We NEED the bad with the good.

In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider that God has made the one side by side with the other, so that man may not find out anything that shall be after him. – Ecclesiastes 7:14, Amplified Bible (AMP) As Ecclesiastes 3:1 (KJV) teaches us: To every thing there… Continue reading We NEED the bad with the good.

What does Kaka have to say about the World Cup?

The Lord has made everything [to accommodate itself and contribute] to its own end and His own purpose… – Proverbs 16:4a, Amplified Bible (AMP) From the Web site, I Am Second: He helped lead the Brazilian National Football (Soccer) team to the 2002 World Cup Championship. Over the last 12 years he has played on two more… Continue reading What does Kaka have to say about the World Cup?

Even the events that seem accidental are ordered by God.

The lot is cast into the lap, but the decision is wholly of the Lord [even the events that seem accidental are really ordered by Him]. – Proverbs 16:33, Amplified Bible (AMP) We were at a friend’s house when we received the shocking news: a mutual friend’s brother-in-law had been shot, execution style, in front… Continue reading Even the events that seem accidental are ordered by God.

When God throws you a curveball, keep on swinging.

A man’s mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure. – Proverbs 16:9, Amplified Bible (AMP) The Stroups* had a plan: Leave the United States of America behind, Settle in Cambodia, Build an orphanage, and Take over the administration of an existing Christian school. Having spent close to two… Continue reading When God throws you a curveball, keep on swinging.

Be careful not to throw hot coals into the woods.

And the Lord said to Moses, How long will this people provoke (spurn, despise) Me? And how long will it be before they believe Me [trusting in, relying on, clinging to Me], for all the signs which I have performed among them? – Numbers 14:11, Amplified Bible (AMP) We had a family outing recently that… Continue reading Be careful not to throw hot coals into the woods.

Good health comes from this.

A calm and undisturbed mind and heart are the life and health of the body, but envy, jealousy, and wrath are like rottenness of the bones. – Proverbs 14:30, Amplified Bible (AMP) Every now and then, various news outlets run stories on senior citizens who’ve made it to the 100-year-old mark. During every such story… Continue reading Good health comes from this.

The sweet promise of Proverbs 3.

When you lie down, you shall not be afraid; yes, you shall lie down, and your sleep shall be sweet. – Proverbs 3:24, Amplified Bible (AMP) In a world filled with things to fear, every Christian has the chance to escape the anxieties and terrors of life by doing the one thing that Proverbs 3:21-26… Continue reading The sweet promise of Proverbs 3.

Our parents were smarter than we once thought.

I will praise and give thanks to You with uprightness of heart when I learn [by sanctified experiences] Your righteous judgments [Your decisions against and punishments for particular lines of thought and conduct]. – Psalm 119:7, Amplified Bible (AMP) For thousands of years, young people all over the world have awakened one day to discover… Continue reading Our parents were smarter than we once thought.

Don’t be afraid of the circus.

He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. – Revelation 3:5, KJV In May 2014, Admiral William H. McRaven, Commander, United States Special Operations Command,… Continue reading Don’t be afraid of the circus.

Lower than a snake’s belly in a wagon rut.

My heart is grievously pained… – Psalm 55:4, Amplified Bible (AMP) Psalm 55 chronicles some of the deepest sorrow that David ever experienced. Filled with words like “distraught, “oppression,” “pain,” “terror,” “horror,” and “trembling,” David exquisitely described what it is like to suffer severe distress – not only of circumstance, but of soul. Many commentators… Continue reading Lower than a snake’s belly in a wagon rut.