The thread of eternity

The apostle Paul suffered extreme physical torture for most of his life, yet he described it as "light affliction." How could Paul seem so at peace with this? He knew that our lives are very short compared to eternity.

The apostle Paul encouraged the church at Corinth to forgive and receive a man who had slandered him. Paul's willingness to forgive undid the divisive work that had been done in the church. Paul attributes these works to the ultimate evil force, the devil himself. What devices divide us from our fellow believers? Are we willing to attribute our fears and suspicions to the work of the devil?

Speaking Truth to Powerful Men

When the people we trust to protect us use their power to hide their own corruption, the courageous will speak the truth. Nathan the prophet demonstrated unusual courage when confronting David, the beloved king of Israel. David had broken the law and tried to cover it up, but he couldn't hide his sins from God, or from God's prophet. What secret sins do we try to cover-up?

Ouch - You're really only hurting yourself

The Apostle Paul warns Christians not to hurt each other, because all Christians are part of the same body. Therefore, hurting our fellow-believers is like hurting part of ourselves (Rom 12:4-6). Paul demonstrates this when he asks the Church at Corinth to restore a member who had slandered Paul but later repented (2 Co 2). How willing are we to accept others who claim Chris but seem different?

In the depths of despair

There are times in each of our lives when experience great sadness and hope is hard to find. The apostle Paul provides a formula to help us find that elusive hope: Remember all of the times God did come through for you and Believe in the all of the things God promises he will do. We can also seek the consoling hope that others who have lived our pain can provide. 2 Co 1:3-11

Jesus questioned Peter's love - but how?

In John 21 Jesus asks Peter three times if he (Peter) loves me (Jesus) more than "these." The reference to "these" is pretty open-ended. Maybe Jesus was referring to the objects nearby that represented Peter's professional life (fisherman), thus asking if Peter loved Jesus more than his old life. Maybe Jesus was making a reference to the others around Peter - asking if Peter still believed that he loved Jesus more than anyone else could. Both questions are worth our consideration - do we love Jesus more than anything or anyone, and are we aware of others who love Jesus like we do.

What words do those around you hear?

In Paul's second letter to young Timothy, he reveals the kind of words Timothy was used to hearing from his teacher. The opening is filled with words of encouragement and affirmation. Paul thanks God for Timothy and fondly recalls their work together. What words do you give those around you?