We were therefore buried with Jesus through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. (Romans 6:4) Eden Chen Was Converted Eden Chen was a teenage shoplifter and competitive gamer. When God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) brought him to faith …
How Should We Think of Christ?
Come near to God and He will come near to you. (James 4:8) Help From Richard Sibbes Richard Sibbes (1577-1635) was an English pastor who loved to encourage Jesus’ people with reminders of God’s love and grace. In his book, The Bruised Reed, he wrote “We have this for a foundation truth, that there is more mercy in Christ than …
Why Do Christians Suffer?
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are …
The Lord and the Slow Oxcart
The Lord has established His throne in Heaven; His kingdom extends over everything….Your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me. (Psalm 103:19, 139:10) God Spared Them Imagine 1945 in Japan and a man named Masaru who farmed a small piece of land with his elderly father, Isamu. Several times a year they loaded up their old ox-drawn …
Our Declaration of Dependence (Part 2)
For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you….Do not be afraid….A gale will blow your enemies away. But you will rejoice in the Lord and glory in the Holy One of Israel. (Isaiah 41:13-16) This continues our earlier post on Psalm 62. …
Our Declaration of Dependence (Part 1)
My salvation and my honor depend on God. He is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in Him at all times, you people. Pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge. (Psalm 62:7-8) On July 4, Americans celebrate the Declaration of Independence adopted by the original thirteen colonies in 1776. The document stated the principles for which …
Grace Focused Optimism (Part 2)
I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good to them, and I will inspire them to fear me, so that they will never turn away from me. I will rejoice in doing them good and will assuredly plant them in this land with all my heart and soul. (Jeremiah 32:40-41) Note: I am indebted …
Grace Focused Optimism (Part 1)
I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good to them, and I will inspire them to fear me, so that they will never turn away from me. I will rejoice in doing them good and will assuredly plant them in this land with all my heart and soul. (Jeremiah 32:40-41) Note: I heard Dr. …
When King Uzziah Died, I Saw the Lord
In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the hem of His robe filled the temple. (Isaiah 6:1) Sometimes, God (the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) takes away good things to give us better things. Blessed After a Bad Thing Uzziah, also known as Azariah, was a strong and …
Better Than Optimism
I trusted in the Lord when I said, “I am greatly afflicted.” In my alarm I said, “Everyone is a liar.” What shall I return to the Lord for all His goodness to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. (Psalm 116:10-13) Do Optimists Live Longer? Faith in God (Father, …