We all have a need to feel affirmed; to know that our life has value and is valued by others. But people don’t always offer the affirmation we desire, and as a result, we might feel rejected, alone, or worthless. In such times, we can find affirmation in our almighty God, who who created us in his image and longs to live in relationship with us. God values us, even to the point of sacrificing his own Son to die for our sins so that we could have the opportunity to live with him forever. God’s words and actions toward us affirm that we not only matter to him, but he desires us more than anything else! How does God affirm me? Genesis 1:27 So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God affirmed us when he created us like himself. Romans 5:8 But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. 1 Corinthians 15:3 I passed on to you what was most important and what had also ...

  Many times, we think of affection as romantic gestures between two people: a kiss, hug, or holding hands. More generally, our affections are simply responses to those things that we care most about. This is why it is important to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and to love God so that our affections do not become misguided. When we begin showing affection toward the wrong things or for the wrong reasons, we are in danger of being drawn away from God, our first love. Misguided affections lead to misguided motives which lead to misguided actions. Our affections are indicative of what we care about the most. What would your friends say you care most about? Where should I focus my affections? Mark 12:30 And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength. Psalm 42:1-2 As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God. I thirst for God, the living God. When can I go and stand before him? Psalm 73:25 Whom have I in...

What should I do? This is a commonly asked question. In an age of conflicting claims and confusing directions, many search for wise counsel. Maybe that’s why counselors are in such great demand and advice columnists are in every newspaper. There is a critical difference, however, between wise counsel and misleading advice that leads to destruction. Of all wisdom, God’s wisdom is the best, for his is given with a perspective of ultimate truth and eternity. Who among us would not like to talk with someone who knows everything that will happen tomorrow and every tomorrow to come? We would do well to seek advice more often from the sources of divine wisdom: God and his Word. Where do I look for good advice? 1 Samuel 8:6 | Samuel was displeased with their request and went to the LORD for guidance. Job 12:13 “But true wisdom and power are found in God; counsel and understanding are his.” Psalm 32:8 The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and w...

Troubles come with a multitude of names—accidents, afflictions, bereavement, calamities, difficulties, disappointments, disasters, failures, hard times, hurts, miseries, misfortunes, reversals, ruin, sufferings, tragedies, trials, tribulations, troubles, or woes.  They can come unexpectedly or after repeated warnings. Adversities may be temporarily discomforting or permanently disabling, even life-threatening or life-taking. Some adversities merely take more effort to work through, while others permanently wound. Adversity literally means “something acting against you.”  Nowhere is this concept more clearly presented than in the Bible, which makes it clear that God himself sometimes sends adversity either as a punishment for sin or simply as a way to test and strengthen our character. Other times Satan sends adversity to tempt us to sin. And God allows it.  And sometimes we bring adversity on ourselves by acting foolishly or sinfully. And finally, there is the adversity t...

 Adoption is a beautiful expression of God’s love for mankind. Adoption gives children a new life that they could not achieve on their own. In the same way, Jesus provided the way for us to have eternal life in heaven, a new life we could never achieve on our own. Just as parents lovingly teach and nurture an adopted child, God teaches and nurtures his children through the Holy Spirit. Just as adoptive parents welcome a boy or girl to become their own child, God welcomes us all to be adopted into his own family and to enjoy his blessings in this life and eternity. This hope in our spiritual adoption can sustain those of us who are experiencing the frustrations and joys of earthly adoption. Is adopting a child right for me and my family? How can I know for sure? Matthew 18:5 “And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me.” Psalm 138:8 The LORD will work out his plans for my life—for your faithful love, O LORD, endures forever. Jeremiah 1:5 I knew you ...