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Abundant life in Christ now, as we suffer

As a young believer, I thought an abundant life included God’s favor in healing my sick body. Sharing a dramatic “praise report” with others was a joy, seeking to glorify Him and encourage them. I remember introducing myself to our church women’s small group after we moved to another state, Read more…

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Jesus loves me, this I know

I’ve been thinking a lot about Jesus and what aspect of His character has specifically attracted so many to follow Him and maintain trust in Him, no matter what suffering entered their earthly lives. What drove Jesus all the way to the cross, enduring all manner of suffering in His Read more…

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Taking every thought captive for life and peace

How are your thoughts running these days? I was talking with a precious younger sister in Christ who’s suffering with much illness and loss. On top of it all, she was running the tape of a recent conversation over and over in her thoughts. A few critical comments from someone Read more…

close up shot of a woman reading a bible

Praising Jesus Christ, our Teacher of truth

Have you noticed conflicting teaching and thinking? We gasp for hope as we pray for Jesus to return or rescue us from earthly suffering, but we also quietly fear escalating evil and global suffering. Our thoughts fill with odd tensions. Everything will be fine. This will blow over. Jesus will Read more…

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Standing firm in the reign of Jesus

The news commentator said it aloud, “This is scaring me.” You too? As lawlessness escalates around us and tribulations squeeze us personally, our loving God gives us His Word to help us endure, to “courage-into” us with hope as His believing children.  The whole of God’s Word sheds His light Read more…

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Comfort from our all-powerful God

Am I being attacked by Satan when I suffer? The evil of suffering becomes horrifically frightening when we wonder if God is powerful over evil and Satan. Let’s battle Satan’s lies together! Because our enemy wants us to think he’s as powerful as God. Let’s find great comfort from our Read more…

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Praise rises in hope, “Before the Throne of God Above”

I begin to flail if I dwell in the quicksand of swirling stress as I suffer. I can hardly breathe if I get sucked down into fear of what could happen in this fallen world. If I continually replay my losses and agonies in my thoughts, I’m mired in depths Read more…

'Simply to thy cross I

Healing beneath the cross of Jesus 

Jesus Christ, In this holiest of weeks, focusing on what You’ve done for me, I seek healing beneath the cross of Jesus.  I cannot relax or be calm; I have no rest, for turmoil has come (Job 3:26 CSB). The words of Job echo mine as I suffer. But they Read more…

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Jesus, You were made perfect by Your suffering…for me

Made perfect. Jesus, You were “made perfect through suffering” (Heb. 2:10) even though You were already perfect! You were and are God, the One “for whom and by whom all things exist” (Heb. 2:10). Are You perfecting me through my suffering right now? Maybe thinking about Your suffering for me…will Read more…

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Jesus, “I Need Thee Every Hour” of chronic illness

Physical suffering brings tears and fears. Up at night, we join Job in turning to God: “My heart is heavy on account of my groaning” (Job 23:2) “and now my soul is poured out within me; days of affliction have taken hold of me. The night racks my bones, and Read more…

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