Life in Exile

We all wear a seal that marks our allegiance as the final day draws near. Which one marks you?

Does God need help remembering? No, but he chooses to set some things in place to remind us that he remembers and does not forget.

We are in a battle as we serve the nations. It's one that's waged through fervent prayer and vigilance against deception and coldness of heart. Thankfully, it's a battle he's already one.

Does the feeling that God has forgotten us meet with reality? No. God does not forget us.

When suffering comes, questions come. It's hard not to ask why? Thankfully, Job has some lessons for us when suffering makes no sense.

It is good to be reminded that we serve a God who forgets. What does he forget? He chooses to forget our sin when we trust in the One who paid the price for that sin on our behalf.

As you begin this new year in service, know that whatever your plans or God's, you have a sister in Christ to support and encourage you in your work.

The Bible speaks a lot about remembering and even forgetting. This year's Friday Focus will deal with how memory is important in our relationship with God and the passing on of the faith. Remember, lest we forget.

Proverbs 26 is full of great lessons. Where are they from? Bad examples.

Check out this wrap-up of our year in Learning from the Past. So many lessons from the Old Testament in the New. The post includes quick-links to the weekly topics.

Do you avoid reflecting on the year because of personal sins and failures? Even though it's painful, it's important to address the past with God in order to move forward with purpose and strength.

The final prophecy before the voice of the Lord is silent for 400 years. Malachi's word will be heard again, as it is fulfilled in the arrival of the messenger John the Baptist.

What is the gift that benefits both the recipient and the giver? A spiritual gift. Paul tells us how in his letter to the church in Rome.

Nearing the end of our Old Testament lessons in the New, we will focus on a difficult passage. How can God love Jacob but hate Esau? It's about his sovereignty.

Is our gift giving more to our selves, our families, or others? How far do your gifts reach? By giving to missions and ministries, you can literally reach the nations for Christ and maybe hasten his return. God loves a cheerful giver.

Jesus, the One they pierced, was seen by those who witnessed his crucifixion. This is not the last time his scars will set him apart. No, the nations will see him and mourn. When? At his return as conquering King.

A recent sending celebration of new missionaries taught me some encouraging lessons.

What do thirty pieces of silver have to do with a shepherd? They were the wages prophesied by Zechariah centuries before one of his own disciples would take the same amount to betray him.

I am so thankful. This has been an amazing year, and I just want to talk about the goodness of God in my life and give him praise. What are you thankful for?

Without full trust in the Shepherd, the sheep are prone to scatter when the going gets tough. Thankfully, we have a Shepherd who seeks out the lost and is able to bring them back into the fold.

Can we undo the damage we’re causing to the name of Christ by loving without borders or taking the world’s side over that of God’s Word? What will it take for us to jump off the bandwagon of society and reclaim a biblical worldview and witness? Tough Love.

The prophet Haggai and the writer of Hebrews make a connection with all the shaking that's happening in our world today. However, there is a final shaking to come. At that point, there's no turning back. Choose Christ before it's too late.

Being thankful makes an impact for the cause of Christ, not just in our annual celebrations but in our daily words and attitude.

What does the righteousness imparted to us by Christ do? It helps us to live by faith and not by sight. God spoke this truth to Habakkuk and he speaks the same to us today.

Is anything certain in this world today? How do we function with such uncertainty? By His grace.