Answers from An Ash Heap
Lessons About God and Suffering from the Book of Job Here are a few quotes that are really worth thinking about- God would sooner we had holy pain than unholy pleasure. God sometimes has to put us on our backs in order to make us look up. Calvary is God’s great proof that suffering in the will of God always lead to glory. Job was already a wonderful man of faith, but he came to learn more about himself, suffering,…
Helps in Overcoming Pride
“God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time” (1Peter 5:5-6). Since there are times when all of us suffer from sinful pride, what are some helps for overcoming it in our lives? Remember That God Hates Pride. The Bible makes that very clear in passages like Proverbs 6:16-17 and 8:13. And anything God hates should be as far removed as possible…
Choosing What’s Better
Almost everywhere we turn today we are exposed to the idea that having is the key to happiness. After all, more and bigger obviously are better! There’s the idea that “a bigger and better” house, car, computer, education, job, bank account, etc is really what we “need.” And there’s the idea that these things will provide the key to joy and happiness people so desperately seek. The bigger and better mentality always is “in,” but our Lord called a rich…
My Replacement
It was difficult to leave the church building last Sunday afternoon without a smile on your face. We had nine outstanding young men lead our worship and each was well prepared and did a fantastic job, to the glory of God. It was a former elder of this congregation, nearly 90 years of age, who summed up best what had just taken place. “None of us is going to live forever, we better be preparing for the future, today.” We…
God-Centered Praying: Part 2
What kind of progress are we making in the school of prayer? One cannot read the prayers of Paul in the New Testament without being deeply impressed with how full of God they are. With incredible depth and trust, Paul stresses both the awesomeness of God and the very real need(s) of God’s people. Knowing God and what He is like was the great desire of his life, and in no area was this more obvious than Paul’s praying. The…
The Beauty of Forgiveness
What a message we’re privileged to proclaim as Christians. God has the power to take away sin (John 1:29). He can remove guilt and cleanse our consciences (Rom. 8:33-34; Heb. 9:14; 10:22). Jesus the “Great Physician” can provide true healing for those who hurt. Surely these are truths we must believe, humbly and lovingly apply, and tell to the whole world! The Old Testament often beautifully depicts the vividness and power of forgiveness ultimately made possible in Jesus. Consider the…
God-Centered Praying: Part 1
One cannot read the prayers of Paul in the New Testament without being deeply impressed with how full of God they are. Perhaps there are times when our prayers are too full of our own wants and wishes. Surely, there is a place for taking these matters to God (cf. Hebrews 4:16; 1 John 5:14-15). However, we must never lose sight of the greatness, beauty and perfect character of the One before whose throne we are privileged to pray! Paul…
Reasons for Rejoicing
“The thief does not come to except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). Because of Jesus, if anyone on earth can truly rejoice, it ought to be Christians! Consider the following reasons we have to rejoice— 1. The Joy of Drawing Near to God. “You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At…
Expressions Leave Impressions
While there is certainly a sense in which Christians are not to be people pleasers (cf. Galatians 1:10), there is no doubt that the words and actions of God’s people should have an impact on others. After all, Jesus did say others “would see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matt. 5:16). Expressions of love and service do leave impressions! How are guests affected when they attend our worship assemblies? Do guests notice that people really pay…
Praying For Our Kids
It’s a question that still consumes me, even though our children are now grown and have families of their own. What’s more – I know it’s a question that consumes many Christian parents, because it’s a question I’m asked a lot. We are aware that children are gifts from God, a sacred trust placed in our care (Psalm 127:3-5). They really are ours for a while, so they can be God’s forever! How should we pray for our kids? What…