Coming out of high school, he was rejected by the Air Force. But S. wouldn’t give up and he finally fulfilled his dream. read more

As Christians increasingly come under attack, how should we respond? read more

Joseph Mattera explains the difference between grace, which is God’s undeserved gracious actions and gifts towards us related to our salvation in Christ, and the consequences of sin that come from numerous sources and places. read more

U.S. student debt levels are surging, but along with degrees and skills the loans are producing perverse incentives and unforeseen economic consequences. read more

In light of Mother’s Day this month, Peter Bertolero explains why the flame of spiritual motherhood must be ignited among mothers in the body of Christ. read more

Read what certified wellness coach Kimberly Taylor has to say about eating for reasons other than body hunger. read more

Christmas can be a season of pain, heartache, or even pressure to provide when the budget simply isn’t there. Ricardo Sanchez urges you to set your focus and energy on Jesus and to learn to unwrap the gift that was delivered in the most unexpected way.  read more

Read what Family First CEO Mark Merrill realized about his marriage—and what he is doing about it. read more

Amid a steady stream of godless governing in Washington, D.C., Virginia Rep. Randy Forbes sees a behind-the-scenes miracle: politicians uniting in prayer. read more

At one point or another we've all been offended by someone, but as Christians we are called to walk in reconciliation. The Bible has laid out a clear plan on how to deal with offense. Do you follow the Lord's laws?   read more

This month Operation Christmas Child will give away the 100 millionth shoe box gift. Since 1992, the Franklin Graham-led ministry has mobilized 100,000 volunteers in 130 different countries to give impoverished children shoe boxes filled with toys, school supplies, hygiene items and candy. 

For this major feat, 12-year-old Evilyn Pinnow will present the 100 millionth gift to a child in the Dominican Republic on the heels of a U.S. nationwide tour to collect items to donate.

“Celebrating Operation Christmas Child’s 100 millionth shoe box gift means reaching 100 million children with hope, through a simple gift-filled shoe box,” Pinnow says. “I don’t know about you, but 100 million kids getting a shoe box gift is a hard number for me to imagine. That’s lots of millions!”

Pinnow has been collecting and donating shoe boxes since she was 8 years old when she founded the Shoe Box Club in her hometown of Ft. Atkinson, Wis. The club now has 80 members between ages 3 and12, includes a board of directors, and has collected 2,000 shoe boxes in the past four years.

Pinnow travels throughout Wisconsin teaching other children to start Shoe Box Clubs in their area. For this mature-beyond-her-age schoolgirl, the Shoe Box Club is only the beginning of a long-held dream that started when she accepted Christ at age 6.

“[When I started the club] I had been praying for two years before that time that I would be able to start something to help kids,” Pinnow says. “I didn’t even know about Operation Christmas Child then. I just had that desire.”

Pinnow has written a manual with instructions and graphics to help others start Shoe Box Clubs throughout the country. She is looking forward to mobilizing volunteers during the 10-city tour that will culminate with giving away the 100 millionth gift. 

Pinnow admits to thinking extensively about what she’ll say to the recipient. But she’s decided to keep it simple: “I’m probably going to tell them that God loves them and I love them too. Yay!” read more

Unless we are motivated by obedience to the Word of God, we will never know true success for our lives. read more