The Testing of Abraham: When God Doesn’t Make Sense
“Some time later God tested Abraham. . . He said to him[later], ‘Abraham! Do not lay a hand on the boy[Isaac],’ he said. ‘Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear...
Category: God’s Redemptive Nature
Peter Sifted as Wheat: Why Jesus Allowed It
“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith will not fail; and you, when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers” Luke 22: 31, 32. Why Did Jesus Let Peter Get Sifted? So,...
Wait For It. . .Blessed Are Those Who Hunger Now
“Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will go hungry. . . Woe to you who laugh now, for you...
Why Did Jesus Call Judas Friend?
“Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: ‘The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.’ Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, ‘Greetings, Rabbi!’ and kissed him. Jesus replied, ‘Do what you came for,...
The Afflictions (Opportunities) of the Righteous
“Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all” Psalm 34:19. I think one reason a righteous person has many afflictions is because the Lord wants to teach us...
How Do All Things Work together for Good?
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be...
Count it All Joy Because It’s All Good
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may...
Beauty for Ashes: A Divine Exchange
“. . . And provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead...