“You have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith …may be found to praise…at the revelation of Jesus.” I Peter 1:6-7. The Bible is full of stories of God’s children who have gone through the mill: Job on the ash heap, Daniel in a den of lions, John on the lonely […]
“We have been delivered from the law… so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit.” Romans 7:6. Throughout the Old Testament, God told His people to expect some major renovation on the road between Him and them. When God sent Jesus, it seemed to the Jews as if their way to God […]
“For every man shall bear his own burden.” Galatians 6:5. Various kinds of burdens are mentioned in the Scriptures. Some can be shared, but others God intends that we carry by ourselves. Although the weight of these trials may at times seem unbearable, we eventually come to see that our Lord always has a wise […]
“My strength is made perfect in weakness.” II Corinthians 12:9. Diamonds are beautiful and valuable, but their beginning is common carbon – black, dirty, and combustible. Through years of intense heat and high pressure, they become pure and strong. This makes them a good metaphor for spiritual strength; God uses intense outside forces to rid […]
“…at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises to God.” Acts 16:25. Why were Paul and Silas singing at midnight? How could they rejoice in the face of such opposition? Consider their situation. They were a long way from home, risking their lives by proclaiming Christ to a people who badly needed their help, […]