Words of comfort, words of hope, help for the anguish of today
Everyone gets to the other side of great suffering eventually. It might be achieved only in the next life, but the slow recovery of another in this life stirs hope in us that we might endure as well.
With different backgrounds, we share one hope and one mission
Our discipleship is a process that leads to becoming more and more like Jesus so that our witness is a more clear reflection of God to others.
Living as God's Ambassadors in a Broken World
If we hold grudges, cling to old wounds, or fail to be reconciled to another believer, Paul’s instructions from this chapter may need to be a matter of prayer and action, so that we can together show the world the power of the cross.
Prayer vs. Politics
By concentrating on becoming more like Jesus rather than fixating on political parties or leaders, Christians can better reflect the life and love of Christ, regardless of the political climate.
Walking by Faith, Not by Sight
Followers of Christ are called to walk by faith throughout their lives, trusting in Jesus’ sacrifice and looking forward to a future where they will see Him clearly in eternity, while navigating their current lives with faith in God’s guidance.
Transformed by Grace: Embracing the New Creation in Christ
If the love of Christ has transformed us, then we must daily renew our hearts and minds and allow the Holy Spirit to bring to our attention any attitudes, relationships, or thought processes that are not consistent with the mind of Christ.
Finding Perspective in the Silence
Reflecting on past experiences of God's intervention and the sacrificial love of Jesus empowers us to face each day with confidence, trusting in His presence through all circumstances.
Relying on God's Guidance
The prophet Hanani's rebuke to Asa highlights the importance of maintaining unwavering faith in God, as his eyes are always searching for those who rely wholeheartedly on him.
Imposter Syndrome
When we surrender who we are to the Lord, he becomes our sufficiency and our victory.
Today’s Problem is NOT the End of My Story
The essence of Job’s words is this: whatever you are facing today is not the end. Whatever the obstacles, whatever the health crisis, whatever the financial mess, however damaged the relationship, however high the mountain to climb, whatever we face currently, is not the end of our story.
Following the Leader
Paul's relationship with the Corinthian church reflects the challenge of being misunderstood as Christians strive to follow Jesus faithfully in a world that may not always comprehend their actions.
Responding to Trouble: Prayer as the First Step
Trouble often prompts immediate reactions, but Nehemiah's example teaches us the wisdom of starting with prayer to seek God's guidance and strength.
Comfort and Community
Our growth often emerges from stepping beyond our comfort zones, relying not on ourselves but on God's strength and presence during times of difficulty.
Perishable But Not Perishing
All suffering experienced in our perishable bodies is temporary, akin to the perishable nature of worldly problems, reminding us to place our trust in Christ, whose promises ensure that our efforts and trials serve eternal purposes.
Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you…
Joshua's journey symbolizes a universal truth: that leadership transitions require faith, courage, and a steadfast focus on God's word, offering wisdom and strength even in moments of uncertainty.
Grace in Action: Paul's Example of Servanthood
While not meeting all apostleship criteria initially, Paul's encounter with Christ transformed him into a dedicated apostle, instrumental in spreading the gospel globally.
Trusting God's Timing for Justice
The Bible was not just written to help us in our time of suffering. The Bible was written in the midst of the suffering and injustices that its writers were experiencing in their time on earth. I think this is why we can find scripture so relatable.
The Tug of Glory
The problem is the pull or drift toward wanting to get a little glory because once we get it, we almost always want a little more, and the pursuit of this glory is hard to cut off or stop.
Foundations for Spiritual Growth
When believers unite in Jesus over everything else, then that unity will produce the fruit of the Spirit for life in the church, and the world will see the coming of the Lord.
Moses: A Man of Prayer
Despite his pivotal role as a leader, Moses is not often immediately associated with prayer in popular perception, yet his journey reveals a consistent pattern of intimate dialogue and supplication with God.