Assessing Life’s Scars

“From now on, don’t let anyone trouble me with these things. For I bear on my body the scars that show I belong to Jesus.” (Galatians 6:17 NLT) As you read the verse above, what jumps out? For me the two words that drew my attention most forcefully were: “these things.” I immediately wondered whatContinue reading “Assessing Life’s Scars”

Is Your Life Father-Filtered?

“’All right, you may test him,’ the Lord said to Satan.” (Job 1:12a NLT) Do you realize that everything that touches your life, both good and bad, passes through the filter of God’s permission? Why would God allow something bad to enter your life? Remember Job, according to God’s Word: “…was blameless – a manContinue reading “Is Your Life Father-Filtered?”

Chosen

“Lord, hear my prayer! Listen to my plea! Don’t turn away from me in my time of distress. Bend down to listen, and answer me quickly when I call to You. For my days disappear like smoke, and my bones burn like red-hot coals. My heart is sick, withered like grass, and I have lostContinue reading “Chosen”

Does God Interfere With Our Lives?

“They began screaming at Him, ‘Why are you interfering with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torture us before God’s appointed time?’” (Matthew 8:29 NLT) Do you believe God interferes with your life? Do you believe the pain or torment you experience is His fault? The Greek word translated “interfering” in theContinue reading “Does God Interfere With Our Lives?”

Your Pain Has Purpose

“I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, ‘Look, God’s home is now among His people! He will live with them, and they will be His people. God Himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain.Continue reading “Your Pain Has Purpose”

Are You Listening?

“But in my distress I cried out to the Lord; yes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from His sanctuary; my cry to Him reached His ears.” (Psalm 18:6 NLT) Why is it sometimes so difficult to hear God’s voice? Jesus said in John 10:27: “My sheep listen to My voice;Continue reading “Are You Listening?”

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?”

Why Does God Allow Suffering (Part 2)

“Punishment is made for mockers, and the backs of fools are made to be beaten.” (Proverbs 19:29 NLT) Why do the questions for which we struggle to find an answer haunt us the most? Why is it so difficult for us to understand why some suffer in extreme and, from our perspective, undeserved ways, whileContinue reading “Why Does God Allow Suffering (Part 2)”

Why Does God Allow Suffering?

“Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.” (2 Corinthians 13:11 KJV) With sin comes suffering. When mankind chose to go our own way, we lost the protective covering oneness with God provides. Which raises aContinue reading “Why Does God Allow Suffering?”

Why Did God Suffer?

“What we do see is Jesus, who was given a position ‘a little lower than the angels’; and because He suffered death for us, He is now ‘crowned with glory and honor.’ Yes, by God’s grace, Jesus tasted death for everyone. God, for whom and through whom everything was made, chose to bring many childrenContinue reading “Why Did God Suffer?”