But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. (II Corinthians 4:7-9, NKJV)…
I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In the world you have trouble and suffering, but take courage – I have conquered the world. (John 16:33, New English Translation) The Book of Job tells the story of “the greatest of all the men…
[do_widget id=polylang-2] We all have them. Some more than others. James tells us to count them all joy (1:2), but it’s easier said than done. The book of Job offers wisdom for trusting God in times of distress. When Job emerged from his test of faith, he told God, “I…
“The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and a man is tested by his praise.” (Proverbs 27:21, English Standard Version). I think it is safe to say none of us will escape experiencing tough times at some point in life. John 16:33 tells us, “In the…
Life Reference: Mark 6:41-44, Matthew 14:19-21 Focus Verse: And straightway He constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while He sent away the people. (Mark 6:45) I find it interesting that Jesus sent the disciples on vacation (or so…
“The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, Arise, and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words. Then I went down to the potter’s house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. And the vessel that he made of…
“And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;” II Peter 1:6 “Patience is a virtue, possess it if you can; seldom found in woman, and never found in man.” This little verse may be funny, but not completely true. My husband was one of the most…
You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you. (2 Chronicles 20:17, NIV)…
“When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” Isaiah 43:2 My childhood was not ideal. It…