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Values That Last: Intro

I’m going to begin a series of blogs taken from a small group study course our church is promoting. The title of this course is called “Values That Last” and was presented to those who wished to participate, as a “small-group-in-a-bag”. Within this bag everything that is needed to lead and maintain a group is there: Study books, group leader guide, DVD (for leader instruction and group lessons), pens, name tags, invite cards, and contact information for further support by our church. All of this was provided completely free of charge. My husband and I will be working together on … Continue reading →

Trials of Faith: Trial by Fire

God can take the trials of our lives and turn them into glory for Him if we will allow it. When going through difficult times, I try to look at the situation as a refining of my faith. I know God didn’t make the trial happen, but that He can use it to show me that He is in control because He is God. Taking a look at 1 Peter 4:12-13: “Beloved, do not thing it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that … Continue reading →

Trials and Faith: The Storm

One of my favorite Bible stories is the one about Peter in the storm. I can relate so much to this story. Here’s an overview of what happens in Matthew 14:22-33: Jesus’ disciples were in a boat at night during a storm in the midst of the sea. While straining to row, Jesus appeared to them walking on the water. The men were frightened at first wondering if they were looking at a ghost. But Jesus told them, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” Peter tested the Lord by suggesting, if it is really Him, … Continue reading →

Trials and Faith: Why is This Happening?

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In preparing to wrap up my series of Trials and Faith, I receive and email from a long time best-friend. It was a heartfelt prayer request for her friend’s family. This urgent request inspired me to write this blog and release it now rather than later. The prayer request was regarding a little boy who is now 3 who’d had brain cancer. He’d gone through at least radiation treatment, only to find out recently, his cancer returned. It was told to me that he will not be able to have any further radiation treatment and the type of cancer he … Continue reading →

Trials and Faith: Intro

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You may have heard it said there are three kinds of people: Those who have been through trials, those who are going through trials, and those who are going to go through trials. Throughout the Bible we are told of the trials and tribulations to come. We live in a fallen world and none of us are exempt. Satan’s mission is simple; he comes to rob steal and destroy (John10:10). I’m starting a series on various trials and faith. I will be talking about common trials and hardships in our lives, persecution of the Christian church, martyrs, and what we … Continue reading →

New Year’s Resolution: Growing Spiritually

If you have decide to increase your spirituality as one of your New Year’s resolutions, this is a great goal. You can do many things to help you draw closer to the Lord. However you may want to be careful as you pray. Often when I have prayed for increased strength, faith or knowledge, I have been blessed with a trial to help me grow stronger. Here are some things you can do to better your relationship with the Lord this year. 1) Study the scriptures and the words of the prophets this year. There is no better way to … Continue reading →

How Not to Give Advice – Part 3

What we believe affects our world view, as we saw yesterday with Eliphaz. Our world view then affects the way we give advice and the words we say. When we come to Job’s next counselor, Bildad, we see he is a traditionalist. His knowledge of God is theoretical and scholarly not experiential. He is like the person who has all the head knowledge but does not apply it or have a relationship with God. Bildad finds it hard to comprehend how a man can be just before God and have a relationship with the Almighty, Job 25:4-6. Bildad starts from … Continue reading →

How Not To Give Advice

If you want to know how not to give advice, take a look at the book of Job. For anyone who finds themselves in a counseling situation, this book is invaluable. We have been studying the book of Job in our home bible study group. Rather than going through it in a chronological way, we were encouraged to read the book through to get an overview, then we have been looking at each of the characters and what they have to say. Job’s wife is only seen once during this book. It is far from a flattering picture. She is … Continue reading →

Life’s Tests

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Not one of us will be exempt from the testing of our faith in this world. And when stepping out in faith we often experience risks, changes, sometimes tragedy, or face any number of different problems. Abraham understood this, Moses understood this, Job understood it and most definitely Jesus knew this. 5 of Life’s Tests: Change: Change can be a frightening thing especially if we’re used to taking control of our own lives. I’m an analytical person. Organization and direction help me to feel safe and in control. So when there is change in my life it is a test … Continue reading →

Bless Those Who Persecute You

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Why on earth would we want to bless those who are wicked toward us? Romans 12:14, “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” Romans 12:21, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Matthew 5:44, “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” I believe the answer to this is simple: the ability to forgive and to stand out as a light to others is something that sets us a part … Continue reading →