Why Do We Strangely Choose Something that Clearly Harms Us?
Have you ever regretted some of your foolish decisions or actions? Many a times although we know certain things are bad for us, that they will make us suffer loss and end up being unhappy, yet we still insist on choosing them. Why are we often so foolish? How can we overcome the heart of disobedience toward God?
Reconciliation and God’s Sovereign Goodness
One important theme in the Bible is reconciliation – reconciliation with God, with men, as well as the mission of bringing men to reconciliation with God. Are you already reconciled with God? On the foundation of our reconciliation with God, are we also reconciled with men? One key to reconciling with those who have hurt us is to trust in the sovereign goodness of God, but can we believe that God is sovereign yet good at the same time, especially when seemingly bad things happen to us?
Jacob Blesses His Sons
There are a few important realities we cannot ignore: the certain eventual death of every man, the definite consequences of sins and the uniqueness of every person. How can the story of a dying Jacob blessing his different sons according to what was appropriate to them also present a noteworthy lesson for all of us? How does the grace of God play out in the death of his saints, in giving blessings to those who repent from sins, and in uniting people with different gifts and inheritance?
Testifying God’s Faithfulness
Our typical human nature tends to complain when we meet misfortunes in life, but have God proven your despair and unbelief wrong in the end? Have He surprised you with grace you didn’t imagine? Through the many testimonies of biblical characters, we are reminded that though they also had their share of adversities and despairing moments, God kept His promises to them ultimately. How about your own testimony? Are you able to confirm God’s faithfulness in your life and share those testimonies with people around you?
From Bitter To Better
We know God is good, yet sometimes we can’t help but feel that what He has allowed to happen to us taste bitter. It could be an illness, a difficult marriage, a toxic family environment, an unfair boss, the death of someone dear, even the current pandemic, and the list goes on. Can God have better plans in our bitter encounters? Instead of feeling bitter, can we grow better?
Wobbly Idols, Steady God
What is the most dangerous sin that we need to guard ourselves against, which the Bible repeatedly warn us about? Is God’s presence a blessing or trouble for you? What if you sometimes secretly feel in your heart that God seems to have lost – lost to sin, suffering, the world’s culture, people who do not fear Him?
Blessed To Bless
It is simplistic to think that God’s people will be exempted from troubles in life. Christians are also hit by global crisis, such as the current pandemic, but are you able to confirm how God is showing you special care despite the difficult situation you are in? As you taste more of God’s blessings, are you also more willing to be a channel of blessing to others, showing them God’s kindness and glory?
Combating Boredom
Are you someone who is easily bored? Do you feel increasingly listless and isolated especially with the Covid restrictions? Though it may sound petty to be complaining about boredom, can you identify some real dangers of boredom? What if you also find God a bore and prayers unexciting? How then can we combat boredom so that our lives can be joyful and meaningful again?
Worried About Livelihood?
Finances and livelihood are critical to our survival and people are naturally concerned about whether they have enough to live on. Especially when the pandemic lingers for so long, people, including Christians, may increasingly worry about their livelihood. Our Lord Jesus is also concerned about our survival, but He does not want His people to be bound by worries, as He is with us. In fact, man’s utmost concern should not be earthly needs but the relationship with God.
Uncertain Move With God’s Assurance
What does it mean to have a God who is always with us and who is for us? One assurance is that whenever we seek Him with our heart, especially in times of uncertainty, He will be found by us to provide us with timely answer and help. Importantly, since we belong to this one true and faithful God, we should not be influenced by the religions and cultures of the world, but be set apart for Him.
