Read Hebrews 12:1-2 English Standard Version (ESV) Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith,… Continue reading Week 3, Part 2
Read Philippians 3:7-11English Standard Version (ESV) 7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order… Continue reading Week 3, Part 1
Read Job 38 & 42 Reflect Think back on the suffering and loss Job had just undergone (see Job 1 & 2 for a refresher). Is this how you would have expected God to answer? What do you learn about God’s character from chapter 38? Why is it so important to focus on the WHO… Continue reading Week 2
“Joseph named his older son Manasseh, for he said, ‘God has made me forget all my troubles and everyone in my father’s family.’” Genesis 41:51 NLT, emphasis mine Are you familiar with the story of Joseph? As a child, you may have heard a story about the boy with the “coat of many colors.” Here’s… Continue reading Forgetfulness
“What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you?” James 4:1 NLT I was hoping for a quick fix. I thought it would be an end to the quarreling. Maybe I even expected to see peacemaking blossom before my very eyes. Surely, the… Continue reading A Quick Fix
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 Occasionally, a friend of mine will indulge in one of those Love Inspired novels. It’s a quick, easy and enjoyable read for her.… Continue reading The Hard Stories
“Our Father in heaven . . . forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors.” Matthew 6:9, 12 Forgiveness is such a sticky word. We all know it, and we know that we are supposed to practice it. But knowing and doing are two separate things. We would like to put our… Continue reading Forgiving & Being Forgiven
“Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?” ~David, Psalm 42:5a I can’t do this anymore. I want to quit. I want to quit. I want to quit. My mind races with these self-defeating, negative thoughts. It’s like a mantra, a bad theme song that won’t go… Continue reading The Struggle is Real
“And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it.’” Isaiah 30:21a How do you live after only surviving? During an exceptionally trying time in my friend’s life, I asked her how she was holding up. “Surviving,” she had said, but this wasn’t a way she wanted… Continue reading After Surviving
“For thus said the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, ‘In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.’” Isaiah 30:15 This past year felt kind of like being pulled onto an out-of-control train with no destination. Quiet seems like the last possible word I… Continue reading A Quiet Year: Reflecting on God’s Promises
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