“…he [God] knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him” (Daniel 2:22).The darker the dark, the brighter the light. Imagine being in a well-lit room in the middle of the day. There are a lot of windows. You hold up a torch. It will definitely bring extra light. After all, it’s a … Continue reading The darker the dark, the brighter the light
hardship
Short-sighted-ism and the presence of darkness
The presence of darkness does not mean the absence of God. Let me explain.Lately I have been spending a lot of time studying Daniel. As a young man, he endured horrible things. His nation was attacked and capital city was besieged. Many of his friends and family members would have been killed. Picture homes and property … Continue reading Short-sighted-ism and the presence of darkness
Even if I could multiply myself a thousand times
“In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him” (1 John 4:9).Autumn is a time of gratitude. The leaves on the trees are beautiful. We sing “Great is thy faithfulness” and remind ourselves about the good people … Continue reading Even if I could multiply myself a thousand times
Do I fear? No!
Jesus said: “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matthew 7:24).John Chrysostom was a church father who was known for his eloquence, his commitment to a simple lifestyle, and his success at repelling demons.But he was also known … Continue reading Do I fear? No!
Not because of the circumstances we’re in
Certain things are inspiring. It is inspiring when someone breaks a world record. It is inspiring when someone makes a big sacrifice to help someone in need.I also find it very inspiring when someone is able to experience joy even in the midst of hardship.Have you ever met someone like that? They have enduring serious pain. … Continue reading Not because of the circumstances we’re in
Thy sea is so great, and my boat is so small
John F Kennedy served as the President of American in the early 1960’s. I recently heard that he had a copy of an old Breton prayer on his desk: “O God, thy sea is so great, and my boat is so small.” How true. It’s a commentary about those times when life seems overwhelming. It’s … Continue reading Thy sea is so great, and my boat is so small
Call out to God. Don’t wait.
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).A man named Abba Elias told an old story about a man who was living in a temple. Demons came to pester him, trying to get him to leave. To some of you that might seem shocking. Perhaps you’ve been told … Continue reading Call out to God. Don’t wait.
He will never allow us utterly to fail
Some things are so obvious we almost miss them.One of them is found in Mark 6. The disciples have been walking and talking with Jesus himself. What an amazing opportunity! They have seen him preach and teach, heal people, cast out demons, calm a storm, and raise a dead child back to life. As if … Continue reading He will never allow us utterly to fail
Being knocked down and knocked out are different things
Some people think that being a Christian inoculates you from hardship. Not always. Yes, there are innumerable benefits; God is most certainly a provider, protector, rock and redeemer. At the same time, Jesus warns us against the delusion of smooth sailing. In John 16:33 he says: “In this world you will have trouble.” He also … Continue reading Being knocked down and knocked out are different things
Rejoice—always?
It’s one of the most frequently-quoted verses in the letter. Philippians 4:4 says: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” It’s a frequent theme throughout the letter. In fact, a form of this word is used 9 times in 4 short chapters. Seems fairly positive, doesn’t it? But can we really … Continue reading Rejoice—always?
