Blog

Grab your favorite brew and visit a few minutes with Encouragement from Living History. That sums up my blog: thoughts grounded in the Bible, sprinkled with interesting tidbits from history, all applied to life today. Readers say, “I learn something new every time I read your blog.” Here’s an open invitation to sit a few minutes now and come back often to share your thoughts.

And His Name Shall Be Called …

by Lana Christian · Filed Under: Adoration, God's character · on: December 19, 2022

Does a certain Bible passage excite you more than any other? For me, it’s this:
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6, ASV)…

The Day I Wanted to Toss my Bible

by Lana Christian · Filed Under: Hope, Trust · on: November 6, 2022

I’ve been a Christian since high school. One of the people who helped lead me to Christ turned against God a few years later and told me to flush my Bible down the toilet. By then I was an impressionable college freshman. So maybe you’re thinking this blog is about one of my early experiences as a “baby Christian.” It’s not….

Sipping, Drinking, or Drowning in God’s Word

by Lana Christian · Filed Under: Encouragement, Focus, Truth · on: October 10, 2022

Have you felt “compassion fatigue” lately? Like you can’t bear to hear of another international crisis, local calamity, or another friend dealing with crushing loss? At times like those, you just want a lifeline. An uplifting movie to ease the pain. An encouraging Bible verse to buoy you. A pithy saying to cling to like a life raft….

Almost Persuaded

by Lana Christian · Filed Under: Assurance, Promises · on: September 25, 2022

“Almost” may be the saddest word in the English language. No matter what you pair it with, something misses the mark. “Almost perfection” is not quite there. An “almost win” doesn’t count. “Almost passing” is a worse-than-lousy grade….

What Should You Ask God For?

by Lana Christian · Filed Under: Discernment, Encouragement · on: September 19, 2022

If you could ask God for one thing, what would it be?…

Pulling Back the Curtain on Jesus’ Childhood

by Lana Christian · Filed Under: Biblical history, World history · on: September 5, 2022

Have you ever wondered what Jesus’ life was like when He was growing up? I have….

What Do You Know About Your Roots?

by Lana Christian · Filed Under: Biblical history, World history · on: August 14, 2022

Ever wonder about your roots? Tried to trace your ancestry? Your roots connect you with a larger whole. Finding those connections can give you a profound sense of “belonging.”…

Map or Compass?

by Lana Christian · Filed Under: Assurance, Direction · on: August 6, 2022

Did you ever try to run away from home as a kid? I didn’t. But as an adult, sometimes I’ve wanted to run away from life. That’s how Hagar felt when she ran away—both times….

When David Talked to Himself and God at the Same Time

by Lana Christian · Filed Under: Encouragement, Perseverance · on: July 16, 2022

Last week, life was a mess. New health issues threatened me, a client discriminated against me, more friends buried loved ones, and I was like, “Really? Again? Still?” So God in His goodness nudged me toward Psalm 62….

They Came So Close

by Lana Christian · Filed Under: Faithfulness, Obedience · on: June 27, 2022

If you were outdoors at the right time this past week (June 17–27), you could see five planets align in sky about an hour before dawn. In ancient times, such an alignment portended a massive upheaval, like a change of government or religion. This planetary performance peaked on June 24, with the moon additionally pairing with Uranus (visible halfway between Venus and Mars). Draw whatever conclusion you want regarding the significance of that date in light of current events….