2 Corinthians 7:12 “So even though I wrote to you, it was neither on account of the one who did the wrong nor on account of the injured party, but rather that before God you could see for yourselves how devoted to us you are. “ I get Paul’s concern. He had confronted Continue Reading…
2 Corinthians 8:2 “In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.” An unpleasant part of life involves the experience of being squeezed. Pressure forces something on the inside to end up on the outside. Anything from trying to Continue Reading…
Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified…for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” I dreamed Ray and I were in a kayak floating down a stream when a shark surfaced. He kept bumping our boat, consistently Continue Reading…
John 16:1 “I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away.” So what were those things Jesus said to his disciples to keep them from falling? After walking with him for three years, seeing his miracles, hearing his teachings, experiencing his compassion, who would have Continue Reading…
Romans 8:37 “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” The roar of “We Are….Penn State” boomed across the whole commonwealth. Our unranked football team was up against Ohio State, positioned as number 2 in the nation, but that only intensified the electric atmosphere. Continue Reading…
Hebrews 12:27 “This expression, ‘Yet once more,’ denotes the removing of those things which can be shaken, as of created things, so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.” The thought of a frog invasion makes my skin crawl. Can you imagine? You turn on the sink, out Continue Reading…
Psalm 8:4 “what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? [ESV] The exact same words. The exact opposite meaning. The question…why me? can be asked in one of two ways. The two ways stand miles apart. In fact, you might Continue Reading…
1 Thessalonians 3:3 “so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. For you know quite well that we are destined for them.” The college where I teach recently presented Meredith Wilson’s The Music Man. One of the songs, “Ya Got Trouble” and the cast’s splendid performance of it keeps Continue Reading…
Ezekiel 36:11 “Then you will know that I am the Lord.” Trial. Tragedy. Triumph. God reveals himself through it all…if we’re looking. When we are thrown to our knees by sudden job insecurity or a relationship gone sour. When a loved one dies. When prayers become miracles. No matter what Continue Reading…
Job 1:22 “In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.” Satan hurled everything he could to throw Job off track and derail his relationship with God. He will try the same strategies with us… First, Satan sends invaders to kill Job’s servants and steal his livestock. Continue Reading…