For Those Who Are Waiting in a Time of Grief and Pain

This week, my daily Bible reading took me through Isaiah 30 which has much to say to those who wait with grieving and pain-filled hearts. You may be waiting for someone to love and cherish you... waiting for the privilege to bear children, waiting for healing for a terminal illness, waiting for a prodigal child … Continue reading For Those Who Are Waiting in a Time of Grief and Pain

Pain that Prompts Worship – Part Two

Let’s be honest. Our earthly pilgrimage often involves pain. Genesis 47:1-12 does not fit our notion of a good testimony. In this passage, Jacob tells Pharaoh that his life has been short and sour. That isn’t a very good case for Christianity is it? The thrust of much evangelism today is that trusting Christ and … Continue reading Pain that Prompts Worship – Part Two

The Pain that Prompts Our Worship – The Life of Jacob

Steven Curtis Chapman has released more than 20 records. He’s won five grammys and seven “Artist of the Year” dove awards. He is certainly recognized as one of the finest artists in the Christian music industry. However, none of that mattered a couple of years ago when his five year old daughter, Maria, died after … Continue reading The Pain that Prompts Our Worship – The Life of Jacob

Enduring Earthly Frowns with Heaven’s Smile – Acts 7

Attached is the link for our Vespers service that focuses on Acts 7 and the sermon and sufferings of Stephen. Enduring Earthly Frowns with Heaven's Smile

The Purpose of God-Sent Afflictions

To be thankful only for our comforts is to make an idol of this life. “God-sent afflictions,” says Maurice Roberts, “have a health-giving effect upon the soul” because they are the medicine used to purge the soul of self-centeredness and this world’s vanities. Pain, in other words, sharpens us, matures us, and gives us clear … Continue reading The Purpose of God-Sent Afflictions

True Worship and the Way of the Cross

In my studies this past week I came across a helpful insight from a commentary written by John Oswalt that covers Isaiah chapters 40-66. The focused Scripture of his comment is Isaiah 66:5 which says: "Hear the word of the LORD, you who tremble at his word: "Your brothers who hate you and cast you … Continue reading True Worship and the Way of the Cross