The Joy We Find in Gratitude

. . . and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.—Acts 5:40b-41

For years, Thanksgiving week became the time when I would focus on (more…)

Speaking Truth to Power

O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
You discern my thoughts from afar.—Psalm 139:1-2 (ESV)

Our society has clung to the idea of speaking truth to power in an effort to effect change. The term often is used in the face of perceived oppression or powerlessness. What if the powers to (more…)

The God of All Grace

Now the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will personally restore, establish, strengthen and support you after you have suffered a little while. – 1 Peter 5:10

This verse jumped out at me as I read through my Sunday school lesson a few weeks ago, so I immediately wrote it on an index card (more…)

Glory in Suffering

Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So, when He heard that he was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was. – John 11:5-6

I’ve talked before about those precious Jobian friends who are quick to point an accusing finger in our times of suffering. Surely we’re suffering because of our sin, they tell us. (more…)

The Year of Joy

Rejoice always. – 1 Thessalonians 5:16

For the Chinese, 2016 will be the year of the red fire monkey. For me, it will be the year of joy.

Compassion has challenged Christian bloggers to come up with a one-word theme for the coming year. To be honest, aside from some encouraging strides in my relationship with my father, 2015 wasn’t such a great (more…)