“My tongue is a ready writer” (Psalms 45:1b KJV). The writer of Psalms says his tongue is like a skillful writer. I wonder what our tongues are writing in the lives of those around us. Scripture tells us clearly that we hold tremendous power in the words we speak. We can build up, encourage, inspire, impart wisdom, comfort, and teach through the words we choose. However, Psalm 64:3 tells us that we can also sharpen our tongues like swords, and our words can break and wound hearts,...

Increase your energy and flexibility,, relieve pain and stress, Sounds fantastic! So how do we achieve these wonderful benefits? I was recently surprised to discover that stretching is a miracle worker. Stretching exercises can produce a variety of physical and psychological benefits. Did you know spiritual stretching can also work wonders? Have you ever tried to climb a ladder that required you to stretch as far as you could to reach the next rung? This is a lot like growing in the Lord....

His feet bled from open blisters, and his hands and legs cramped as the young man pushed on, nearing the end of a three-day, 65-mile march. He carried 125 pounds of gear, slept no more than four hours a night, and had just enough food for 2 1/2 meals. He had struggled through obstacles day and night. Yet he had one more major challenge: to climb the rugged mountain ahead. He forced his mind to ignore the pain and focus on the goal, whispered a prayer to his Lord, and with all his remaining...