Blair Parke

All of us have people in our lives: friends, coworkers, parents, spouses, children. And as sinful people, often these relationships will experience rough patches. When it feels like one person is giving too much and the other person is enjoying all the benefits, it can create an unhealthy imbalance. What is a God-honoring way to restore balance in that relationship?

The Bible is filled with stories of courageous woman who find themselves in extraordinary circumstances. Esther, who becomes Queen of Persia, must risk her own life to save the lives of all the Jewish people in her kingdom. Her boldness has many lessons for women today.

Did you know there are two brothers in the parable of the Prodigal Son? And while we may think we can't relate to either, chances are we can see bits of our own sinful behavior in both.

Probably all of us spends some time looking in a mirror every day. But how often do we walk away and immediately forget what we look like? In James, the author warns us not to be this forgetful when it comes to what God has called us to do. Together, we will spend some time reflecting on who we are, and how we can become the people God wants us to be.

While forgiveness is a spiritual calling, hurt can remain even after offering it. Sometimes, this prompts a need for deeper healing beyond simple acknowledgment. These practical, God-guided steps include setting boundaries, releasing mementos, and prayer to move past emotional pain and embrace true restoration.

David is one of the great heroes of the Bible. He defeated the giant Goliath when he was just a boy, evaded the evil King Saul, and went on to become King of Israel. But David had his fair share of sins and catastrophes too. What exactly is it about this man that makes him someone "after God's own heart"?

Life on earth is a blend of blessings and challenges, which can sometimes lead to disappointment. As we know, disappointments can take several forms, from mild disappointment over finding out your favorite coffee blend is unavailable to major disappointment in the form of a job loss or learning someone you are interested in doesn't feel the same way.

It is hard, even as a Christian, to accept that disappointments occur in our lives, whether we had a hand in making them happen or they were out of our control. We sometimes think that because God is our Father and Jesus is our Savior, that disappointments no longer affect our lives. But this would not be true.

However, we do need to remember that we have a God who brings blessings from our disappointments and life lessons we can use today that also glorify Him in heaven.

If you struggle to find hope in disappointment right now, there are countless verses in the Bible to remind us who we put our hope in. Today, we will concentrate on the following seven verses, spread throughout the Bible, to share the encouragement God provides in times of struggle.

1. God Is Close in Our Struggle

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit" (Psalm 34:18).

When we become disappointed, we can feel crushed in spirit, unable to see how the situation can get better. However, this verse from Psalms shows that when we are facing circumstances that break our hearts and spirits, we aren't facing them alone; we have the love and care of our Father God.

Heavenly Father,

We thank You for being near to us when life brings its heartache and pain. Be with us as we grieve the outcomes of life we face, knowing You never leave us without love and guidance to get through the trial. In Jesus's name, I pray.

Amen.

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VBS and Sunday School both group children by age or grade and teach them stories from the Bible at church. But while one is a short-term project, the other is a long-term tool for spiritual growth.

What God calls us to do in honoring our parents is to honor what a mother and a father are supposed to be in our lives, honoring first the most loving Father in our lives, God. Loving Him first allows us to see ways we can love and honor our parents even if they haven’t been honorable to us.

Not much compares to the birth of a child, from the wonder of conception to the actual birth of a living, breathing human. Whether you are a parent or have been around babies as a doting relative, friend, or church member, witnessing a child emerge into the world is truly a beautiful thing.

Jesus also loved children, knowing they were just as adored and treasured in God’s eyes as adults. “But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven’” (Matthew 19:14).

When a child is born, as followers of Christ, we should shower prayers over the little one for not only being part of our lives, but in preparation for their journey and purpose in God’s plan. Our prayers are the means of defense against what the enemy might throw at these children, for 1 Peter 5:8 says, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”

So, as protectors of all children in this world, let us equip ourselves with these six prayers, supported by Scripture. Speak these over the recent birth of a child, believing these prayers will defend our children against evil while drawing them closer to God.

Photo credit: Unsplash/Tim Bish

When we have a problem with someone, a grievance, the Lord wants us to address this issue with the person face to face, not by gossiping with others. Jesus even told this truth to the disciples in the book of Matthew.

When a loved one dies, a job ends, income suddenly drops, or any number of unexpected disappointments and hurts happen to us, we look to God to give us an answer right away. We ask what we should learn from this outcome, only to be met with His reassuring peace, but no obvious answers. If you find yourself in situations like this, it can be hard to not be disappointed. 

Today’s congregations see a blend of people who feel they are God’s golden children in all that they do to follow His commandments, while others realize that without the saving grace of Jesus, their efforts are for worthless in building a right relationship with God.

It can be confusing to talk about rededication and make us wonder if someone wasn’t really saved in the first place. But once you have accepted Jesus into your heart and been baptized to reflect this commitment to God, it is a part of you from now until you meet God in heaven.