July 2010

Picture this. You walk into church this Sunday to find that all the seats have been removed. Rows of buffet style serving lines are in their place. Everyone is instructed to get a serving of whatever spiritual food he or she desires. Many rush to the dessert section to load up with joy, peace, prosperity...you get the picture.buffet.jpg As you make your way through the line, you realize that one item is left untouched. A generous supply of suffering sits under the heat lamp. You have a decision to make. Dish yourself a generous helping, ...

I always hated when someone would say to me "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" while I was going through a hard time. Nobody really wants to hear that when times are difficult, but the saying does prove true. Suffering makes us stronger on the inside and builds our character. Many biblical characters grew in strength and wisdom because of the suffering they went through. One of my favorite biblical characters whose suffering made him a better man is Joseph from the Old Testament. Joseph was first betrayed by his brothers when they ...