Peter Amsterdam
The father and the lost sons
In Luke chapter 15, Jesus told the following story: There was a man who had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, “Father, give me the share of property t … »
Be all you can be
Each person is different and has different gifts and callings. God knew what He was doing when He made you the way you are, and He wants to use the talents He has given y … »
Time management
Time is one thing that you can never get back again. The Bible talks about “redeeming the time” or “making the best use of the time.”[[Ephesians 5:16 ESV]] That calls for … »
More like Jesus: humility
One key element in our pursuit of Christlikeness is emulating the humility of Jesus. In the ancient world of the Greeks and Romans, humility was seen as a negative trait. … »
The call to forgive
The Gospels describe Jesus being whipped, beaten, and then nailed to a cross. As He hung there, waiting to die, some of His last words were “Father, forgive them.”[[Luke … »
The unselfish life
Unselfishness isn’t just about giving money. Sometimes it’s easier to give money than to give of ourselves. To give our time, attention, sympathy, understanding, and pray … »
Feeling unsettled?
In Philippians 4:6–7, the apostle Paul instructs the church: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present … »
Self-preservation?
I once saw a TV show set in Great Britain during the early part of World War II. The Nazis had defeated France, and the British expected imminent invasion. For some, the … »
The power of one
God knows everything about us as individuals. He knows our frame. He knows what we’re capable of. He knows our gifts, talents, weaknesses, and strengths. And despite what … »
Looking for inspiration
Inspiration infuses you with renewed zest for life. It influences, moves, or guides you to action. But we all have times when we hit the inspiration skids; when we not on … »
A prayer list for the new year
There’s something special about the beginning of a new year. Even though January 1st follows December 31st the same as any day follows the previous one, to many of us, en … »
Health and fitness
Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit,[[See 1 Corinthians 3:16–17.]] and God has commissioned us to care for them well and faithfully. Jesus paid the ultimate pric … »
God’s love for humankind
God’s unconditional love has no bounds, is unchanging and without limitations. It is given freely, no matter what. Each of us has sinned, and sin brings separation from G … »