In you, Lord my God, I put my trust. do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. No one who hopes in you will every be put to shame, but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause. -Psalm 25:1-3, NIVUK When I was struggling with … Continue reading “Appealing To God”
Category: Encouragement
Ministering Music
When I was in the darkest valley of sorrow and pain, I found songs of truth to soothe my hurting soul. Some were contemporary songs. But many were old hymns filled with rich lyrics written by people who shared with the world the truth of Scripture hardened like a diamond by their own personal suffering. … Continue reading “Ministering Music”
God Will Not Reject You
“Failures are events, not persons.” -Anonymous psychologist (emphasis mine) “Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close.” -Psalm 27:10, NLT These two quotes ministered greatly to my ravaged soul during the aftermath of discovering adultery and getting divorced. The power of the statements are tied to the lies they address. When … Continue reading “God Will Not Reject You”
The Glorious Backfire
…fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame,and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. – Hebrews 12:2-3, NIV Jews demand … Continue reading “The Glorious Backfire”
Oh, Such Injustice!
There is something else meaningless that occurs on earth: the righteous who get what the wicked deserve, and the wicked who get what the righteous deserve. This too, I say, is meaningless. So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then … Continue reading “Oh, Such Injustice!”
Encouraging Thought
While I was healing from my divorce and the abandonment of my first wife, I ran across the ministry of Brennan Manning in his writings. He was a man who struggled with the demons of alcoholism. And Manning was also an amazing man of God who preached a powerful word about grace. When I felt … Continue reading “Encouraging Thought”
Fellowship of Suffering
I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. – Philippians 3:10-11, NIV Nothing like a deep trial to sort out true friends from fair-weather fans. And nothing like shared suffering to solidify bonds as … Continue reading “Fellowship of Suffering”
Job’s Story of Gifts and Grief
So the Lord blessed Job in the second half of his life even more than in the beginning. For now he had 14,000 sheep, 6,000 camels, 1,000 teams of oxen, and 1,000 female donkeys. He also gave Job seven more sons and three more daughters. – Job 42:12-13, NLT Today is an important day for me. Or should … Continue reading “Job’s Story of Gifts and Grief”
Pastor Tim Keller Preaching On Spiritual Warfare
If you have time (35 minutes or so), I would highly recommend that you listen to this audio file on YouTube of Pastor Timothy Keller preaching on spiritual warfare. His text is taken from Ephesians 6. As I listened to the sermon yesterday, I could not help but think of how applicable this sermon’s ideas … Continue reading “Pastor Tim Keller Preaching On Spiritual Warfare”
You Don’t Have To Agree
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God,so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly … Continue reading “You Don’t Have To Agree”