Life in Exile

Do we really have abundant life by following Jesus? If that's the case, why are so many Christians suffering? A look at Jesus's own words will help us find the right perspective.

Jesus spoke to the disciples about forgetting his work in their lives while also telling them any suffering we endure for Christ will soon be forgotten. We can forget what's behind us for the sake of focusing on Christ today.

You have a story to tell to the church about what God is doing on the mission field. Here are a few tips from my years of reporting back to the church.

Why are our memories so quick to forget all that God has done for us? Our forgetfulness leads to doubt and worry. Remembering draws us closer to God and strengthens our faith.

What does an ancient law teach us about how we address sin in the Church today? Am I willing to throw the first stone?

The prophets will show as the psalmist did before that we have a history of forgetting the Lord. It doesn't matter if things are going great or we're in times of trial, our tendency is to forget the source of our salvation and the only hope for mankind.

Having children on the mission field can be both wonderful and stressful, but not only are our lives enriched by their presence but theirs as well. It is possible to thrive even when a time in a country is cut short.

God has no problem remembering, but what about us? Our tendency to forget can bring eternal consequences. Will you forget God?

Remembering my sister-in-Christ, Nomie Derani, and a life given in service to the Lord and in love to Muslim women.

God speaks and he keeps his word. He never forgets what he has spoken. He remembers all he has said. He can be trusted to fulfill all he has promised.

Does the change of season effect how you serve? How can we know spring in service even when the days outside and in our minds seem dark and gloomy?

If it weren't enough that God remembers us, we can rest in knowing that he remembers us with mercy. What a blessing!

Salt is an important symbol God uses to remind us of his enduring covenant and love. It is also to be a part of our conversations as believers. How much do think about the salt you're sharing?

As we think of how God remembers his people, not only does he remember us in our weakness, but he remembers how we fear him and remain faithful to him.

Do we take the Bible for granted? How much is the Word of God mingling with our own? God's Word makes a difference in the lives of Christ followers.

God remembers us because he created us. He knows we are weak and fallible creatures. His remembrance of us is a sign of his love and grace for us.

Do you go out each day know you have a ministry to accomplish for the cause of Christ? Whether working or in retirement, we are all still called to live lives of purpose for the Kingdom.

Is there comfort knowing that God remembers his enemies? Yes, because only God can judge in perfect righteousness. It is for him to avenge, not me.

What do we do with the continued suffering of believers in areas of conflict and disaster? We turn to the Lord and his Word for help.

As we continue to see how God remembers his people, we'll look at the differences in the requests of Hannah, Hezekiah, Nehemiah, Daniel, and a man on the cross.

Is Common-Sense Christian a misnomer? What role does common sense play in the lives of those who follow Christ? Maybe it's time to rely on supernatural sense, given by the Spirit instead.

Does God hear our cry for help? Does he remember us? Yes, and we have examples from history to prove it.

When does bitterness begin to take root? When the soil of our hearts are poisoned by bad attitudes and a lack of thankfulness.

God has a long memory. From the Bible we know that he remembers all that his people did--good and bad. How will he remember our deeds?

We all wear a seal that marks our allegiance as the final day draws near. Which one marks you?

Does God need help remembering? No, but he chooses to set some things in place to remind us that he remembers and does not forget.

We are in a battle as we serve the nations. It's one that's waged through fervent prayer and vigilance against deception and coldness of heart. Thankfully, it's a battle he's already one.

Does the feeling that God has forgotten us meet with reality? No. God does not forget us.

When suffering comes, questions come. It's hard not to ask why? Thankfully, Job has some lessons for us when suffering makes no sense.

It is good to be reminded that we serve a God who forgets. What does he forget? He chooses to forget our sin when we trust in the One who paid the price for that sin on our behalf.

As you begin this new year in service, know that whatever your plans or God's, you have a sister in Christ to support and encourage you in your work.

The Bible speaks a lot about remembering and even forgetting. This year's Friday Focus will deal with how memory is important in our relationship with God and the passing on of the faith. Remember, lest we forget.

Proverbs 26 is full of great lessons. Where are they from? Bad examples.

Check out this wrap-up of our year in Learning from the Past. So many lessons from the Old Testament in the New. The post includes quick-links to the weekly topics.

Do you avoid reflecting on the year because of personal sins and failures? Even though it's painful, it's important to address the past with God in order to move forward with purpose and strength.

The final prophecy before the voice of the Lord is silent for 400 years. Malachi's word will be heard again, as it is fulfilled in the arrival of the messenger John the Baptist.

What is the gift that benefits both the recipient and the giver? A spiritual gift. Paul tells us how in his letter to the church in Rome.

Nearing the end of our Old Testament lessons in the New, we will focus on a difficult passage. How can God love Jacob but hate Esau? It's about his sovereignty.

Is our gift giving more to our selves, our families, or others? How far do your gifts reach? By giving to missions and ministries, you can literally reach the nations for Christ and maybe hasten his return. God loves a cheerful giver.

Jesus, the One they pierced, was seen by those who witnessed his crucifixion. This is not the last time his scars will set him apart. No, the nations will see him and mourn. When? At his return as conquering King.

A recent sending celebration of new missionaries taught me some encouraging lessons.

What do thirty pieces of silver have to do with a shepherd? They were the wages prophesied by Zechariah centuries before one of his own disciples would take the same amount to betray him.

I am so thankful. This has been an amazing year, and I just want to talk about the goodness of God in my life and give him praise. What are you thankful for?

Without full trust in the Shepherd, the sheep are prone to scatter when the going gets tough. Thankfully, we have a Shepherd who seeks out the lost and is able to bring them back into the fold.

Can we undo the damage we're causing to the name of Christ by loving without borders or taking the world's side over that of God's Word? What will it take for us to jump off the bandwagon of society and reclaim a biblical worldview and witness? Tough Love.

The prophet Haggai and the writer of Hebrews make a connection with all the shaking that's happening in our world today. However, there is a final shaking to come. At that point, there's no turning back. Choose Christ before it's too late.

Being thankful makes an impact for the cause of Christ, not just in our annual celebrations but in our daily words and attitude.

What does the righteousness imparted to us by Christ do? It helps us to live by faith and not by sight. God spoke this truth to Habakkuk and he speaks the same to us today.

Is anything certain in this world today? How do we function with such uncertainty? By His grace.

Words God gave through the prophet Amos would be used hundreds of years later to solve a conflict. God's Word can be used to do the same today.

How do American elections affect our work among the nations? Does God really care about our votes? Whatever your answer, we need to pray and seek wisdom and discernment in all matters political.