2 Corinthians 11:23, 30-31 – Are they servants of Christ? I am better one – I am talking like a madman – with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death…If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. The God and Father of the … Read more
1 Thessalonians 3:4 – For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know. Teaching people how to suffer well is crucial, and the people were well-taught by Paul and applied what they had been told in … Read more
1 Thessalonians 2:2 – But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict. In any battle, the ultimate goal is to eliminate the highest-ranking leader on the other side of the fight. In … Read more
Nehemiah 6:12 – And I understood and saw that God had not sent him, but he had pronounced the prophecy against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. Despite the failed efforts to divert and disgrace Nehemiah, his enemies persisted in attacking, trying to deceive the people supporting him (Nehemiah 6:10-14). They weaponized his … Read more
Nehemiah 6:3 – And I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?” Critics opposed to Nehemiah’s ministry since he first arrived at the city are again united to divert from the mission … Read more
Nehemiah 6:2 – Sanballat and Geshem sent to me, saying, “Come and let us meet together at Hakkephirim in the plain of Ono.” But they intended to do me harm. In any competitive sporting event, the last few minutes are the most intense and exciting. As one team is pressing toward their victory, their opponent … Read more
James 5:11 – Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful. In this section of James, he mentions a man from the Old Testament named Job. The book of Job is … Read more
James 5:7-8 – Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Because … Read more
James 5:7-8 – Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. How … Read more
James 1:17-18 – Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. This Thanksgiving season, there seems … Read more
James 5:8 – You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Life on planet earth is so brutal that no one makes it out alive. One of the first things most people wish as soon as God saves them is that Jesus would return – soon! Some folks get … Read more
James 5:11 – Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful. As a pastor, you get the honor of having a front-row seat to the most sacred days in people’s lives. On one of … Read more