The silence of God is something we all must endure, but we must never misinterpret it. Sometimes, God seems distant, and prayers appear unanswered, but that does not mean he is absent or abandoned his people. It is where our faith is to be exercised, as he always has more magnificent plans in motion than … Continue reading The Silence of God
Even in the midst of Christmas merriment, we cannot help remembering those who have passed away. The longer we live, the more we feel to stand alone. The old faces will rise before the eyes of our minds, and the old voices will sound in our ears, even in the midst of holiday mirth and … Continue reading Christmas Joy Mingled with Sorrow
My father is now in his mid-80s and is retired from pastoring due to health issues, but he still fills the pulpit occasionally. One of the struggles his health gives him is shortness of breath, yet it has never stopped him from preaching. Several times, he has been sitting in the pew waiting to preach, … Continue reading Walking in God’s Strength
I thought I could do it alone, but I found out I could not do it at all. Every time I fell, I would get up and promise myself it would be the last time. I would find the point of weakness, put a fence around it, and promise to stay away, but the fences … Continue reading I Thought I Could Do It Alone
We often live as if we deserve mercy from the hands of the Lord. Some seem to believe He is obligated to provide it to us. Many people seem to assume he is at fault if he does not give equal mercy to all. All of these assumptions are wrong. A god who is required … Continue reading God’s Mercy Truly is Mercy
If you are burdened with heavy responsibilities or battles, you will find encouragement in the book of Joshua as the Lord fights for Israel. You may be in over your head, unable to match the strength of what is before you, but you have a heavenly Father who can effectively act on your behalf. Right … Continue reading The Lord Will Fight for You
Justification and sanctification are not the same. Justification happens outside of us; sanctification takes place within us. One is about having righteousness credited to us, while the other involves righteousness being infused in us. Justification is a one-time event; sanctification is a gradual process. One person may be more sanctified than another, but no one … Continue reading The Difference Between Justification and Sanctification
We live in a world full of revilers and mockers. Even Christians can fall into this behavior, but against the Lord and his people, there seems to be no limit to the blasphemies that come out of the mouths of men. It will soon come to an end. In the book of Joshua, we find … Continue reading Silencing the Mockers Tongue
Salvation is an achievement no one could attain on their own; not even the mightiest angels in Heaven could accomplish it. The consequences of sin, including the anger of Almighty God, had to be addressed. Who could bear this immense burden? It would instantly crush even the mightiest archangel. No one could endure it except … Continue reading More Than Atonement
We have all likely learned lessons by considering Israel's defeat at Ai in Joshua chapter 7. However, a small detail in their eventual victory over the city in chapter 8 sheds light on two important truths. When the people went against Jericho, they were to take no spoil. Everything was to be destroyed except the … Continue reading Avoiding Achan’s Errors
The Fight of Faith 