Finding Joy in a Culture Hostile to Christianity | Philippians 1:27-30

The at large citizens of Philippi, along with the chamber of commerce and authorities from City Hall, went out of their way to treat Christians harshly. So, Paul addressed this conflict forced upon the Philippian believers by the society in which they lived. He wrote, not because he wanted his readers to pity themselves, but because he wanted to help them find joy in a culture that held venomous hostility toward Christ and His followers. How did he make that happen? However he made it happen, it can happen for you as well.

Inquiry, Intrigue, and Insult | Genesis 25:22-34

Smooth sailing? That’s not how it worked out for Rebekah, and it’s not likely to work out that way for you and me. She faced trouble, trial and anxiety, finding herself engulfed by overwhelming circumstances though in the center of God’s will and work. What should she do? Complain? Take things into her own hands? Fortunately, she followed the example of her husband, but what about the rest of the family, especially Jacob? He was cool and calculating, crafty and subtle. He seems to be an unworthy and contemptible choice as an instrument of God. And yet . . .

Leaving My What to Whom? | Genesis 25:1-8

One well-respected commentator says that a Christian has no right to leave property and possessions to an unsaved child. Does that idea produce tension in your mind ang heart? Consider a couple of questions. How serious we are in the belief that God owns all we have? Do we actually believe that God is the giver of all we have? Finally, how much do we want that with which we have been entrusted to be under God’s direction, even when we leave it to others?

Finding Joy in Difficult Circumstances | Philippians 1:12-25

Which is the more important question – Did I lose my job today, or how is it going with the gospel? Is a member of my family in the hospital, or how is it going with the gospel? Is my teenager causing trouble at home, or how is it going with the gospel? Did I make the team, or how is it going with the gospel? Paul found joy in the midst of his difficulty because he had no agenda other than the exaltation of Jesus Christ in and through his life whether by life or by death. This is radical stuff. Proceed with caution.

Which Girl Is My Girl? | Genesis 24:5-65

Abraham taught his servant to bathe every action in prayer.  There is no doubt that fervent supplication for divine leadership marked each step of his journey.  He probably began each day with prayer and ended each day with prayer.  As he prayed, however, he kept traveling.  He did not use prayer as an excuse for idleness.  He prayed and worked at the same time.  Prayer does not make work unnecessary, but prayer is essential if one’s work is to be effective.  What was this servant’s work?  He searched for the right woman who would be a wife to Abraham’s son, Isaac.  Which girl would be Isaac’s girl, and why?  The answer awaits.