The great Apostle Peter once wrote, “Therefore, let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good” (1 Peter 4:19). Clearly Peter understood two very important things: when we do the will of God suffering may come (contrary to the whole health and wealth narrative), and God is faithful in the midst […]
Joseph had been deeply wounded by his brothers. In their collective disdain for this seemingly favored son of their father, they trafficked him to those who would sell him into slavery. It is an awful and ugly story, but one to which the Most High God was attentive. Despite what anyone might have expected, and through God’s mercy, Joseph overcame […]
Luke 8 provides a vivid contrast between a transactional life and a transformational life. Consider these moments on a city street, as described in Luke 8:42-48 in The Message: Jesus went with him, making his way through the pushing, jostling crowd. In the crowd that day there was a woman who for twelve years had been afflicted with hemorrhages. She […]
Leaders face no small measure of challenges. A country’s president faces rogue nations and squirrelly economics and profound social schisms. The CEO of a company deals with troublesome investors and complex HR dynamics and products that sometimes fall short of consumers’ expectations. Moms have to contend with defiant toddlers and thin finances while often working in office environments that care […]
As the Apostle Paul brings closure to his thoughts regarding love being supreme over and above the fleshly extremes of license and law, he raises a tension regarding how to ensure this love will prevail. Galatians 5:16 and following resolve this tension with profound clarity, and the resolution is the antithesis of self-effort. “Walk by the Spirit,” the apostle pens, […]
John 15:8 offers a succinct word about the legitimacy of discipleship. Jesus says, “By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.” But what is the fruit of discipleship—the fruit of which Jesus speaks? Is it having all kinds of knowledge about spiritual and/or theological things? Is it adding knots to […]
What does God want from the men of the church?
To be strong? creative? courageous? innovative? educated?
“I desire that the men should pray” 1 Timothy 2:8
A church filled with desperate men devoted to humbly seeking God’s face in prayer is a church where God will be pleased.
I suspect one reason why some believers react so negatively to *Gentle and Lowly” is because it convicts them. Another is that they begrudge the success it has had ministering in comfort to so many in a way their own scolding and chiding has not.
Dear Christian, If your favorite news outlet stunts your desire to love your neighbor (regardless of partisan affiliation), it’s pushing you away from the heart of Jesus and it’s time to turn it off.
