the question of suffering

Why does God allow suffering? That is our main question today. When we think about the possible answers, we might get confused. Some talk about punishment. Some talk about the wrong others have done. Fact is, we need insight and truth from God.

Throughout the Bible there are stories of suffering. Some of that suffering came because of a person’s sin, some came because of the sin of others, but much suffering doesn’t have an answer. This is similar to the story of Job.

What can or should we learn from suffering. God uses all things for His glory. Do you agree? There aren’t coincidences. There are moves of God. Many of which we do not understand.

Romans 5:12 NASB

Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned—

Suffering sometimes comes because of the choices we make. Often that is sin when we step in to what we want rather than what God says is right for our lives.

Remember that our choices of the past don’t have to dictate our future. We can make new choices and head in new directions where we find peace and victory and life.

John 16:33 NASB

These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.

We will struggle. We will have trouble and even suffer. But in the middle of it we can find peace. How can a person who is going through something so difficult still have peace? I believe that answer is with the right perspective. With God in view, we can live with courage.

Be careful how you deal with others. In yesterday’s message at The Community we talked about the man who was born blind and was healed by Jesus. Even those closed to Jesus questioned the man’s suffering. What did he do? What did his parents do? Be careful how you look or judge others.

Matthew 7:1-2 NASB

Do not judge so that you will not be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you

How you and I deal with suffering will lead others to know God.

Matthew 5:16 NASB

Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

If you would like to help the ministries of The Community Fellowship and Dream Center, give generously at this link https://tcf.ccbchurch.com/goto/giving

Have you heard of EDITH BURNS?

Edith Burns was a wonderful Christian who lived in San Antonio, Texas . She was the patient of a doctor by the name of Will Phillips. Dr. Phillips was a gentle doctor who saw patients as people. His favorite patient was Edith Burns. One morning he went to his office with a heavy heart and it was because of Edith Burns. When he walked into that waiting room, there sat Edith with her big black Bible in her lap earnestly talking to a young mother sitting beside her. Edith Burns had a habit of introducing herself in this way: "Hello, my name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?" Then she would explain the meaning of Easter, and many times people would be saved. Dr. Phillips walked into that office and there he saw the head nurse, Beverly. Beverly had first met Edith when she was taking her blood pressure. Edith began by saying,"My name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?" Beverly said, "Why yes I do." Edith said, "Well, what do you ...

wash feet, sharing hope

John 13:4-5,14 NLT So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, 5 and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him… 14 And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. Jesus set the example we follow. He served. He valued and gave value to others. That is why we choose to serve. For 18 years our church has shared an outreach called back2school, and for 16 of those years we have chosen to give students brand new shoes and socks as well as washing their feet. It is one of the most important parts of this event. Washing feet is a humbling experience where both the give and the receiver learn how to share some moments that might change their lives. Jesus said we should do this. See the verse above. Follow His example, do what He did, and give far more than you will ever know....

Catalyst ticket arrived

My ticket to the Catalyst Conference, in Atlanta Oct 8-10, just arrived. I'm excited!

Michael Harrison's e-devotion

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