Sep 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Have you heard of video gamers who are known as "completionists"? These are the most thorough players, not satisfied until they've completed every quest and unlocked every riddle, even if not required to beat the game.

There Is Hope For Another In Your Valley

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 09 Sep 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Have you ever hiked or walked through a valley? Valleys can be wide-open places between mountains, but we mostly think of them as dark, narrow, and difficult. "Mountaintops are for views and inspiration, said the Billy Graham, "but fruit is grown in the valleys."[1] That fruit, or personal growth, forms when we turn toward God in our pain and then, to others.

[1] "Top 25 Valleys Quotes (of 842): A-Z Quotes." AZ Quotes, www.azquotes.com/quotes/topics/valleys.html.

Learning To Listen To Pain

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 08 Sep 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Dr. Paul Brand spent years with leprosy patients in India, helping them and researching their illness. There's a cure today, but leprosy caused severe disfiguration and was stigmatized for thousands of years. Dr. Brand noted that areas of the body affected by leprosy can't sense pain. As a result, people suffering from leprosy might accidentally burn or cut themselves, but their bodies couldn't alert them to their wound that needed attention. For these people, lack of pain led to further damage to their bodies.

God Wants to See You Grow

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 07 Sep 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Are you a "plant parent?" The hobby of growing houseplants is back! We're finding fresh joy in nurturing living things, watching them grow and flourish. Amazingly, the same is true of God.

You Are God‘s Co-Worker

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 06 Sep 2021 08:00:00 +0000

For the second year in a row, our vacation started with a blown-out tire. After an hour, a tow truck reached us on the side of the road, driven by Michael, a 23-year-old with a big smile and refreshing friendliness. As we settled into the truck's air-conditioned cab, my husband asked Michael about the source of his great attitude, "That has to be from my grandma," he quickly responded. "Grandma," it turned out, was a lover of Scripture with open Bibles all throughout her home.

God Is The Perfect Parent

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 03 Sep 2021 08:00:00 +0000

The Bible refers to God as a father and likens God to a mother. These metaphors are a way that we can relate the unknowable to something familiar. Yet many of us have painful or nonexistent relationships with our earthly parents. This can taint our association with God as a parent-figure.

A Surprising Love Story

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 02 Sep 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Dr. Helen Roseveare was down at the brick kiln training a team of African workers to make bricks, when a nurse came and said she was needed for an emergency surgery. Her hands were sore and bleeding from the brickwork, as she scrubbed up to deliver a baby by caesarian at the simple jungle hospital. A nurse poured antiseptic alcohol over her raw wounds and, anger welling up, she inwardly cried out, "God this is so stupid. I wanted to be a doctor to help people. Why can't you send somebody else to the Congo to do the building?"

The Refreshing Witness Of Truth

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 01 Sep 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Jonathan was always having fun with his coworkers in the shop where they sold shoes. But he was taken aback at how quickly his friends lied about why they needed the day off or why they were late to work. One day, Jonathan was late. When he finally arrived, he didn't make up a story, he just admitted that he'd been watching TV and lost track of time. He was reprimanded, but he set an example of truth-telling for his friends.

The Family That Is Open To All

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 31 Aug 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Here is something we need to stop doing: We must stop asking people, "When are you going to start a family?" when what we're really prying about is whether they hope to marry or have children. Married people without children are families and single people are part of families too. The family of Christ needs to be less concerned with matchmaking or hurrying baby making. Our highest priority is to include every person and constantly be baptizing more people into God's family. Excluding anyone limits the church's role in God's design.

Here Is Another Devotional On Forgiveness

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 08:00:00 +0000

"Nothing is more unforgiving than unforgiveness," writes Beth Moore. It prematurely ages, makes us sick, sore, mean-spirited, and self-absorbed. Makes us unpleasant to be around. Our bodies turn into vessels of bottled-up bitterness, spewing on everybody."[1]

[1] Moore, Beth [bethmoore@lpm]. Unforgiveness. 3 August 2021, https://www.instagram.com/p/CSHTYDxneCw/.

A Passion That Transforms

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 27 Aug 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Ada grew up singing songs about the golden streets of heaven and believing that she was earning jewels in a heavenly crown for her good deeds. Eventually, she discovered that just living an ethereal afterlife in heaven or a more prosperous life on earth, wasn't the reason that God wanted relationship with her.

Why We Need Good Church Stories

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 08:00:00 +0000

An article titled, "Why We Need (Good) Church Stories," caught my eye. "Interesting," I thought. Simply say the word "church" today and you're likely to be met with negativity. Lindsey Schubert wrote, "When we experience care or reconciliation within our church, it's imperative we tell others about it."[1]

[1] Schubert, Lindsey. "We Need (good) Church Stories." The Gospel Coalition. 26 July 2021. Web. 28 July 2021.

The Connection Between Now And Then

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 25 Aug 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Have you heard the phrase "every now and then?" Bible teacher Beth Moore uses it to describe the way that the here and now in the life of a follower of Jesus is inextricably linked to then--the future that is to come. We so often are mired in what the Bible book of Romans refers to as our "present sufferings". (Romans 8:18) Now, we experience loss, chronic illness, injustice and betrayal; our suffering can be so searing that eternal life seems far away, unreal and perhaps irrelevant. But Scripture says that the reverse is true!

An Invitation To An Illogical Life

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 24 Aug 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Have you ever thought that having faith just doesn't really make sense? If so, you're not alone. The Bible itself contains stories of people whose faith directed them to do seemingly illogical things.

Three Steps In Holy Confrontation

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 23 Aug 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Many organizations have formed to fight political, economic, and social injustice. These are noble causes. Yet humans, in their fervor, succumb to a practice called "gatekeeping." Gatekeeping occurs when we tell people, "If you're interested in our cause, you need to agree 100% with the way we fight for the cause." Have you ever thought, "I share your concern, but I can't support your methods"?

Who Can Judge?

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 20 Aug 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Jesus warned us not to judge one another unless we wish to be judged ourselves. He explained that as we judge others, we've failed to see our own sin. Scripture says that some people try to correct others while acting innocent, but inwardly they are like ravenous wolves. (Matthew 7:15-20).

Would You Like To Be Wise?

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Someone once said that knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit, but wisdom is not putting them in a fruit salad! The difference between knowledge and understanding is what the Bible calls wisdom.

Holding The Anguish Of Evil

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 08:00:00 +0000

If we are honest, we'll admit that it can be incredibly hard to reconcile the goodness of God, with the darkness of evil that comes straight from the pit of hell. Unbeknownst to her, Rayna's child was sexually abused. She sadly admits, "I lost a lot of faith when it all came out."

The Most Important Door Of All

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 08:00:00 +0000

"When God shuts one door," Don Quixote says in The Man of La Mancha, "He opens another." Or, some have said, "When God closes a door, He opens a window." That's not actually in the Bible although the book of Proverbs says that when a person lives his life in alignment with God's ways, God will direct His path (Proverbs 3:5-6).

How To Love A Chronically Ill Friend

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 08:00:00 +0000

We all have good days and bad days. But when someone you love is suffering with chronic illness, bad days take on a whole new meaning. We often don't know what to do or say.

Where Is God In My Small Harassments?

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 13 Aug 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Isobel Kuhn was a truly intrepid woman. Born in 1901, she was one of a generation of Christian missionaries who seemed to know no sacrifice too great to bring hope in Jesus to the most remote areas of the world. Kuhn went with her husband, John, to northeastern China to reach the Lisu people, although much of the time Isobel labored alone with her young son in a mountainous village.

Do You Want To Be Healed?

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Have you ever imagined what you would ask for if you could have three wishes that would be granted?

Hope Helps Us Survive

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 11 Aug 2021 08:00:00 +0000

The prominent psychiatrist Dr. Karl Menninger was convinced that the importance of hope lies in its connection to human survival. Hospital chaplains agree that as long a person has hope that they will live, they can endure great amounts of suffering. Sometimes we associate hope with wishes, which have a light quality to them. But hope is more guttural, like gritting your teeth. It provides the inertia to keep going through the dark. Hope can be more powerful than the strongest medicine, bringing life where death seems inevitable.

You Never Know...

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 10 Aug 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Debbie and I had a business meeting planned over coffee. I had my agenda in mind, my materials with me when, not a few moments into our conversation, I realized what the real purpose of our meeting was to be. "My twin sister just committed suicide," she said. Suddenly, everything changed. Nothing mattered more to me in that moment than listening to my colleague. I listened and prayed with her. I don't know if the original business arrangement I wanted to propose that day will ever come about, but I know that God's purpose for my meeting that day was to show His love to a hurting person.

There is Relief When You Have Been Wronged

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 09 Aug 2021 08:00:00 +0000

My dad used to tell a story of a woman who was bitten by a dog suspected of having rabies. She was rushed to a hospital where she was treated and left waiting in a room until it could be determined whether or not the dog had rabies. A young doctor passing by the room noticed that the woman was muttering to herself, visibly shaken by the trauma of what had happened. He also noticed that she was writing something. "Are you writing your will or funeral instructions?" asked the young doctor. "Oh, no!" she replied. "Just in case I do have rabies, I'm making a list of the people I want to bite before I die."

The Danger Of Human Labels

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 06 Aug 2021 08:00:00 +0000

You might hear a parent describe their child by saying something like, "He's always been sneaky; don't believe anything he says." One pitfall of labeling both others and ourselves is that labels tend to enforce the behavior they identify. A child who is consistently called a liar will begin to think of himself as a liar.

Giving Ourselves Grace

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 05 Aug 2021 08:00:00 +0000

The next time I'm feeling frustrated with myself, not living up to my expectations for my day or for my life, please read me the poem, Grace, by Morgan Harper Nichols. She writes:

You have never shamed the waves

for not arriving on the ocean shore

any sooner than they were meant to

and you have never looked above you

to guilt the clouds for taking their time

as they cross the noonday sky.

You simply accept: these clouds must travel

at whatever pace they need to.

Oh,

what a difference

it would make if you gave yourself

this same grace."[1]

[1] Nichols, Morgan Harper. "Morgan Harper Nichols." Facebook. 25 Apr. 2021. Web. 08 July 2021.

The Character Catalysts Of Pain And Prosperity

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 04 Aug 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Jason met an old friend for coffee. When the friend asked Jason what his current life goals were, he thought for a while and said, "I've been able to try a lot of things, and I no longer feel like I'm missing out. I'm secure where I'm at." But then he thought back to all the painful circumstances that had actually moved him to this place, the catalysts of his present character.

How To Make The Best Of Friends

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 03 Aug 2021 08:00:00 +0000

As children, we look forward to adulthood. I remember dreaming about my house, school, a career, my spouse, and children. I never considered how much energy and sometimes heartache that would go into forming and maintaining relationships and quality friendships in adulthood.

It's Not Too Late For You

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 02 Aug 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Whatever age you are, or season of life you are in, it's easy to feel that you're behind. You're not married, your career has never materialized, you should have accomplished this and this and this, by now…

How To Give Your Life Direction

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 30 Jul 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Jesus came to Earth for a purpose. He said that His purpose was to do God's will and finish God's work. That required an inner life of communion with God. As disciples of Jesus, this is also our objective. To do this, we need to know God personally, for example through prayer, which we should think of as "an inner dialogue of trust," something relational rather than transactional.[1]

[1] Rohr, Richard. Another Name for Everything Podcast. "Methodology: Alternative Orthodoxy (Theme 1)". June 6, 2020. https://cac.org/podcasts/methodology-alternative-orthodoxy-theme-1/

Innovating With The Holy Spirit

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 29 Jul 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Do you remember the first time you saw a computer, or when you switched from a flip phone to your first smart phone? If you do, you're probably old enough to think TikTok is too complicated to learn. Most of us eventually trade innovation for consistency. Yet without innovation, many things become stagnant. We resist change because it forces us to examine things we'd stopped thinking about.

Being All Things To All People

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 28 Jul 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Have you ever walked into a room and felt your "otherness"? If you've lived outside of your home country, it's likely you've experienced feeling very out of place. Or perhaps you went to an event focused on a culture different than your own and you felt like you were trespassing.

How To Focus On The Present

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 27 Jul 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Being present is a popular theme in inspirational mantras. It sounds simple but being fully in the here-and-now doesn't come naturally to most of us. Being present helps draw our focus into the realm of what we can control – our actions and awareness in this moment. It takes focus away from what we can't control – the mistakes or "good old days" of yesterday and the worries or allure of tomorrow.

When Is A Good Time To Quit?

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 26 Jul 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Here's a question: How long do you think it takes to be good at something? Therapists tell us that the answer is approximately 6 months to learn a new skill and 9 years to master it. That's a long time of trial, error and probably, discouragement. If you've faced this type of discouragement, know that there is a time and a place to quit things, but it's not as soon as we might feel like quitting.

Your Inheritance Is Not A Scam

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 23 Jul 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Imagine you had a wealthy relative who willed her fortune to you. This woman knew you existed, but you had never heard of her! One day, a lawyer appears at your door with the details of your new fortune, but you think it might be a scam. The lawyer insists that you check your bank account. The money belonged to you from the moment the relative signed paperwork, but you weren't aware for quite some time afterward.

What To Do When God Does Not Explain

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 22 Jul 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Having struggled personally with infertility, I've never been able to figure out why some women get pregnant almost by accident, while others, who often desperately want children, suffer multiple miscarriages, searing pain and disappointment. If we study the scriptures trying to answer the "why" of pain and injustice, we can throw up our hands and conclude that there just is no explanation this side of heaven.

Three Options For Addressing Problems

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 21 Jul 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Jamila's boss was out of town, so Jamila was checking inventory for the restaurant kitchen she worked in. She texted Laura, who usually managed a different aspect of the restaurant, letting her know that they needed 160 eggs right away or they wouldn't be able to start the recipes for the day. Jamila could tell from Laura's response that she was offended by Jamila's urgency. How could she resolve this issue?

Planning For The Weekend

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 20 Jul 2021 08:00:00 +0000

The average life expectancy for humans is around 72 years old today, with females outliving males by five years. The poet Philip Larkin imagined each decade of life as if it were a day of the week. If we're born on Sunday morning, figuratively speaking, you're reaching the end of your life on the following Saturday evening. If you are currently 30 years old, you're living on Wednesday.

How Much Should You Give To Others?

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 19 Jul 2021 08:00:00 +0000

My friend Erica tells how her mom would read her stories about missionaries who lived truly courageous lives. One person gave their last dollar to someone in need and then had literally nothing left to eat themselves. That very day, someone came to their door to share some bananas. "I wondered if the missionary was being foolish," Erica shared, "since they were now in desperate need. But the story ended with provision, not need."

Reset Daily At The Cross

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 16 Jul 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Madonna, the Kardashians and David Bowie are just a few of the cross-wearing celebrities known the world over. But the cross is more, excruciatingly more, than a fashion statement. The cross depicts crucifixion and Jesus calls those who follow Him to be crucified with Him, and to take up our cross daily. (Galatians 2:20)

Why Does My Sex Life Matter To God?

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 15 Jul 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Sarah Walsh Landini was a 20-something, unmarried Christian who abstained from sex. But at age 23, she didn't, and one month later she was pregnant. "The Bible says not to do it," she says, "but I think, for most people, they need more than that…we want to know why. And most of the time folks aren't prepared to answer the question why."[1]

[1] Banks, A. M. (2012, April 23). Facing Facts, Evangelicals Say It's Time To Really Talk About Sex. HuffPost. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/evangelicals-sex-frank-talk_n_1443062.

You Can Live With Integrity In A Corrupt Society

Bonnie Sala — Wed, 14 Jul 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Many of us are very aware of the dishonesty and selfishness in our societies. We understand that most politicians are self-serving, and many businesses barely attempt to hide their exploitation of workers. That's the way it is. What can we do about it?

What Do You Believe About God's Character?

Bonnie Sala — Tue, 13 Jul 2021 08:00:00 +0000

It is easy for us to grow frustrated and attempt to take things into our own hands when we believe false things about who God is. Being gods of our own lives reveals to us that our own power is not enough to shape life to our wills. The best way to correct our misconceptions about God's character and the effect those beliefs have on our lives is to study the scriptures where God tells us what He is like.

Following God Without A Map

Bonnie Sala — Mon, 12 Jul 2021 08:00:00 +0000

When Jonas lost his job, he tried everything to replace that income and avoid moving his wife and family from the community that they loved. But he also prayed, "God, if you are pointing elsewhere, let me be open to it." Three months later, the family found themselves driving across the country to a new city, 2600 miles away.

Discover The Secret Gift Of Silence

Bonnie Sala — Fri, 09 Jul 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Noise is everywhere! Our world is noisy, and scientists can prove that it's not good for plants, animals or us. In humans, it's leading to higher blood pressure, elevated heart rates and poor sleep.[1]

[1] Goldman, S. (2020, March 18). Building a movement to preserve silence as a natural resource. Vox. https://www.vox.com/the-highlight/2020/3/18/21168504/gordon-hempton-wilderness-quiet-park-noise-pollution-zabalo-river-cofan.

Here Is God's Design For Unity In Marriage

Bonnie Sala — Thu, 08 Jul 2021 08:00:00 +0000

I am incredibly blessed to be married to a man who brings me coffee in bed every single morning. My morning mug comes with a splash of half and half, a mixture of one-half milk, and one-half cream. Like my morning coffee with half and half, the sacrament of our marriage is supposed to be a unified blending of two unique individuals into one entity. Scripture describes unity using the image of a braid – multiple strands woven together are stronger than the single strands alone.