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Job and suffering

When trials come one after the other, or when they are particularly severe, it is natural to ask questions. And if we believe in the sovereignty of God in these things, we should. Scripture does not discourage such questions; instead, it points us to God’s purposes. So why does God allow trials? 1. Sometimes it is for testing. We see this in the life of Abraham when God asked him to take his son and sacrifice him (Genesis 22:1–2). We see it again in the early history of Israel, after they had crossed the Jordan and entered the promised land. God said He left enemies among them to test and try them, to see what they would do (Judges 3:1–4). 2. Sometimes it is to draw His people out to prayer. We see this when Israel fought against Benjamin. They asked God whether they should go up, and He told them to go (Judges 20:18). They went — and were defeated (Judges 20:21). So they prayed and fasted, asked again, and once more God told them to go (Judges 20:26–28). This time they won (Judges ...
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Knowing When to Walk Away: Reflections on Life and Ministry

Early in my ministry, I remember a pastor sharing the challenges he had faced with certain difficult members of his congregation.  As he moved on to “greener pastures,” he admitted there were people in that church  for whom  he wouldn’t even cross the street.  He was grateful to move on, glad to shake the dust off his feet.  At the time, I thought his attitude was un-Christlike - but over the years, I have come to understand him. I am not condoning bitterness, malice, or prejudice.  In fact, I believe those who follow Jesus most closely are often marked by the greatest compassion and mercy.  Those nearest to Him tend to be humble, quick to forgive, and eager for reconciliation. Still, there are times when this man’s attitude is entirely appropriate.  They may be rare, but I have learned that there are people for whom I, too, would not cross the street. But first, a clarification . Today, Christians are sometimes known for their animosity toward pe...
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I’m Home: Reflections on a Beautiful Song

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Today we sang a new song, and it was immediately a favourite. In so many ways, I found the lyrics to be an echo of what is in my own heart. So here, I thought I would share my reflections on some of the lyrics. I’m Home by Shane & Shane is based on Psalm 84 . A. It begins with these words: How lovely are Your dwelling places… Oh, how I love to sing Your praises One day with You would be enough Psalm 84 puts it like this: How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts! My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God (Psalm 84:1–2). And isn’t that the heart-cry of every believer ? How lovely the place where He is! How wonderful to be with Him. Hymn writers have spoken of the sweet hour of prayer and the wonders of ten thousand times ten thousand years in heaven. What are they referring to? They’re speaking of the unspeakable joy of being in the presence of the One who is the fairest among ten thousand ...
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Hope for the Discouraged: Yet Not I, But Christ

While spending time in the hospital again and facing a number of unknowns, I found myself reflecting on the lyrics of the hymn Yet Not I But Through Christ in Me . I thought I’d share a few thoughts I jotted down during that time.* A. “What gift of grace is Jesus, my Redeemer.” I don’t know what you are facing today, and none of us can know what we may face tomorrow. We do know the Lord gives and the Lord takes away (Job 1:21). And we also know that we ought to be able to say with Eli: “It is the Lord: let him do what seemeth him good (1 Samuel 3:18).” Sometimes we find ourselves saying these things in the midst of what some call “dark providences.” And truly, some things do feel dark. When our bodies fail, when death looms ahead, when loved ones are taken from us - the grief, fear, and pain can be palpable. But as believers, we are not called to stoicism. Even now, we may “put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness” (Isaiah 61:3). Even now - in this night season - God c...
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