From: August 22, 2015
Apparently, the worship services in Corinth had become quite chaotic and confusing. This was not the pattern that Paul had given them when he planted the church. So, his letters to them are prescriptive in nature. He wanted them to understand that when God is present in worship there is order and peace, not chaos and confusion. Perhaps the ecstatic pagan practices of the Corinthian idolaters had infected the church. Or perhaps the disunity he described earlier concerning factions in the church had led to these tumultuous services. Whatever the cause, the church of Corinth, in a city of 800,000 population, was in danger of losing God’s presence in their worship. For wherever the Spirit of God is, there is peace.
From: August 22, 2014
Job doesn’t accuse God of being absent, but of being too present. He doesn’t blame his suffering on being forsaken by the Lord as most would do. No. He questions why God would be so interested in such weak, temporal things as man. Out of all of creation, why would God care so much for us? Job had lost nearly everything that he loved, yet he did not lose his faith in God. Like Jacob, he wrestled with God for answers, but did not doubt the One who made him walk with a limp.
From: August 22, 2012
Have you ever felt like Job? At times like this even well-meaning friends can be a burden. Only God can get us through such seasons. God isn’t afraid of our questions and concerns. Bring them to Him. Don’t stuff or medicate. Pour out your trouble before God. Come to Him as you are and leave changed. He can turn your misery into joy.
From: August 22, 2011
The kind of church where the Word of God is preached (prophesied) and sinners have their hearts laid bare. This is the kind of church of which I want to be a part. Be present in our church, Lord. Nothing happens unless You show up!