Some of the greatest stories of faith are those of people whose names are not known. One of these is a woman who is called ‘the Shunammite’. This is not her name, it simply identifies her as a woman from Shunem. Yet her story, found in 2 Kings 4, is truly amazing.
You are Treasured – 3
Is it really worthwhile serving God? This question, asked by God’s people in the time of Malachi, is still asked today. The prophet urges us not to only look at our present situation, but to see the future. God is in control and He has planned good things for His children, but we need to trust Him, even when trials come.
You are Treasured – 2
Do you sometimes wonder if it is worthwhile serving God? The people in the time of Malachi the prophet did. Look at what they said:
“You have said, ‘It is futile to serve God. What do we gain by carrying out His requirements. But now we call the arrogant blessed.
You are Treasured – 1
Often we sing about how precious the Lord is to us, but he wants you to know that you are precious to him!
In Old Testament times the High Priest wore a breastplate with four rows of precious stones on it. Each stone represented one of the 12 tribes of Israel, and these were carried over his heart, so he could bring them before God.
The Cross – 3
There is a hymn written over 100 years ago by George Bennard, known as ‘The Old Rugged Cross’.
The first verse goes like this: ‘On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
the emblem of suffering and shame; and I love that old cross where the dearest and best, for a world of lost sinners was slain.’
The Cross – 2
What does the cross mean to you? Is it just a symbol used on a church building, or worn around your neck? Philippians 2:6 and 8 speaks of Jesus like this: “Who, being in very likeness God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped …
And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross.” Read more…
The Cross – 1
Some people wear a cross as a piece of jewelry, while others hang one inside their car. For many it is only a religious symbol. However the cross is far more than that! It is central to all God has done for us. The cross is ‘the power of God for everyone who believes.’
In Philippians 2:6-11 there is a beautiful hymn about Jesus, that was possibly sung by the early church.
Purpose in Life – 2
Your life has purpose! Do you remember as a child having many different ideas of what you wanted to do when you grew up? Perhaps those ideas kept changing! Within each of us though, is a desire to know what we have been created for – our purpose.
Often God gives us glimpses into this long before it happens. Let’s look at the life of Abraham.
Purpose in Life – 1
The other day I was working on a jigsaw puzzle wtih my grandson. “Let’s begin with the corner piece,” I suggested. Gradually the picture took shape, but it looked as if one piece was missing. Finally we found it hidden under a chair.
God has an amazing plan for man – a plan of redemption, that is built around his Son, Jesus Christ.
Go for Gold! – 3
There was one scene at the recent Olympic Games that captured the world’s attention. Two athletes, one a New Zealander and the other an American, fell in the 5000 meter race. They helped each other up, and although the American girl was injured, they both finished the race in the last two places. That is perseverance! In Hebrews 12:1 it says, “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”
