[…]to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions” (Psalm 51:1). And sometimes suffering is simply the effect of living in a fallen world where evil can strike anyone. Yet none of the aspects of suffering limit God’s capacity to use pain in a redeeming fashion. Isaiah’s prophesy about the greatest Suffering Servant declares, “By His wounds we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). Jesus’ wounds and suffering are the venue through which we have been redeemed. Believers can rejoice because through our own lives, God uses the mystery of pain and suffering through which His eternal work […]
[…]angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal” (1 Corinthians 13:1). Clanging cymbal—that was a perfect description of my actions as I “clanged” away about a friend’s moral failure without any concern for the how or why. I had no love for him, and it was the one thing that, unfortunately, came through loud and clear. I wanted to show I was morally superior—I knew right from wrong while he didn’t. He was still married and should not be dating. But I had missed the heart of the issue. What kind of […]
[…]or together for His purposes. In essence, this couple hosted an OCF fellowship in their home (1 Corinthians 16:19). As they opened their home and lives, the members of their small group fellowship would have likely seen in them how couples grow together spiritually and keep pace with each other for the sake of the gospel. As a spiritually smart couple in today’s military and society, what do you need to add or remove to be intentional about God’s priorities for you? Open the dialogue with your spouse and discuss what you believe is God’s purpose for your marriage. Get […]
[…]strong moral standards during combat deployments. Todd enlisted in the U.S. Army after the 9/11 attacks, attended Officer Candidate School, and conducted three combat tours in Iraq. His third deployment was as a Company Commander in support of Operation New Dawn Bibliography i. Arterburn, S., Stoeker, F., & Yorkey, M. (2000). Every Man’s Battle: Every Man’s Guide to Winning the War on Sexual Temptation One Victory at a Time. Colorado, CO 80920: Literary agency of Alive Communications, Inc., 7680. […]
[…]he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness'” (2 Corinthians 12:9). God’s promises will still be true. “Does he [God] speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” (Numbers 23:19). God will still be faithful and good. “I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living” (Psalm 27:13). His blood will still have the power to forgive sins and justify for eternity. “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance […]
[…]enter fully into the turmoil and agony of the times and speak a word of hope?”[i] Ambassadorship 101 Become a person of influence; establish your credentials. Begin immediately to seek out leadership positions among your peers and subordinates in your workplace and neighborhood. You are a Christian with a Christian set of values, virtues, and obligations. You are called to live out your faith in a glorifying and obedient way. God’s Word outlines for us a personal morality in the Ten Commandments and the Sermon on the Mount, and a public morality regarding our obedience to those in authority over […]
