“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.” (John 14:1)
It’s so easy (and natural) to let this physical world and the circumstances around us dictate our level of confidence and peace. The COVID-19 pandemic is a perfect example of this, as for many this novel coronavirus is planting seeds of fear, anxiety, and despair in our hearts.
(more…)“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” (Isaiah 26:3)
It’s a unique time, and many of us (adults and children alike) have found ourselves working or studying from home during this COVID-19 pandemic. While we do so, each of us faces a similar adversary that hinders our productivity…
Today when I walked into the kitchen, our dog (Mochi!) gave me a nice surprise. She had peed in a completely random spot on the floor next to the pantry, about 3 feet away from her pee pad. She had also poo’d on the opposite side of the kitchen, also 3 feet away from her pee pad. We have older tile with grout in the kitchen, so the pee was carried into our pantry, spreading across the floor like water bursting through a series of channels, wetting everything we had stored on the pantry ground. (more…)
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
John Piper wrote an encouraging booklet entitled Don’t Waste Your Cancer that a dear friend gave to us. It’s been helpful to read through it as my wife and I remain steadfast in the Lord through her condition. I would definitely consider this as a time when my family and I are facing trouble.
I believe that the 10 points Piper lists not only apply to life-threatening illnesses such as cancer, but to all “trouble” we encounter in this life. Depending on what version of the Bible you read, the word “trouble” is interchangeable with trial, tribulation, distress, and sorrow.
If you’re going through any of those today, then I’m here to tell you that it’s no coincidence or meaningless misfortune. God has a purpose for our trials. (more…)
“So then he told them plainly, ‘Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe.'” (John 11:14)
This morning I spoke to a co-worker and brother in Christ, who shared that he has gone through many life-threatening trials in his life due to several illnesses. As my wife goes through her own season of faith-stretching, Jesus gives me a wonderful reminder in John 11 that God can use suffering, even to the point of death, for our sake. (more…)
SING THE WORD 