Each person faced multiple problems of low income, attending school, leading a church, maintaining a family life and trying to spend personal time with God. In any other profession, this would be a formula for disaster. Yet, each one was passionate about the future and their relationship with God.
Most people wear their worry like a badge of honor. But surrendering to worry is a sin dangerous enough to ruin our physical and spiritual vitality and drain our lives of hope and joy.
Yet, knowing all that, I still worry, a lot!
The courage of David is not found in slingshots vs. armor or brains vs. brawn. There is no guarantee that a David will always defeat Goliath. Rather it is David’s willingness to do what is right, wherever that leads and whatever the consequences.
Looking for words of encouragement, I typed the word “comfort” in a Bible program on my computer. In seconds, there were over 60 verses. I clicked print and received five pages of comforting scripture. At a Bible study, I handed each person a copy and asked them to pick a favorite verse and tell how they received comfort in the midst of crisis.
Despair following success can impact anyone: entertainers, athletes, preachers and teachers. A surge of success followed by a period of despondency and anguish. Why? It doesn’t make sense… or does it. Are successes always followed by bouts of despair? Of course not, yet it happens frequently enough to ask questions and seek guidance.
The Wesley Brothers failed trip to Georgia ended up being a catalyst that led them to form the Methodist movement which has become one of the larger denominations within Christianity. Saint Simons understandably takes pride in being the only area in America visited by the Wesleys. A trip that on the surface was a failure, yet this failure led to founding a movement that impacted and deepened the lives of millions of Christians.
A critical part of reconciliation is a willingness to honestly communicate your feelings but with humility and love. It’s important to set aside your ego and be ready to listen to the other person’s perspective. Understanding both sides can prevent future misunderstandings.
One day, I was hit with difficulties that left me feeling anxious and concerned. That night, unable to sleep, I started praying and searching through Scripture. I even searched Google for prayers about anxiousness. In the process I discovered a devotion with this scripture from 1 Peter. “Be clear minded Read more…
“We need three strong volunteers,” I said to the congregation for our Sunday children’s message. Hesitantly, (I have a reputation for embarrassing folks.) three men came forward. I placed them side by side and announced: “You are to be a wall. No matter what I say or do, you must Read more…
Dear God, Please: Teach me. Keep me. Hold me. Help me. I want to be better than I was yesterday. Amen. — Christian Today This is a good prayer… for me. But should prayer ever be about me? Shouldn’t I be more concerned about the needs of others? When airline Read more…