Breaking Christian News on The Gospel Herald

Any ungodly act—whether it involves substance abuse, sexual immorality, or “stepping on” coworkers to get ahead—endangers one’s future for the sake of present gratification. Even the unremarkable choices facing us can impact the rest of our lives. So we should guard against the following attitudes, which can lead to sacrificing what is worthwhile for something with no lasting value.

Scripture confirms that the familiar expression, “You reap what you sow,” is accurate (Job 4:8; Prov. 11:18). Esau learned this truth the hard way. Famished, he returned from hunting and requested a bowl of the stew his brother was cooking. Jacob seized upon the opportunity—he agreed to share the food in exchange for his older twin’s birthright.

Philippians 4:6 says that it’s good to bring requests to the Lord, and we often ask Him for certain blessings, desired outcomes, and healing for loved ones. But there are times when, in God’s omniscience, He sees that a “no” would ultimately result in greater good.

Let’s play a little game. Imagine that you’re a soldier during wartime. You’ve made it through basic training, mastered the weapons of war, memorized all the relevant warfare strategies, and are heading into battle.

When you wake up in the morning and get dressed for the day, you’re probably not thinking about stepping onto a battlefield. But the enemy is all around us, constantly assaulting our hearts and minds with temptations, adversities, emotional attacks, and more. And some days, it feels as though we are standing on the front lines of combat with no protection whatsoever.

Brokenness hurts, and most of us would rather live without any seasons of pain. Yet during such times, the Lord often does His greatest work in our lives, reshaping and realigning us for His divine purposes.

Standing up and speaking out for Christ can be a scary thing for many believers. Even if we want to obey the Lord’s call to “Go . . . and make disciples” (Matt. 28:19), we may wonder, What would I do? or What would I say? It can be a bit overwhelming and intimidating if we think we have to do it all on our own. Fortunately, we are not alone.

The Lord called Moses to a specific task, gave him the authority to carry it out, and promised His unwavering presence. The Israelite leader proved responsible, carrying out the plan in dependence upon God.

Our heavenly Father is looking for men and women who will dedicate themselves to His kingdom work. He seeks people willing to accept responsibility and carry out His “assignments” to completion.

What is your first response when someone hurts you? Maybe you want to retaliate. Or perhaps your outward attitude doesn’t change, but inside you are quietly nursing a dark bitterness and resentment. These reactions strike us as understandable and perfectly natural, don’t they?

God answers prayer in one of three ways: “yes,” “no,” or “yes, but not yet.” This last reply seems to be the most dreaded sometimes even more than an outright “no.” However, patience is an important biblical principle, which Scripture stresses repeatedly in stories, Psalms, and epistles.

Most likely, you have heard the age-old question, “If God is good, how can He let bad things happen?” Since the fall of man, life has always included hardship. Though trials are painful, understanding the Lord’s purpose can bring joy and hope.

Adversity is never enjoyable, but thankfully, believers are assured that God has a reason for allowing difficulty. And your response to the trial will determine whether it leaves you broken or strengthened.

Disappointments and even some discouragement are bound to affect everybody at some point.

The more skilled you are at a task, the more you’ll enjoy it. For instance, when an orchestra adeptly plays a masterpiece, an accomplished musician will derive greater pleasure from listening than would a person with an untrained ear. You might be surprised to learn that the same is true of giving.

Jesus said, “I am the Light of the world,” (John 8:12). He also said of His followers—which includes modern believers—“You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). Both statements are true because Christians act as lanterns for Christ. While we ourselves are not the Light, we are holders of Light.

People often have bright aspirations for their lives. Some aim for a high-powered career or financial success. Others dream about making close friendships or impacting the world.

Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD. (Psalm 31:24 NIV)

Hebrews 10:23 - Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

The Holy Spirit will lead us through stages that promote Christian maturity—salvation, service, dependence, and the exchanged life. While spiritual growth takes place at different rates and in different ways, all believers are on the same journey with one goal—transformation into Christ’s image.

Sad to say, the world we live in frequently places little value on words. We’ve seen politicians retract campaign commitments once they take office. And people swear to tell the truth in court, but nonetheless, some resort to falsehoods for self-preservation. It’s difficult to know whom we can trust.

Jesus loved to talk to His Father and often sought the opportunity to be alone with Him. At times, He would speak with God in front of large groups of people or ask a few of His close disciples to join Him in prayer. Because Jesus prayed frequently, He followed God’s lead, joined in His work, and spoke the Father’s words to the people around Him.

Problems are an inevitable part of life whether or not a person is saved. The difference is that once a man or woman becomes a believer, the Father strengthens His child to face every difficulty.

As followers of Jesus Christ, we are to be living extensions of His life. In other words, we are to be people through whom the Holy Spirit is carrying out the Lord’s work.

The Old Testament story of Joseph is one of the best-known examples of the Lord blessing a man’s life though his harsh experiences. In today’s passage, the slave-turned-prisoner-turned-national leader stands before the brothers who sold him into servitude. He says, “Do not be afraid, for am I in God’s place? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive” (vv. 19-20).