We’ve been talking about being God’s house. Hebrews 3:6 says: “we are [God’s] house, if indeed we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope in which we glory.” So yes, we are God’s house—but if we “hold firmly” to our confidence and hope in Jesus. Are you holding firmly to that confidence and hope? … Continue reading Hold firmly, as if someone was trying to snatch it away
perseverance
Dead ends into doorways
Stephen is often called the first Christian martyr. Behold these final moments of his life. “they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city… While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ Then he fell on his knees and cried out, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them’ … Continue reading Dead ends into doorways
Sorrow to sweetness
Hardship isn’t the end of the story, nor is it the end of your story. This is easy to agree with when you’re experiencing smooth sailing. It’s harder to do so when times are tough. William Gurnall has some helpful, scriptural perspective: “Scripture gives three illustrations of great joy: the joy of a new mother, … Continue reading Sorrow to sweetness
Don’t give up
We’ve been talking about the parable of the sower in Luke 8. A farmer sows some seed which Jesus has explained represents the word of God. The seed doesn’t always land on receptive soil. But it does in verse 15: “the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who … Continue reading Don’t give up
Look to the example of others
We’ve been talking about perseverance. In the Bible, James gave some very down-to-earth counsel to those enduring hardship: “Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered” (James 5:10-11). … Continue reading Look to the example of others
Patience follows hope
It’s good to be patient. My Louw-Nida Greek dictionary defines patience like this: “a state of emotional calm in the face of provocation or misfortune and without complaint or irritation.” In James 5:7-8, we learn WHY we can be patient. As his readers face hardship, he says this: “Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until … Continue reading Patience follows hope
I think I can, I think I can…
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). A famous and much-beloved children’s book is called The Little Engine that Could.* You know the one. A big, long train needs to be pulled over the mountain. It needs another train to do it. A large, strong engine refuses. Then another … Continue reading I think I can, I think I can…
They refine you
In James 1:2-3 we read: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” Wow, that’s heavy. But what is a “trial,” anyway? A trial is a difficulty we face on the path of life which, in how … Continue reading They refine you
You can’t stand on quicksand
Yesterday I said that wisdom is hearing Jesus’ words and putting them into practice. Sounds good, right? But it also sounds STABILIZING. Here’s why.
A great cloud of witnesses
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith” (Hebrews 12:1-2). In 1534 Thomas More … Continue reading A great cloud of witnesses
