As we come to the end of another year (can you believe it?!), our culture is floundering. Effects of COVID (and of politicians’ attempts to control it), violent groups destroying cities (under the guise of confronting violence), and news media which most no longer believe, have undermined our traditional foundations. Our nation’s ‘soul’ already wounded
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having
Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; For the LORD GOD is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation. Isaiah 12.2 Looking into the (still) future, the prophet Isaiah saw a distant day when, after long judgment for her sin, Israel is restored in a
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16 Having a ‘high priest’ may seem strange to you, but we have one – Jesus! That’s what the author of Hebrews is talking about in
He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” Mark 4:39-40 This is one of the favorite stories for children from the
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7 The first-century Christians Peter addressed in First Peter faced withering persecution. Living a faithful life led them to live changed
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 To a nation reeling from the Great Depression and facing an uncertain future, President Franklin Roosevelt in his
Old Testament prophecy is filled with references to “that day” – a ‘shorthand’ way the prophets referred to the coming time when God will write the final chapter in the history of this fallen world. The prophecies include details of great judgment and wrath (Amos 5.18-20; Isaiah 13.6-13; Zephaniah 1.14-15), and wonderful blessing and joy
A couple of months ago we all watched the news with amusement as reports of a virus in a city in China called Wuhan first surfaced. It was half a world away, and while it might be wreaking havoc there, we were safe. How wrong we were. The invisible (to the naked eye) virus has
We live in a world full of uncertainty. Millions have invested or paid into pension funds for years in order to secure their retirement years, only to lose some or all of it in stock market crashes or bankrupt pension funds. They were sure they would be provided for, then they weren’t. Cancer patients are
