Editor’s Note: This week I welcome guest blogger, Debbie Marks. Debbie has a degree in social work, served for 30+ in pastoral ministry alongside her husband, is an educator, leads Bible studies, and has been a retreat speaker. We all hit life’s unexpected potholes. The issue, then, is how we will respond to these inevitableContinue reading “The transforming power of gratitude – 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18, 25, Part 5”
Tag Archives: suffering
Evaluating YOLO, FOMO, and Bucket Lists – Advent Joy, Part 5
You know the acronyms YOLO and FOMO? “You only live once,” and “fear of missing out.” Those phrases describe a passion to have amazing experiences. As we have been studying the Apostle Paul’s perspective on his incarceration in Philippians 1, it almost sounds like he is using a version of YOLO or FOMO. But isContinue reading “Evaluating YOLO, FOMO, and Bucket Lists – Advent Joy, Part 5”
Super-sizing God, even in prison – Advent Joy, Part 4
In the last few years, I’ve spent a lot of time in prison. In 2023 a man from my church was incarcerated, and I visited him weekly. As a result, my church joined the rotation of churches leading worship services for inmates at the prison. Our team leads worship about once per month. Our countyContinue reading “Super-sizing God, even in prison – Advent Joy, Part 4”
Does evil and suffering in the world negate a loving, all-powerful God? – Q & A, Part 3
This week we take a break from our Relationships in the Church series. At Faith Church this past week I gave a Q & A sermon. I asked the congregation for questions ahead of time, and then I attempted to bring biblical theology to bear on their questions. Here’s the next question: As Christians, howContinue reading “Does evil and suffering in the world negate a loving, all-powerful God? – Q & A, Part 3”
Hope for those who are groaning – Easter 2020, Romans 8, Part 3
I was groaning a lot when I did my taxes recently. I dread doing taxes because the tax forms can be so frustrating. My family has a number of unique circumstances that intensify the frustration. I am pastor, which means I get a housing allowance. My wife operated a business. I have education expenses. FinallyContinue reading “Hope for those who are groaning – Easter 2020, Romans 8, Part 3”
Should we “fill our body with affliction”? – Colossians 1:24-2:5, Part 2
In the previous post Paul reminded us that we can learn to rejoice in the Lord, even amid difficult circumstances. But as we continue to trace his teaching in Colossians 1:24-2:5, Paul writes something that seems bizarre to me. In fact, it seems wrong. Paul writes that he fills up in his body what isContinue reading “Should we “fill our body with affliction”? – Colossians 1:24-2:5, Part 2″
Is rejoicing in suffering a bad idea? – Colossians 1:24-2:5, Part 1
How should we respond to suffering? Maybe you’re suffering somehow, and you’re sick of it. I’ve had heel pain for the last few months, and though I will admit to being very inconsistent in treating it, I’m frustrated with it. I want it to be healed. I am not rejoicing in this suffering. Rejoicing? IfContinue reading “Is rejoicing in suffering a bad idea? – Colossians 1:24-2:5, Part 1”
God is in control? [False ideas Christians believe about…God’s involvement in our lives. Part 3]
If God is in control, why does the world seem totally out of control? In the previous post in this series, I referred to three reasons bad things happen. Christians struggle to make sense of evil and pain in the world, just as anyone does. Why would God allow it? Why did he create ourContinue reading “God is in control? [False ideas Christians believe about…God’s involvement in our lives. Part 3]”
A Christmas Surprise [Fourth Sunday of Advent]
Today we’re going to meet shepherds. But as I studied these passages, what emerged was something surprising, something unexpected! During Advent, we have been following the readings in the Lectionary, and our first passage is Micah 5:2-5a. Micah gives us in verse 2 a prophecy of a future ruler who would come to rule overContinue reading “A Christmas Surprise [Fourth Sunday of Advent]”
Two surprising ways to respond to suffering
Being surprised or scared can be a horrible feeling right? Even when the surprise is a good surprise, there are some people that hate to be surprised! Do you know anyone who makes you promise that you will not throw them a surprise birthday party? Why? When you are in a groove, a routine, andContinue reading “Two surprising ways to respond to suffering”
Engaging Scripture 