1 Thessalonians 3:2-3 “We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, so that no one would be unsettled by these trials.” The waiting time—that interminable period between crying out to God and receiving an answer—poses one Continue Reading…
John 9:4 “As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.” The president of the college where I teach recently exhorted the students to persevere in their work. To make the most of every opportunity. Continue Reading…
John 11:21-22 “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” “Yet Lord, I know even now you can deliver her.” I was surprised to find myself writing those words while praying Continue Reading…
Jeremiah 17:5 “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord.” Has someone let you down? Rejected you? Falsely accused you? Unless you’ve opted for living in an isolated cave in Crete, you know what it’s like to be disappointed Continue Reading…
Psalm 50:14-15 “Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High, and call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.” The other morning I was sitting in my little room having my devotions when I spotted a blue bird headed from the holly Continue Reading…
Jeremiah 33: 20-21 “‘If you can break my covenant with the day and my covenant with the night, so that day and night no longer come at their appointed time, then my covenant with David my servant…can be broken.” How sure can we be that God keeps his word? Do we believe promises Continue Reading…
Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” What does it mean for something to be unfiltered? I’m sure you’ve seen the term on photographs and Continue Reading…
2 Corinthians 6:1 “As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain.” Christianity. It’s a faith full of surprises. C.S. Lewis wrote of being surprised by joy. NT Wright’s book, Surprised by Hope, digs into a Christian’s view of eternity. One of the most surprising aspects Continue Reading…
Jeremiah 20:12 “for to you I have committed my cause.” It was one of my most embarrassing moments in front of an audience. I was speaking to a group of college students at a local university. It was my first time speaking there, and suddenly anxiety got the best of me. Continue Reading…
Philippians 1:9-10 “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best…” Think those little grudges we bury toward people aren’t that significant? Bought into the lie that when Jesus commanded us to Continue Reading…