An Abused Man and His Brothers
What Joseph’s brothers had intended as harm, God intended for good (Genesis 50:20)! Joseph’s life gives us hope that God can redeem our past, heal our wounds, and bring beauty from our ashes.
Our world desperately needs models worth following. Authentic heroes. People of integrity whose lives inspire us to take God seriously, to follow His Word obediently, to pursue Christ passionately.
Thankfully, the Bible places before us a spiritual "hall of fame"—raw, uncensored, gritty stories of men and women sometimes soaring, often stumbling, through the incredible life of faith. They wrestled with sin, experienced God's grace, struggled with weakness, and overcame by faith. Their inspiring biographies have been memorialized in Scripture, not simply because of their faith in God but because of God's faithfulness to them.
These great lives from God's Word not only provide realistic portraits for appreciation but also relevant principles for application.
What Joseph’s brothers had intended as harm, God intended for good (Genesis 50:20)! Joseph’s life gives us hope that God can redeem our past, heal our wounds, and bring beauty from our ashes.
In his message, Chuck Swindoll encourages us that God never puts us through a test without a purpose. And when we release our treasures into God’s hands and trust Him with total abandonment, God will provide for us. His rewards surpass anything we could imagine!
Nehemiah discovered Jerusalem’s desperate need and then brought it before God in prayer. It is highly significant that the first place we find this great leader is on his knees. Leadership requires prayer.
Some people's lives are so noteworthy they become inspirational. The Bible is filled with accounts of such people, including two in the book of Philippians.
If God can take a disobedient prophet, turn him around, and set him on fire spiritually, He can do the same with you. He is a Specialist at making something useful and beautiful out of something broken and confused.
Stiffen your resolve! Paul gave us five steps to do just that. All that’s left is for you to answer one question—a question only you can answer. Are you willing to give God your very best?
Listen to Chuck Swindoll as he unpacks this penetrating scene of denial and shame and explains how the grace of Christ is greater than any human failure or sin. You’ll be stirred by Chuck’s explanation of how Jesus gently mended the broken pieces of Peter’s heart and how He lovingly desires to do the same for you!
Timing and tact are always worthwhile. Insensitivity or rashness are never traits that we want to purposely act on; they are counter to the fruit of the Spirit.
Peter’s transformation from a rash fisherman in the Gospels to a bold witness for Christ in the book of Acts boils down to one Person—the Holy Spirit.
Thomas’ story is one of encouragement—he doubted, but it never overtook him. He allowed Jesus to take him from the place of uncertainty to a place of belief. I’m learning silent doubts rarely find answers.