Where to go in sorrow is one of life's great questions. For there are none to whom sorrow does not come at some time. The Master, whose footprints are on all life's paths, shows us the way to the refuge in the time of trouble. He found it in prayer. "Being in agony, He prayed." … Continue reading Prayers of Sorrow
In this, you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials. - 1 Peter 1:6 Those two little words, “if necessary,” contain a world of truth. In the prior verses, Peter has just informed us of our glorious salvation in Jesus and the new birth he has … Continue reading If Necessary, You Have Been Grieved
This morning I had the privilege of joining the Kurt and Kate Morning Show on Moody Radio in Florida. The purpose of the visit was to discuss a recent devotion I posted by J.R. Miller on Self-Denial. In our culture, it seems contradictory to say that self-denial could be a good thing because, according to … Continue reading Christian Self-Denial
Those who teach works must be added to faith as a condition for salvation can never tell you when you have done enough. This fact alone exposes the reason why you will never find assurance of salvation in their systems. The problems with believing our right standing before God is a result of Christ’s work … Continue reading Set Aside Your Corroded Crown
Whether Christ returns or calls us home through death, the end of all things is at hand. Death is the great clarifier. When we have a brush with our final enemy, death, it is incredible how many things in our lives become insignificant. The petty concerns seem to melt away. Trivial distractions are exposed as … Continue reading The End of All Things is at Hand
The sin of pride is one of the most destructive things in our lives. For the non-believer, since they do not honor God and trust in Christ for their salvation, their entire life is controlled by it. However, for the Christian, even though we look to Jesus, pride can still hold sway. It lures us … Continue reading The Mighty Hand of God
Sometimes you are called to preach from the pit. Pain, suffering, grief, and sorrow are not reasons for the minister to back away from his calling to proclaim the word of God; they are often reasons to lean into it. Times of peace and comfort highlight certain truths as we study scripture, but there are … Continue reading Preaching from the Pit
I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. - Philippians 4:11 How can we learn contentment? One step toward contentment is patient submission to unavoidable ills and hardships. No earthly lot is perfect. No mortal ever yet in this world, has found a set of circumstances without some drawback. There are trials … Continue reading How to Learn Contentment
What is God doing when he tests our faith? Why is it necessary that our faith be tested? What are some of the ways he tests our faith? How are we to respond in times of testing? I recently had the privilege of preaching a sermon called, The Test of Your Faith at Bethel Grace … Continue reading The Test of Your Faith
If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. - Luke 9:23-24 This law of the dying of self, and the magnifying of Christ is … Continue reading Self-Denial Leads to Happiness
