“You wicked servant!’ the king roared. ‘Your own words condemn you…” (Luke 19:22a NLT) What comes first to mind when you think of God’s judgment? Is God’s judgment to be feared once you’ve yielded your life to Jesus? What is God’s standard for judgment? In Hebrews 9:27, the writer says: “And just as each personContinue reading “How God Judges”
Tag Archives: loss
Have You Made Your “Not-To-Do” List?
“This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: Look at what’s happening to you! You have planted much but harvest little. You eat but are not satisfied. You drink but are still thirsty. You put on clothes but cannot keep warm. Your wages disappear as though you were putting them in pockets filled withContinue reading “Have You Made Your “Not-To-Do” List?”
What’s the Ugliest Thing in the World?
“If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion – how can God’s love be in that person?” (1 John 3:17 NLT) Please bear with me as there is method in the madness: Have you ever been constipated to the point that no matterContinue reading “What’s the Ugliest Thing in the World?”
When You Can’t See Through the Fog
“For the Lord God is our sun and shield. He gives us grace and glory. The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right. O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, what joy for those who trust in You.” (Psalm 84:11-12 NLT) One of the most difficult and scary environments in whichContinue reading “When You Can’t See Through the Fog”
When All Hope Seems Gone
“Would you wait for them to grow up and refuse to marry someone else? No, of course not, my daughters! Things are far more bitter for me than for you, because the Lord Himself has raised His fist against me.” (Ruth 1:13 NLT) Naomi’s words above reflect a heart that is broken from the traumaContinue reading “When All Hope Seems Gone”
What Do You Expect?
“Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered Himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.” (Ephesians 5:2 NLT) As a pastor I was privileged to sit with people in the best times of their lives and their worst times. A parent’s worst nightmareContinue reading “What Do You Expect?”
When Will It End?
“Look, I am coming soon, bringing My reward with Me to repay all people according to their deeds.” (Revelation 22:12 NLT) Uvalde, Texas is the scene of the tragedy in the U.S. that has filled our news channels, as well as our hearts and minds in recent days. The horrifying reality is, until Jesus returns,Continue reading “When Will It End?”
When Prayer is Hard
“And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness.” (Romans 8:26a NLT) Has this Christmas season been hard? Perhaps a severe loss has you grieving. I get it. Pain is a tremendous deterrent to celebration. It’s as though life has been sucked out of us. Even as Jesus followers, we’re not exempt from the anguishContinue reading “When Prayer is Hard”
Grappling With Grief (Part 2)
“The Lord gave me what I had, and the Lord has taken it away. Praise the name of the Lord!” (Job 1:21b NLT) In some ways, life is like driving a car. I may have trained for years and believe I have full knowledge and confidence that my vehicle is under my complete control, andContinue reading “Grappling With Grief (Part 2)”
Grappling With Grief (Part 1)
“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4 NLT) Let me say at the outset that the next few posts aren’t intended to be a discourse on how anyone should or shouldn’t grieveContinue reading “Grappling With Grief (Part 1)”