Tag Archives: suffering

Forgetful and Fruitful

We don’t know exactly how many years there were between the two boys, but we do know that Joseph and his wife had to come up with two baby names within seven years. And it must have been quite a … Continue reading →

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The Faultfinder

Spent the last couple of days driving down to California to do Christmas with the family at the Scott River Lodge, the retreat center managed by my son-in-law and daughter. Although the lodge is more than big enough to accommodate … Continue reading →

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Stop

It might be the best advice given yet. After thirty-five chapters of listening to their unproductive debate, the young upstart, having held his tongue as long as he could, may have been the most in tune with Job’s greatest need. … Continue reading →

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The Whole Promise

If I’m honest, there are some promises in Scripture that I’d just as soon not claim as my own. Some, I’d rather not even be reminded of. I came across one of those in John 16 this morning where Jesus … Continue reading →

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Worn Out Yet Worshiping

What a contrast between two of my readings this morning. Job is overwhelmed by his many sores, his mental anguish, and his miserable comforters, and so says, “Surely now God has worn me out” (Job 16:7a). Mary, on the other … Continue reading →

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The Hedge

Job wants out. “I give,” he cries. Life, or what’s left of it, is just too hard. Everything he worked for, his herds and flocks, were gone. Everything he sacrificed for, his children, gone too. Everything he drew on to … Continue reading →

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Bless

It’s been my experience that when the circumstances of life get difficult it often puts strain on relationships. Show me a couple in the pressure cooker of financial need and it won’t surprise me if, from time to time, they … Continue reading →

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The Harvest

God is in the fruit making business. That’s the testimony of Scripture this morning. I encountered two witnesses to that fact–one in the Old Testament ,the other in the New. And they testify that though the growing process might be … Continue reading →

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Misery Loves Company

Prayed with a friend after second service yesterday. She updated Sue and I on the latest details concerning a trial her and her husband have been undergoing for some time now. And it’s not like encountering this trial has been … Continue reading →

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Trusting, Even in the Testing

Worn out! Weary, exhausted. At the end of one’s rope. Done! That’s how Job’s feeling this morning in chapter sixteen. Numbed by the mental anguish. Little strength left to deal with the physical pain. Not sure he can take much … Continue reading →

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