Can deep affliction and abiding faith coexist? Yes. We find a wealth of examples in the more than sixty lament psalms in the Bible. It’s safe to say that Jesus knew all of the psalms by heart. He’d sung them all his life. In Jesus’ day, every devout Jew knew every psalm by heart. There are only 150 of them. How many songs do you know? While Jesus hung on the cross for … 
In the Old Testament book of 1 Kings, we read about the Queen of Sheba who travels a long distance to Jerusalem because she has heard about the great wisdom of King Solomon. She comes to check it out for herself. “She said to the king, ‘The report I heard in my own country about your achievements and your wisdom is true. But I did not believe these things until I came and … 
As we face uncertain days ahead do you ever feel powerless to make any positive contribution in this crazy, chaotic world that seems to be in a free fall? Even as God’s people we underestimate God’s power and forget that his power is inside us. We don’t fully grasp what God wants to do in us and through us. The Apostle Paul prays that we will be spiritually enlightened about the power … 
Doors tell stories. • At the time of the flood, God shuts the door to the ark, preserving the chosen few, while the rest of creation perishes. • God warns Cain that sin crouches at the door and waits to master him. • Sarah listens from the doorway of her tent as angels speak of a coming son. She laughs. • From the peephole of his door, Lot smells trouble … 
Do you ever see scary movie trailers on TV and wonder, “Who would pay money to go to a movie knowing they’re going to be scared out of their wits?” Soft orchestra music lures you in, and then suddenly the villain’s grotesque face appears on the screen, larger than life, and the audience recoils in shock and fear. Not my idea of enjoyable entertainment, though obviously popular with many. I’m much more concerned … |