Yesterday, we were introduced to Anna, a widowed prophetess, and we observed how she spent her life in dedicated service to God. Next, let's consider how Anna responded to pain. Seven years into marriage, her husband died, and she responded by heading to the temple. And she never stopped. You might wonder if her husband was secretly a nightmare and his death, though painful, was actually a welcomed reprieve for Anna. I suppose it's possible, but a culture like theirs didn't produce as many violent or twisted men as ours does. Her society's weakness was that it made life very hard for unmarried women, making Anna's husband's death a very severe trial.
Read moreCoping With Extreme Pressure (Psalm 17)
Sunday Teaching: Coping With Extreme Pressure (Psalm 17)
Read moreWhat Does It Mean To "Count It All Joy" When We Meet Trials? (James 1:2)
In the opening line of his letter, the half-brother of Jesus cracked open the life of faith. It will have to press through trials—and it should interpret them correctly. (2 Minutes/600 Words)
Read moreWhole-Hearted Work #2—Why Work Is Hard (Genesis 3:17-19)
{Sunday Teaching] Whole-Hearted Work #2—Why Work Is Hard (Genesis 3:17-19)
Read moreGroaning for Resurrection (Romans 8:18-25)
Nearly 2,000 years ago, on a Sunday morning a couple of days removed from the Passover, in Israel, a group of women went to a tomb. Their beloved teacher, leader, and friend had been crucified. They had hoped he was the one to save the world from its chaos and brokenness. Instead, he had suffered and died at the hands of jealous religious leaders, the Roman government, and a bloodthirsty mob. Still, he was special to them, and because he'd been buried with haste, they determined to go to his grave to complete his burial process. (9 Minutes/2300 Words)
Read moreThe Curse - How the World Is (Genesis 3:14-19)
After Adam and Eve fall into sin, God started in on the serpent. He would then address the woman, and finally, the man. (8 Minutes/2000 Words)
Read moreArchival Post & Podcast: One Way "Having A Peace About It" Could Mislead You
“I have no peace about it,” someone says. “So I will not do it.” With the right spirit, this is a prudent mechanism for discerning God’s will. But if what you mean is, “I will not have peace if I do it,” you might be in error. (2 Minutes/500 Words)
Read moreBook Excerpt: Let Us Hear
John was an incredible man with an incredible life story. Peter or Paul he was not. God had a different plan for his life. Paul had traveled and written profusely. Peter had led and taught courageously. John had endured an exhorted lovingly. He is nearing the end of his race when he receives the final book of the Bible - the Revelation of Jesus Christ. (3 Minutes/800 Words)
Read moreWhen You Feel Worn Down, He is Faithful (Job 14:18-19)
Job's hope was at its low ebb. Through his trials, in his despair, every expectation of good was displaced. He felt like a mountain crumbling away. Or like a stone pummeled by the waters until it became nothing. Hope eroded, worn down. Desperation filled his heart. (2 Minutes/500 Words)
Read moreGood Pain (Psalm 119:71)
It's an astounding confession. The psalmist felt his affliction was good. Looking back on it, he realized he learned the Word of God *because of his affliction*. The pain was his professor. (1 Minute/200 Words)
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