Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. (Romans 5:3-4 NIV) Some people don't want to go through the difficult things you've had to go, but they do want the glory that is revealed in you through those sufferings, such as endurance, whichContinue reading "Glory in Suffering"
In God We Trust
In you, Lord my God, I put my trust. I trust in you; do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. (Psalm 25:1-2 NIV) The more we get to know people, the more we begin to realize that they can't be trusted. Even the best of people are going to disappoint usContinue reading "In God We Trust"
Oh Boy!
His daughter-in-law, the wife of Phinehas, was pregnant and near the time of delivery. When she heard the news that the ark of God had been captured and that her father-in-law and her husband were dead, she went into labor and gave birth, but was overcome by her labor pains. As she was dying, the womenContinue reading "Oh Boy!"
Beware of Scammers
A silversmith named Demetrius, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought in a lot of business for the craftsmen there. He called them together, along with the workers in related trades, and said: “You know, my friends, that we receive a good income from this business. And you see and hear how this fellow Paul has convincedContinue reading "Beware of Scammers"
For Your Benefit
"Father, glorify your name!” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.” The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him. Jesus said, “This voice was for your benefit, not mine." (John 12:28-30 NIV) Jesus didn't need to hearContinue reading "For Your Benefit"
Look for the Light
You light a lamp for me. The LORD, my God, lights up my darkness. (Psalm 18:28 NLT) There's no denying that we've been living through some very dark times and are desperately yearning for the light. So did the psalmist in today's passage. Read at length, Psalm 18 reveals one of David's darkest moments. ButContinue reading "Look for the Light"
Speak the Language of Love
If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. (1 Corinthians 13:1 NIV) Today the church celebrates Pentecost, a profound time in its history when the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles 50 days after Jesus ascended toContinue reading "Speak the Language of Love"
Are You Zealous?
“I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty." (1 Kings 19:10 NIV) Elijah was so zealous for the Lord God Almighty that nothing could stop him from ridding the land from idolatry and false prophets. It was truly a mountain top experience. But once he was back on the valley, Elijah let a word from theContinue reading "Are You Zealous?"
He Makes Wrong Things Right
Far be it from you to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked, treating the righteous and the wicked alike. Far be it from you! Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?” (Genesis 18:25 NIV) I've been thinking a lot more about justice lately. Abraham's words come to mind,Continue reading "He Makes Wrong Things Right"
Leave the Door Open
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the door of the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to." (Matthew 23:13 NIV) Jesus has had it with the teachers of the law and the Pharisees, and inContinue reading "Leave the Door Open"
Rising with the Son 