Not everything that is good for us seems like a positive thing in the short run, but the long-term payoff can be amazing
Tag: Suffering
Unanswered Prayers…or Not?
Would God the Father ever not answer one of Jesus' (God the Son's) prayers?
A Purpose for Suffering
There is a lot of suffering in this world. However, rather than blaming it all on afflicted people not following God, can we get out ahead of it and glorify Him?
When Criticism is Earned
We may not like unsolicited criticism, but is it always unwarranted?
The Gift of Giving Things Up for Jesus
Are there blessings and opportunities that are worth any cost?
Prosperity Doesn’t Equal Virtue
What happens when we draw a single, straight line between one's behavior and success?
Examine the Cross
What can we learn from questions that we can't answer?
If You Can’t Be a Good Friend, Be a Warning of What Not To Do
What can we learn about being a good friend, from some examples of not-so-great friends in the Bible? (Notes for a "remotely-taught" Sunday School lesson, June 7, 2020.)
Bad Interview Questions
Sometimes, the truthful answer to a bad interview question would reveal something that we don't want to share.
It’s Bad for You
If I want to eat junk food (or the spiritual equivalent), what does it really matter?
Back in the Game
We may know how to get well after an injury, but what do we do once we get better?
Is Anyone Home?
Would you let a phone keep ringing if you knew that a friend on the other end of the line needed something from you?
Not a Museum
Caring for others, like caring for our homes, is a lot of work. There's no need to pretend, though.
It’s Not a Contest
If one person is being harmed by sin's effects more than another, which one is more in need of healing from Jesus?
Useful Sorrow
Can sorrow or pain lead to something better? I certainly hope so!
Starting Out In the Wilderness
The times of life when it seems we are in the wasteland can be difficult, but they can also provide a chance to step into something better.
Faces on a Passing Train
With experience, we find that both the good times and the bad times come and go. What do we do during the bad times, though?
Truth in Advertising
The truth about following Jesus doesn't need our help to sugar-coat it. While our message must be presented in a relevant way, the world needs to see the whole picture.
I [Don’t] Know How You Feel
I don't know how you feel, but I know Someone who does.
Those Who Sin Differently 