2016 Women's Conference Audio
Listen to every session from our 2016 Women's Conference with Courtney Reissig....
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Jesus Sees You in the Crowd
In Luke 7:11–17, Jesus meets a funeral procession outside the town of Nain. Everyone sees the funeral, but Jesus sees the grieving widow. She has already lost her husband, and now she has lost her only son. Yet on the hardest day of her life, Jesus sees her, has compassion on her, speaks comfort to her, and interrupts her sorrow with life. This post reminds us that Jesus does not look away from the hurting. He sees, He cares, He comes near, and He is able to get in the way of our sorrow too....
No Grumbling!
Complaining comes naturally—but Scripture points us to a better way. Discover how God's power enables believers to replace grumbling with gratitude and become lights in a dark world....
The Christian Who Finishes Well Stays Curious {…because we never graduate from God's classroom."
In Psalm 119:33–40, the psalmist prays with the posture of someone who knows he has not arrived. He asks God to teach him, give him understanding, lead him, incline his heart, turn his eyes, confirm His promise, turn away reproach, and give him life. This kind of prayer reveals one of the marks of a Christian who finishes well: a teachable spirit. Curiosity is not spiritual immaturity when it leads us back to God’s Word. It is part of humble dependence on the Lord....
Doing What We Are Created to Do (Growing Chicks Part 11 - Finale)
In the final post of our Growing Chicks series, we look back on Michele’s chicks from their earliest spring days to their move into the “general population” of the luxury chicken coop. Along the way, they reminded us of new life, awkward growth, patient care, and finally the joy of seeing God’s creatures do what they were created to do....
What Are Your Eyes Teaching Your Heart to Love?
Your attention is not neutral. What captures your eyes will eventually shape your heart. Psalm 119 gives us a prayer for distracted souls: “Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things.” Accompanies sermon 5 in the Walking in the Word series: The Path to Finishing Well...
Cold Brew Coffee: A Very Friendly Primer for the Slightly Suspicious
At our Father’s Day festivities, we set up a cold brew coffee station and quickly discovered that many in our church family were not entirely sure what cold brew was, how to drink it, or whether it should be trusted. Since we have some left over and plan to serve it again during our Fourth of July festivities, here is a very friendly, very unofficial cold brew primer. Learn what cold brew is, how it is different from iced coffee, where it likely began, and a few simple ways to enjoy it....
Bye Bye Birthright: Don't Trade God's Best for Something Less
Esau’s decision to trade his birthright for a bowl of stew seems foolish from a distance. But his story presses a question into our own hearts: how often do we trade the lasting promises of God for temporary relief, comfort, or ease? This short devotional reminds Christians to trust God’s promises, keep praying, and resist settling for something less than His best....
Every Day We Preach Ourselves Two Sermons
Every day, especially in discouragement, we hear two sermons. The world says, “God has forgotten you.” The Word says, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted.” Psalm 119 reminds us to bring our weary hearts to God and let His Word preach truth to our souls. Accompanies sermon four of the Walking in the Word sermon series: The Path of Dust and Delight...
What Is A Man Made For?
After defining manhood in light of Scripture, part 2 considers what man was made for. Men are given a mission, designed for leadership, called to take dominion, and made to fight honorably for the good of their family, church, and society. Scripture gives men a calling that is deeper, stronger, and more glorious than anything offered by the culture....
When You Don't Have to Defend Yourself
Psalm 119:17–24 speaks honestly to the pain of being misunderstood, criticized, or misrepresented. The psalmist knows what it is to face scorn, contempt, and opposition, yet he does not allow his enemies to become the object of his meditation. Instead, he prays, keeps God’s Word, and lets God’s testimonies become his counselors. This post explores the freedom of not needing to answer every accusation and the quiet strength of entrusting your reputation to God. This post accompanies the third sermon in the Walking in the Word sermon series: The Path of the Pilgrim...
Home, sweet home
They're home! Our team has arrived safe and sound on the ground in Pittsburgh. FBC, thank you so much for your diligence in prayer for our Nepal team. Your prayers are powerful, important, and much appreciated! Thank you for sending and supporting our shepherds across the globe for His glory. Their work has been good, and their time well-spent. Please continu...
Keep ReadingGlad to be back on US soil!
Our team has made it back to the USA! They landed in Philadelphia just a few minutes ago, and are "so glad to be back on home turf." Their long flight was smooth and uneventful--praise the Lord! They have a few hours in Philadelphia now, and will be flying into Pittsburgh later this afternoon. Please pray today for: -safety and endurance through the last few hours of t...
Keep ReadingStarting toward home...
It is with full and happy hearts that our team is beginning their journey back toward Wheeling today. Although they are excited and "very ready" to return home, they were also sad to tell their hosts goodbye. Our team enjoyed a pancake breakfast with them in their home this morning, and then spent time having devotions, singing, and praying together. Please continue to pra...
Keep ReadingCareening back to the city
Our team has completed the first stretch of their journey back toward home! They left the village early this morning, and are in Kathmandu now. When they awoke this morning, the fog lifted, and they had spectacular views of the mountains from their campsite. The village leader and his mother presented them with special thank yous as they left. And, as for the ride back ...
Keep ReadingRainy day!
Our team has finished their teaching, and is feeling very blessed! Teaching was good, and very appreciated. They spent much time teaching on the HS, and "the men went on and on about how much better they understand now." "The [leaders] and their wives thanked us time and time again for coming the long way to share...with them." Praise! From Gretchen: "The kids from th...
Keep ReadingA bit of a different teaching style...
Our team has had a very blessed Sunday! They are doing well, and have finished their teachings for today. Gretchen tells me that they were surprised at how many ladies came for their ladies conference, and that it seemed to go well. She and Darlene were both able to teach, and the ladies met with them afterward for prayer. While teaching, all of the following invol...
Keep ReadingMountaintop experiences!
Our team has just finished their first day of teaching, and what a day it has been! They are encouraged and very positive. They began their day with a hike down the mountain from their campsite to hold services, and followed with teaching by the men of the team. During services, the men sit on one side, and the women on the other. As you can see from the photos, attendan...
Keep ReadingTrek to the campsite
Early this morning (last night, Wheeling time), our team departed from Kathmandu, and started their journey to the village. The ride was rough, but they were able to see many towns and villages as they wound up and down the mountains. Our team's 6 hour long van ride was cut a bit short, as the roads were impassable, so they had to hike the last 3/4 of a mile on fo...
Keep ReadingEncouraging news!
Our team has made it to Kathmandu, Nepal! They left Qatar early this morning (last night, Wheeling time). Gretchen reports that they were feeling wonderfully refreshed after sleeping, showering, coffee, and some "really good muffins!" Praise God for their safe arrival and answered prayers. When they arrived, they had all ten bags of gear and gifts (another answered pr...
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