Stumbling blocks are inevitable in life, whether in work, personal projects, or spiritual journeys, often requiring us to dust ourselves off and continue moving forward.

The early church faced intense persecution, prompting the author of Hebrews to emphasize the importance of maintaining faith and confidence amidst fear and uncertainty.

Drawing inspiration from Psalm 144, we connect David’s experiences with the struggles faced by the sandwich generation, highlighting the importance of faith and divine support in navigating life’s challenges.

The call to action is clear: by prioritizing generosity and community support, we can not only help those affected by crises but also inspire others to see the wisdom in following Jesus.

As we consider our role in restoration, we are urged to maintain our confidence in Christ and to support those affected by hardship through prayer and active service, looking forward to the ultimate renewal He will bring.

Ultimately, Psalm 120 reminds us that in times of distress, we can turn to God for peace and guidance, as He is our refuge and source of strength.

Hebrews reminds us of a third and wonderful gift we have because of Jesus: God has wiped the slate clean. He remembers our sins no more!

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, many are grappling with the question of why God allows natural disasters, particularly as the devastation unfolds and the death toll rises.

I suspect that from the grandstand of heaven, our departed loved ones might just be smiling, because they shared Jesus with us, and they know that one day we will in fact be what they took with them to heaven.

Peter highlights the need for leaders to rely on God for strength and guidance, acknowledging that leadership involves spiritual battles and the necessity of supporting one another through hardships.

David emphasizes the importance of aligning our hearts with God before making leadership decisions, as shown in his reflections in Psalm 101.

The church often emphasizes behavior over true submission to Jesus as Lord, leading to a narrow definition of what it means to be a Christian.

Aslan embodies both power and tenderness, teaching children about reverence and sacrificial love, paralleling themes found in Ecclesiastes regarding our approach to God.

God knew what Jeremiah had yet to find out: things were going to get harder. He would have to run with horses. Jeremiah didn’t yet understand what you and I often struggle to understand; when God gives us an assignment, he will not abandon us, even when things are much harder and go on much longer than we could have ever expected or imagined.

Paul’s letters to Timothy emphasize the importance of adhering to sound doctrine and not being swayed by false teachings that dilute the gospel of Jesus.

To cultivate a good name, individuals must surround themselves with wisdom, actively listen, and apply godly principles in their daily lives, as instructed by Solomon.

As the book progresses, Habakkuk experiences a transformation from questioning to surrender, recognizing that God is actively refining his heart and spirit through adversity.

I doubt we have yet seen the impact of what a united church praying daily for our leaders might do. But imagine what could happen at work, in your community, in our country and in the world if Christians everywhere prayed for those in authority! I suspect we would see many surrendering to Christ as Lord.

As I continue to read Scripture, I am challenging myself to look for the parts of the passages I am apt to miss or, worse, ignore. In those verses may well be the things God is trying to correct in us.

Imagine the transformation we would see in our communities, our country, and around the world if we, the called of God, would embrace the unity that is possible and was planned before the world was ever created.