The first unhealthy question we ask ourselves during difficult times in life is "Why?" The second unhealthy question people often ask is "Who sent this to me - God or Satan?" This is another one of those questions that usually has no answer; you probably will not know in this life. Sometimes we get really bogged down in who is producing the difficulties. Is this a test from Satan? Is this a test from God? The Bible speaks to both of those ideas. God’s word definitely teaches us that Satan is allowed to test us; he is allowed to bring difficult things into our lives. In John 10:10 is says Satan comes to kill, steal and destroy. Or in...
When I look at the ancient text of the Bible book of Joshua and think about what it is saying to me today – because you do know that every Bible book written has something to say to us today no matter how ancient – what does Joshua say to me? I start thinking…Have I been to “Egypt”? Has anything happened in my life that could be like Egypt was for the Israelite nation? Have I struggled and been refined? Have I grown into what God wants for me? Am I ready to take on the tasks He has set ahead of me? I believe that God grows us and refines us in all sorts of ways. But bad...
If someone asked you, "How do you know you are blessed?" What would you say? Would you think about all your possessions, the house you live in, your children, your grandchildren, having a bed to sleep in, food to eat...? Would you think about all those things that make you feel loved, and warm, safe, and happy? Yes, those truly are great blessings to have and lots of people today don't even have the basic life necessities of food, clothing and shelter. But does your list and life's basic necessities really identify you as being blessed? The Psalms are so rich in teaching us who God is and who we are to be (or not to be!). Open your bible...
When I recognize that God rules every realm of this world, how should I respond? In the Old Testament book of Psalms we can see many valid and appropriate responses. Let's start with Praise. The writers of the Psalms certainly understand the power of praising God’s name. Psalm 29 Ascribe to the Lord, O mighty ones Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness. Or Psalm 104 Praise the Lord, O my soul. O Lord you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty. I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as...