One of the ways that Jesus avoided potential discouragement amidst difficult circumstances was to focus on God’s will. The ultimate test of submission to his Father’s will takes place in the Garden of Gethsemane, where his suffering spirit cries out, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what … Read More
The circumstances Jesus faced would have caused the strongest of individuals to feel sorry for themselves. Consider: His own family didnāt believe his message and desired his destruction. When he prayed, he didnāt get the answer he desired. He was betrayed by Judas, a professing friend. He was falsely accused, and unjustly tried. His most devoted followers first slept and … Read More
The new year is often a stimulus for change. New Year’s resolutions abound. We may even be bold enough to share them with others. After all, we don’t want to still be eating Christmas cookies in February, nor buying Christmas gifts in March. We know we cannot live like December the other elevenĀ monthsĀ of the year. While we may start … Read More
The LORD said to CainĀ . . . āWhy are you angry and why has your face fallen? (Genesis 4:6)Ā Throughout the Scriptures God asks questions for which he knows the answers. He uses these questions to move the listener towards change. As a friend of mine once shared, A question stirs the conscience, but an accusation hardens the will (Ken … Read More
At the beginning of Mosesā ministry, God made him a promise: āI will be with you” (Exodus 3:12). At his retirement, 40 years later it was said of him, āAnd there has not arisen a prophet . . . like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face,Ā none like him for all the signs and the wonders that the LORD … Read More
My friend Mike is training to run a marathon. Heās in his fifties, so he watches what he eats and gets up early to run several days a week with friends. Heās always loved running. He once told me that he feels total freedom when he runs, but youāll never see Mike run alone. He always runs with friends. Heās … Read More
