Compassion

Photo by Jonny Gios on Unsplash Job’s story shows us that questioning God is not “wrong” – but God’s “answers” won’t always satisfy us. How do we ask questions without doubting God’s ultimate justice? Scripture:        Job, chapters 39-40; 1 Corinthians, chapters 13-14 Job 40:6-14 (CEB): The Lord answered Job from the whirlwind: “Prepare yourself like a man; I will interrogate you, and you will respond to me. Would you question […]

Photo by Mei-Ling Mirow on Unsplash Our nation becomes more bitter and divided each day. November 13 is World Kindness Day; what does the Bible say about kindness? The Fruit of the Spirit Is…Kindness But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law (Galatians 5:22-23). The word translated “kindness” in Galatians 5:22 is chrestotes. “It is […]

Photo by Brett Patzke on Unsplash In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul reminds us that the Holy Spirit gives spiritual gives “just as He wills.” So why do we divide ourselves over spiritual gifts? Scripture:        Job, chapters 37-38; 1 Corinthians, chapter 12 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 (CEB): Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. There are varieties of effects, […]

Photo by Ashkan Forouzani on Unsplash November 9 is World Adoption Day. Scripture tells us that believers are adopted by God, but what exactly does that mean? Scriptural Passages – Children of God But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believed in His name, who were born, nor of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, […]

Photo by Kenny Eliason on Unsplash November 9 is World Adoption Day. Is there a Christian view of child adoption? What does the Bible say about it? Old Testament Passages Relating to Child Adoption What Old Testament passages mention or at least hint at the subject of child adoption? He executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and shows His love for the stranger by giving him food and […]

Photo by Grant Whitty on Unsplash In Galatians 4, Paul contrasts our status as children of God with “the weak and worthless world system” that enslaves us. What does he mean? Scripture:        Job, chapter 30; Psalm 120; Galatians, chapters 3-4 Galatians 3:26 – 4:9 (CEB): You are all God’s children through faith in Christ Jesus. All of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is […]

Photo by Artem Sapegin on Unsplash We live in the “Information Age” – we can find out anything on the internet with the click of a button. But where can wisdom be found? With God! Scripture:        Job, chapters 28-29; Galatians, chapters 1-2 Job 28:12-28 (CEB): But wisdom, where can it be found; where is the place of understanding? Humankind doesn’t know its value; it isn’t found in the land of […]

Photo by Sixteen Miles Out on Unsplash Who can understand God? God is infinite, all-knowing, all-powerful, and ever-present? The things we see are “only the outer fringe of His ways” (Job 26:14). Scripture:        Job, chapters 26-27; Mark, chapters 15-16 Job 26:5-14 (CEB): The dead writhe, the inhabitants beneath the waters as well. The grave is naked before God; the underworld lacks covering. He stretched the North over chaos, hung earth […]

Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash Our country is probably more divided than it’s ever been. Campaigns seem to emphasize an “us vs. them” mentality. What part can Christian faith play in mending our divisions over elections? Mending Our Divisions: Personal Aspects of Faith How can our faith help us personally to move beyond the negative emotions that election season engenders? First, we need to keep our priorities straight. In […]