Isaiah 40:25-31 For the first few weeks of this quarter, we will be taking a closer look at some of the “church” words we use. Occasionally, our conversations include words that even “church” folks do not completely understand. If believers and Bible students struggle with these words and concepts, imagine how using them might make [...]
2 Cor. 4:7-18 The fourth chapter of 2 Corinthians has such practical encouragement for those who have known suffering. First, we have this treasure — the presence and knowledge of God, the greatest treasure ever. The knowledge of God through Jesus is power, comfort, peace, solace, consolation, joy, etc. This power is not of us. [...]
2 Corinthians 1:3-11 One of my favorite words is the word, “comfort.” It’s a great word that can be used as a verb or noun. In looking at thesaurus.com, so many words are listed that are similar in meaning to comfort. When used as a verb, comfort can also be communicated as assuage, cheer, console, [...]
Isaiah 53:2-12 This well-known chapter of Isaiah foretells the suffering of Jesus. It contains the benefits to us of the death of Jesus and helps us to see how God planned from the beginning to send His Son for our sins. Is there any pain that can compare to watching your beloved and only Son [...]
Job 40:1-8; 42:1-6 The day I wrote this, a church in Texas was invaded by a shooter during their morning worship service. I thought about the trauma that these believers faced and how they will continue to struggle to understand how and why this happened. What is God’s answer when we suffer and experience pain? [...]
Job 11:13-16; 23:8-12; John 9:1-3 Have you ever had seemingly well-meaning friends who advised you incorrectly? At times, well-meaning friends may try to “work out” their own theology at the expense of trying to help a friend who is suffering determine, “Why did God let this happen?” Any friend who expresses a genuine love and [...]
Isaiah 58:3-11 It’s important to understand to whom the book of Isaiah was written, and why. The Prophet Isaiah was primarily called to prophesy to the Kingdom of Judah. Judah was going through times of revival and rebellion. Threatened with destruction by Assyria and Egypt, Judah was spared because of God’s mercy. Isaiah proclaimed a [...]
Gen. 3:16-19; Rom. 8:18-25 Recently I ran into one of my favorite pastors in this world, Jeff Parker. As we caught up, I shared with him the emphasis on this series of lessons on suffering. I value his Godly insight gained through his experience as a pastor and as a missionary with the International Mission [...]
I wonder where I would be without Jesus. I think about how, as a nine-year-old girl, Jesus was beautifully introduced to me and I made my decision to trust Him as my Savior — but what if I had rejected His salvation? What if I had not trusted in His Resurrection? What if I had [...]
Isaiah 44:6-11; John 14:5-7 A few years ago my husband Mark and I took our two sons to the Hindu Temple in Flowood. We wanted the boys to see Hindu worship and to see the false idols that were on display. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. With idol after idol set in stone and various [...]
