James 1:2-4,12 ESV “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when … Continue reading Lord, Have Your Way
trials & tribulations
Is Something Strange Happening?
Video Talk 1 Peter 4:12-16 ESV “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are … Continue reading Is Something Strange Happening?
The School of Hard Knocks
Matthew 10:34-36 ESV “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person's enemies will be … Continue reading The School of Hard Knocks
Minds Stayed on Christ
Isaiah 26:1-2 ESV “In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: ‘We have a strong city; he sets up salvation as walls and bulwarks. Open the gates, that the righteous nation that keeps faith may enter in.’” Under the New Covenant, which God’s people now have with God (Father, Son … Continue reading Minds Stayed on Christ
Why Things Happen the Way They Do
2 Chronicles 7:13-15 ESV “When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command the locust to devour the land, or send pestilence among my people, if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I … Continue reading Why Things Happen the Way They Do
We Must Keep Speaking the Truth
Matthew 10:16-22 “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear … Continue reading We Must Keep Speaking the Truth
When we Meet Trials and Testing
James 1:2-4,12 ESV “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when … Continue reading When we Meet Trials and Testing
We are Destined for Persecution
Encouragement during Trials 1 Thessalonians 3:1-3 ESV “Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone, and we sent Timothy, our brother and God's coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith, that no one be moved by these afflictions.” … Continue reading We are Destined for Persecution
Deliver Us from Sinking
Psalm 69:4-8 ESV “More in number than the hairs of my head are those who hate me without cause; mighty are those who would destroy me, those who attack me with lies. What I did not steal must I now restore? O God, you know my folly; the wrongs I have done are not hidden … Continue reading Deliver Us from Sinking