The discussion generated by the question above is complicated enough that I am going to begin with the answer: Hard Times come from several places, but God is in control no matter the origin. Because we trust God, we should embrace painful experiences and assume God is actively using adversity to help us grow moreContinue reading “Where Do Hard Times Come From and How Should We Respond? Proverbs 3:11-12.”
Tag Archives: John 15:1-2
Leave Things Better. Matthew 21:18-22.
My Boy Scout troop went camping one weekend of every month. As we packed up to go home on Sunday mornings, we would “police the area,” picking up even the tiniest specks of trash. Some bits of trash—such as cigarette butts—were clearly not dropped by any of us, but we picked them up anyway. OurContinue reading “Leave Things Better. Matthew 21:18-22.”
MY PURPOSE? TO BEAR FRUIT. Isaiah 5:1-4.
We are here to bear fruit. But how? The same way trees bear fruit. They need sunlight, water, and soil. They also need a few years—peach trees and grape vines often don’t bear fruit until year three or four. First, they need good roots. God explains Himself as a farmer with crops that are unsatisfying:Continue reading “MY PURPOSE? TO BEAR FRUIT. Isaiah 5:1-4.”