Names of Jesus: Chief Cornerstone

Names of Jesus: Chief Cornerstone

Names of Jesus: Chief Cornerstone

Jesus has many names all over the Bible, and we have explored many of His names identifying Him as the Son of God, and several so far as the Son of Man. This week we will explore His identity as the Chief Cornerstone. This name teaches us important information about who Jesus should be to each of us, and also teaches what happens when He is not in His rightful place in our lives. Both the Old and New Testaments speak of this name for Christ, and we will take some time to explore the meaning of this name and what scripture says in context, as well as how this part of Jesus’ identity should impact our own lives.


Christ the Cornerstone

19 So, then, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with the saints, and members of God’s household, 
20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. 
21 In him the whole building, being put together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 
22 In him you are also being built together for God’s dwelling in the Spirit.

Ephesians 2:19-22 CSB

In Ephesians 2, we read that believers are no longer “foreigners and strangers”, but that we are now united as members of God’s own family. This family is built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, and Christ Himself is the cornerstone. This whole united structure is being built up in faith as a holy temple for the indwelling of God’s Spirit. To understand this image better, let’s take a leap back to explore some cultures from biblical times.

In these times, buildings were constructed by fitting large stones together. The builders would place the first stone down, the cornerstone, and then every other stone would be lined up with this cornerstone, beginning with the foundation. The foundation would branch off to form a foundation that was ready to have walls built up from it. So, imagine for a moment the first stone laid down, then from there the builders select big rocks suitable for a firm foundation and fit them up against the cornerstone. Each stone had to fit perfectly together in order for the structure to be made strong and solid, and it had to line up with that very first stone, the cornerstone.

In this way, Christ is that first stone, the cornerstone, the apostles and prophets were made into a foundation aligned with Jesus, and then the rest of the believers are additional stones added to the building, being fitted together and built up, growing into a holy temple for the Lord. No stone can be added that does not line up with the cornerstone and fit within the structure. The cornerstone is the strongest stone that holds all the pieces together, and the foundational stones must be solid as well, fitting perfectly together with the cornerstone creating a united foundation.

  • Foundation – G2310 – themelios
    •  laid down as a foundation, belonging to a foundation
      • faith in Christ, which is like a foundation laid in the soul on which is built up the fuller and richer knowledge of saving truth
      • of the apostles as preachers of salvation, upon which foundation the Christian church has been built
      • a solid and stable spiritual possession, on which resting as on a foundation they may strive to lay hold on eternal life
  • Cornerstone – G204 – akrogōniaios
    • placed at the extreme corner; cornerstone
      • For as the cornerstone holds together two walls, so Christ joins together as Christians, into one body dedicated to God, those who were formerly Jews and Gentiles
      • And as a cornerstone contributes to sustain the edifice, but nevertheless some fall in going around the corner carelessly; so some are built up by the aid of Christ, while others stumbling at Christ perish

16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God[a] may be complete, equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV

The building is fitted together and aligned with Christ, the chief cornerstone, and will be unshakable. Believers aligned with Christ as the chief cornerstone of their lives are filled with the Holy Spirit and learn from the examples and testimonies of the prophets and apostles found in scripture. Scripture instructs us to filter all things through the Word of God, and also to learn from the examples of godly people. The teachings and testimonies of the prophets and original apostles are given as a foundation for us to learn from and be encouraged by, as they lived and taught from the cornerstone of Jesus.



Build your life on Christ the Cornerstone

We are each a temple for God’s Spirit and are called to be united with the Body of Christ, leaning on the strength and understanding of Christ throughout all areas of life. If we are not trusting Jesus as the cornerstone of our life, we are not aligned with Him and are not building our life on His truth. We were made through, by, and for Jesus, and He calls on us to live aligned with Him in faith, allowing His Spirit to fill us, guide us, and align us to the Way of salvation through Christ.

16 Do you not know that you[a] are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? 17 If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.

1 Corinthians 3:16-17 ESV

19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ESV

As Jesus is the only way to salvation, no one can lay a firm foundation on anything but Christ. No other foundation will stand – it will be like building your house on the sand. Only a life and hope built on the foundation of Jesus Christ, the Chief Cornerstone, will stand.

11 For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 3:11 ESV

24 “Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock
25 The rain fell, the rivers rose, and the winds blew and pounded that house. Yet it didn’t collapse, because its foundation was on the rock. 
26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and doesn’t act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 
27 The rain fell, the rivers rose, the winds blew and pounded that house, and it collapsed. It collapsed with a great crash.”

Matthew 7:24-27 CSB

When we build our lives and place our hope in Jesus, lining up to Him as our Chief Cornerstone, we are building our lives on the sturdy, unshakable foundation of stone. When the storms, trials, and struggles of life come, and they will, we may get a bit battered, but we will not fall because our hope and faith is in Jesus and all that He provides.

16 Therefore the Lord God said:

“Look, I have laid a stone in Zion,

a tested stone,

a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation;

the one who believes will be unshakable.[a]

Isaiah 28:16 CSB

When we are not trusting in Jesus as our cornerstone, it is like building our lives on the sand. When struggles, trials, and storms come our foundation of sand washes away and everything goes with it. Life falls apart, and we are left wrecked, trying to keep our heads above water. If we don’t place our hope and build our life on the firm foundation of faith in Jesus Christ, we will be blown about by every storm and wind that blows through our lives and carried away by it.


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Dangers of Rejecting the Cornerstone

Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all slander. Like newborn infants, desire the pure milk of the word,[a] so that by it you may grow up into your salvation, 
if you have tasted that the Lord is good.[b
As you come to him, a living stone—rejected by people but chosen and honored by[c] God— 
you yourselves, as living stones, a spiritual house, are being built to be a holy priesthood[d] to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 
For it stands in Scripture:

See, I lay a stone in Zion,

a chosen and honored[ecornerstone,

and the one who believes in him

will never be put to shame.[f]

So honor will come to you who believe; but for the unbelieving,

The stone that the builders rejected—

this one has become the cornerstone,[g]

and

A stone to stumble over,

and a rock to trip over.[h]

They stumble because they disobey the word; they were destined for this.

But you are a chosen race,[i][ja royal priesthood,[ka holy nation,[la people for his possession,[mso that you may proclaim the praises[n][o] of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 
10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

1 Peter 2:1-10 CSB

Those who reject Christ, reject the only true cornerstone and hope we have and build their lives on a foundation that will perish and crumble. Those who have faith in Christ become united as members of the Body of Christ, connected by Christ as the Chief Cornerstone, and sharing in the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, being built into a holy temple for the Lord.

So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe,

“The stone that the builders rejected

    has become the cornerstone,”[a]

1 Peter 2:7 ESV

22 The stone that the builders rejected

    has become the cornerstone.[a]

Psalm 118:22 ESV

The cornerstone is a stumbling block to unbelievers who choose to reject Christ as their foundation and fail to align themselves with Christ as the Chief Cornerstone because there is no foundation that will stand without Him. They do not accept Him as Lord and Savior, and instead trip over the only sure foundation there is and fall into the hardness of unbelief which leads to an eternity apart from God and all that is good.

So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe,

“The stone that the builders rejected

    has become the cornerstone,”[a]

1 Peter 2:7 ESV

17 But he looked at them and said, “Then what is the meaning of this Scripture:[a]

The stone that the builders rejected

has become the cornerstone?[b]

Luke 20:17 CSB

11 This Jesus[a] is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone.[b]

Acts 4:11 ESV

If you have not trusted Jesus as the Cornerstone of your life, what’s stopping you from trusting Him today? He is ready, waiting for you to come to Him. He isn’t waiting for you to clean yourself up, He is not expecting you to be perfect, and He is not surprised at the baggage you bring with you. He knows every hurt, every struggle, every mistake, every sin.

He knows all the questions you have, and He is reaching out to you today asking you to trust Him in faith. He is the only One who can give you the strength and peace you need, and this can only come from a personal relationship with Him as your Lord and Savior when you accept His sacrifice for your sins so you can be made right with God and become a child of God, coheir of the Promise.




Have you accepted the grace of God?

If you have not accepted the grace of God and chosen to believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I encourage you to pray to God now and invite Him in, accept Jesus as the sacrifice for your sins, and repent of your sins. Submit it all to God, lay it at His feet, seek the forgiveness of God, welcome Him into your life, and believe that Jesus died and rose again to save you from your sins.


If you would like to learn more about salvation, you can find a couple of studies that may help here:

  1. Names of Jesus: Savior
  2. Don’t Neglect Your Salvation
  3. Prayer of Salvation
  4. What is grace and why do we need it?
  5. What does it mean to be justified by grace?
  6. Don’t Reject God’s Grace
  7. Don’t Reject Christ
  8. Godly Women – what it means to live a godly life
  9. Redeemed Women – what it means to be redeemed
  10. What is Biblical Love?
  11. What are Spiritual Gifts?
  12. How to live in Spirit and Truth
  13. How to test what is pleasing to God
  14. Names of Jesus as the Son of God
  15. Names of Jesus as the Son of Man
  16. Names of Jesus as the Truth

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How to find comfort in John 16:33 when you can’t find peace

How to find comfort in John 16:33 when you can’t find peace

How can we find comfort while we suffer?

Finding comfort in difficult times can feel impossible. In John 16:33, Jesus is speaking and tells His followers that “In the world you will have tribulation.” This word “tribulation” in John 16:33 is also translated as “suffering” (CSB) and “trials and sorrows” (NLT). The original Greek word is thlipsis (G2347) which, in context, means oppression, affliction, or distress. This same word is also translated as trouble, anguish, and persecution in other verses throughout scripture.

In this world, we will have tribulation – we will suffer.

33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33 ESV

What do we do when we suffer?

I love that while Jesus is telling us we will suffer in this world, He sandwiches this painful statement with two additional truths that should be an encouragement to every believer.

Right before Jesus tells His believers that in this world we will have trouble, He begins by telling us that it is in Him we will have peace.

This peace, eirēnē (G1515), is “a state of tranquility; exemption from the rage and havoc of war”.
Jesus brings us to a state of tranquility, quietness, and rest. This is spiritual peace. While the world rages and life is chaos, the soul rests in Jesus Christ.

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In Jesus, followers of Christ can find spiritual comfort and rest.

This isn’t the only encouragement He gives us, though.

Before Jesus tells us we will suffer in this world, He tells us that in Him we will have peace.

After what feels like two contrasting statements, He then tells us to “take heart” because He has “overcome the world”.

This right here is vital. We must remember that Jesus Christ died and rose again so that we may have life and have it abundantly (John 10:10). He sacrificed Himself so that we could have peace in Him. He conquered this world so that we may come into a relationship with God through Him.

This is the ultimate comfort – that if we trust in Jesus, He will give us spiritual peace in this crazy and painful world which He has already conquered.

Fearless & Faithful: In the Face of Lions

Fearless & Faithful: In the Face of Lions

What did you do the last time you were faced with difficult situations? Did you avoid it? Did you complain, worry or panic? Did you talk to a friend or loved one about it? Did you try to figure it out on your own? Most of us have a bad habit of handling tough circumstances in any number of these ways, and many more like them. Daniel, someone just like you and me, faced incredible peer pressure, temptation, threat, persecution, slander, and more and showed us how we should respond to threat, hardship, pain, and even the threat of death.


Decide in Difficult Situations

Sometimes God will call us to prepare, act, move or change in certain ways, and sometimes He needs us to be still. We must decide in our hearts every day to have faith that He knows our circumstances, whatever is ahead of us, and that He is bigger; that He can and will handle all of it.

We need to be faithful and obedient to Him, trusting the promises He makes to provide, protect, and work all things together for our good – even when it doesn’t feel good. Don’t ever assume you know what to do on your own, what’s ahead, or how someone will react – commit yourself to God’s instructions.

But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself. And God gave Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs,

Daniel 1:8‭-‬9 ESV

Pray in Difficult Situations

Seeking God out with a desire to hear Him, to discover His truth, to learn, grow, and be nearer to Him is essential for surviving in this sinful, broken world. We need to be determined every day that we will bring everything in our life to God. Be disciplined enough in your faith and relationship with your Heavenly Father that whenever something happens, a decision needs to be made, a question needs to be asked, an emotion needs to be expressed, that He is the first one we run to and pour it all out to.

Every ounce of our life needs to be brought to God through prayer every day. The more we pray, the closer we get to Him, the stronger our relationship gets, the deeper our faith grows, the better we become as followers of Christ, and the more people we have an opportunity to pour God’s grace and love all over and bring closer to Him as well. Seek God out in all things, all times, no matter who may or may not be watching, and have no fear of the world around you.

When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.

Daniel 6:10 ESV

Repent in Difficult Situations

Lifting up our worries to God is vital in demonstrating our faith in Him, and so is humbly seeking His forgiveness when we hold onto our worries and try to tackle our circumstances on our own. As human beings, we will certainly make mistakes, mess up, and commit sin and we need to give all of that to God as well and repent so we can come back into right standing with our Heavenly Father.

Daniel knew there was a need for this not only for himself but for his people. He knew that there was power in lifting others up to God and praying for forgiveness over them. We should remember what Jesus said as He was hanging, dying, nailed to the cross; “Forgive them, Father, for they know not what they do,” (Luke 23:34), and pray this for the world around us, and for ourselves.

Ask God to forgive you and others surrounding you, open your eyes to your mistakes, show you His will, teach you what is right, and give you the strength and perseverance for what is ahead. Even when you don’t know what you’ve done, we have much to repent for every day.

‘Then I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking him by prayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes. I prayed to the Lord my God and made confession, saying, “O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, we have sinned and done wrong and acted wickedly and rebelled, turning aside from your commandments and rules. ‘

Daniel 9:3-5 ESV
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Praise in Difficult Situations

Praise is an often forgotten, often discounted way to worship God. It’s so easy to take credit for ourselves or immediately give someone a pat on the back when really God is the one who deserves our praises before and above anyone else. We live in a culture that teaches us we’ve earned what we have and are entitled to what we want, but we only have what we have because God made it so.

The only doors that open are ones God has put there and given you the tools to open them with. We have the choice, but He’s paved and provided the way and deserves to be heartily thanked constantly for every bit of it. Don’t forget to lift your eyes and your thanks to Him first even when we’re faced with difficult situations.

Then the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision of the night. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven. Daniel answered and said: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding; he reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him. To you, O God of my fathers, I give thanks and praise, for you have given me wisdom and might, and have now made known to me what we asked of you, for you have made known to us the king’s matter.”

Daniel 2:19‭-‬23 ESV

Acknowledge in Difficult Situations

Don’t take for granted and miss all the blessings he is providing for you every day. Acknowledge that God’s way is always the right way and that all you have is because He made it so. Give credit where credit is due and give God all the glory, even in the face of difficult situations.

My God sent his angel and shut the lions’ mouths, and they have not harmed me, because I was found blameless before him; and also before you, O king, I have done no harm.”

Daniel 6:22 ESV

Faith won’t result in a personal victory every time, but either way, we can learn and grow stronger as we persevere and give it all to God. Our faithfulness may get us into trouble sometimes, but our faith will always get us out of it because the Lord’s salvation is so complete He is with us in the fire, closing the mouths of lions, and providing all we need in everything we face. He is faithful to us and asks for faithfulness in return.

Decide in your heart to remain firm, pray to Him all day every day, praise Him for everything you have and need, and acknowledge that He is the one in control, blessing and providing, teaching and disciplining, guiding and listening. He is for you and wants you to live for Him.

‘ While I was speaking and praying, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my plea before the Lord my God for the holy hill of my God, while I was speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the first, came to me in swift flight at the time of the evening sacrifice. He made me understand, speaking with me and saying, “O Daniel, I have now come out to give you insight and understanding. At the beginning of your pleas for mercy a word went out, and I have come to tell it to you, for you are greatly loved. Therefore consider the word and understand the vision. ‘

Daniel 9:20-23 ESV
We Will Be Blessed | Job Devotional

We Will Be Blessed | Job Devotional

How do we know when we are blessed by God? What does it mean to be “blessed”? One definition, according to Dictionary.com, says “a favor or gift bestowed by God, thereby bringing happiness.” So by definition being blessed is when God gives us favor and gifts.

Throughout this series, we have looked at how we are tested in day-to-day life, what to do when we struggle with God’s plan, how to face conflict, and the importance of standing firm in our faith in the midst of it all. But what comes of all this hardship? Why is standing firm and remaining faithful so important?

When we remain steadfast, constant, and firm in our faith it does not go unnoticed. God sees us keep faith and blesses us through the muck and grind of life in so many different ways. So often we think that being blessed means we will have more money, more ‘things’, perfect relationships, or fewer struggles. We think that by being blessed life will somehow just be easier. This is not what it is to be blessed, though.

Being blessed starts inwardly

Throughout scripture we see a constant theme that explains as we remain steadfast in faith we will experience increased peace and joy that surpasses our human understanding. This peace and joy then overflows out of us into our outward selves and henceforth to other areas of our lives, provisions, and relationships, which are then increasingly blessed as well.

So, to be blessed is really to receive God’s peace and joy, and to be loved, cared for, provided for, and transformed by God. It is God’s fingerprints on every day of our lives. Not only in the big things but also in every little detail of every day, shaped and molded for you by His hands. It is all a blessing.

As we let the blessing of God’s goodness transform our hearts, we begin to see all the additional ways God blesses our lives every day. Soften your heart, open your eyes, and see the wonders God has placed in your path, and through your faithfulness watch those blessings grow.

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You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in God.

Isaiah 26:3

‘After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before. ‘

Job 42:10

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13

But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:31
We Must Stand Firm | Job Devotional

We Must Stand Firm | Job Devotional

There is a strange peace in knowing that any moment could be your last and trusting God with your life nonetheless. This peace has the power to heal, humble, transform, and bring you closer to your calling than you ever imagined was possible. When faced with this strange peace, we must stand firm in it, knowing God is with us and will carry us through in His will and way.

The story of Job tells of circumstances where Job needed to make a decision to trust God, look forward to his heavenly fate whenever it may come, and put his family, friends, and self in God’s hands without wavering. God had taken care of him all his life and now all that he had was stripped away, his friends turned on him, his wife told him to curse God and die, his health was in terrifying condition. Job lost everything, was faced with what seemed to be certain death, and even still Job did something exceptional. Job stood firm in his faith and trust that God was in control, even in his terrible circumstances.

This week I found myself looking to Job for guidance in my own circumstances. I realized that God was trying to teach me to trust Him with my life and with my death, whenever that may come, and even beyond that; that whatever comes, my faith must stand firm in who God is; and that I must always trust God to be in control, no matter what my circumstances are.

I asked God what He wanted me to do and I kept hearing a resounding “do you trust me?” I chose to stand firm in my faith, in who I know God to be, and in the fact that God is in control of everything. No matter where He leads me I am going there with His blessing.

When we are faced with a challenge, suffering, fear, or even possible or certain death in this life we must stand firm in the fact that God is in charge. Oftentimes when we’re seeking it too much we do not see the point, blessing, or lesson and we fail to give God the reigns and let Him handle our situation.

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Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.

1 Peter 4:1-2

As shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.

Ephesians 6:15

You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you.”

2 Chronicles 20:17

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Romans 12:2

“I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.

Job 42:2
We Will Be Challenged | Job Devotional

We Will Be Challenged | Job Devotional

When Christ walked the earth it was incredibly dangerous to be a follower of Jesus. Even before Christ came people faced peril and ridicule when they talked about God and their faith in Him. When Christ gave the disciples their great commission, He told them they would face trouble in this world while following Him. They would be challenged.

Our culture is what we call the “1st world” may not be a threat of death at every turn when we follow Jesus, but we still face challenges in our walk with Him. We face loved ones, friends, enemies, and strangers alike who will try to sway our faith in God. We trudge through slander, ridicule, loss of relationships, harassment, bullying, assaults, and all kinds of abuse from people because we choose to believe that God is God, scripture is truth, and Jesus died and rose again to save us from our sins. The world around us is ripe with those who will gladly rip your faith to shreds if you let them.


What do we do when we face challenges?

So what do we do when we face these challenges? How do we respond when loved ones and friends discourage us in our faith? What do we do when we face loss and hurt for the sake of our relationship with our Creator?


Rejoice when you are challenged

The first thing we do is rejoice. Rejoice because when we face hostility and suffering for the sake of our faith, generally that means we’re doing something right. We are called to be different, to be set apart. One of the best ways to know you’re set apart for Christ is when others who don’t walk with Jesus notice and lash out because of it. Just as Christ suffered we will suffer, and through it we will glorify God when we respond with praise to our Father in the midst of the hurt and danger.


Pray when you are challenged

The next thing to do is pray. Be grateful to God for the opportunity to shine His light, and lift that gratefulness to Him. Just like we discussed last week, tell Him all that you’re feeling, experiencing, and struggling with. Suffering for His sake is by no means easy. When we lift our hurt feelings, struggles, and sins to Him, and pray over our relationships that are tough or at risk, we allow Him to give us His grace, mercy, and love so that we may exemplify Him to those who try to condemn us. Seek to empty yourself to God so that He can fill you up with Himself, equipping you for the battle ahead.


Set the example when you are challenged

Lastly, set the example. Now that you’ve rejoiced and given it to God, use what God fills you up with to live in the image of Christ. Don’t just walk the walk; talk the talk. It’s not an easy thing to be loving toward those who seek to tear you down, but do it anyway because that is what Jesus would do, and what God calls on us to do.

Praise God for trusting us with these opportunities to glorify and exemplify Him. Let go and let God fill you up with His goodness. Use what God fills you up with to glorify Him, strengthen you, and share the love, truth, mercy and grace of Jesus.

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‘“Anyone who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty. But my brothers are as undependable as intermittent streams, as the streams that overflow when darkened by thawing ice and swollen with melting snow, but that stop flowing in the dry season, and in the heat vanish from their channels. ‘ Job 6:14-17

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. Luke 22:41-44

Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 2 Timothy 3:12

But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 1 Peter 4:13

For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, Philippians 1:29

We Won’t Understand | Job Devotional

We Won’t Understand | Job Devotional

Last week we dove into some different ways we are tested throughout life, and how we should respond to being tested. Another important thing we can learn from the story of Job is that we will not always understand why we’re going through what we’re going through.

Job does not hide the fact he is confused, upset and in pain. In fact he expresses it straight to God. Throughout the turmoil Job continued to seek God and remained firm in what he knew about God’s nature and promises. He was upset about what he felt God was doing to him, confused about why he was being so brutally treated, and in great agony of many kinds but he still clung to what he knew about God.


What do you know about who God is?

What do you know about His character?

God is faithful, always keeps His promises, never leaves or forsakes us, is in control of everything, loves us without fail, is patient, merciful, our provider, and always has a bigger plan than what we can see.

When you don’t understand your circumstances, talk to God about it. It’s okay to not understand and to be honest with God about our feelings, and above all we should cling to what we know to be true about God’s character and promises when we don’t understand His ways. When we accept that His plan is higher than us we’re better in tune with Him, more at peace with our God-given path, and more thankful for our God-given purpose, promises and provisions. When we try to understand His ways we get distracted from what we know already.

Share your worries, frustrations, confusions and pains with God and lean on who you know He is instead of His ways that you don’t understand.

‘ “Why is light given to him who is in misery, and life to the bitter in soul, who long for death, but it comes not, and dig for it more than for hidden treasures, who rejoice exceedingly and are glad when they find the grave? Why is light given to a man whose way is hidden, whom God has hedged in? For my sighing comes instead of my bread, and my groanings are poured out like water. For the thing that I fear comes upon me, and what I dread befalls me. I am not at ease, nor am I quiet; I have no rest, but trouble comes.”‘

Job 3:20-26

‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. ‘

Proverbs 3:5-8
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‘For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen.’

Romans 11:36

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

2 Timothy 3:16

And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.

1 Corinthians 2:13

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

John 14:26

For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

2 Peter 1:21

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33
We Will Be Tested | Job Devotional

We Will Be Tested | Job Devotional

As our world is suffering in a variety of ways due to the current pandemic of COVID-19 we are all being plunged into a world of fear, selfishness, panic, judgment, chaos, and carelessness. Our faith is being tested at a capacity we are unfamiliar with. What we need right now is something so few of us are experiencing – peace.

Peace is found when we trust God and allow ourselves to be emptied of fear, panic, and worry in order for Him to fill us up with His peace. Trusting God is a very human struggle we all face. In order for our trust and faith in God to grow, we will be tested.

We are being tested every single day, from little things to big things. Testing is all about growth and strength training. As we endure testing in our lives we are being refined into who God intended us to be. We are being prepared for eternity in His kingdom.

There are many ways we are tested throughout our lives.


Tested in Selflessness

Do you focus more on your wants or the wants and needs of others? Do you take the time to help others, or worry more about helping yourself? We are called to be selfless, but must constantly fight our selfish nature to become more like Christ and find peace.

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

Philippians 2:3

Tested in Generosity

Do you give only when you have more than enough, share your time only when it suits you, or give only when you get something in return? We’re called to give even when we have little and to expect nothing in return. God provides what we have so that we can be generous toward others. We are more blessed in giving than receiving.

You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

2 Corinthians 9:11

Tested in Kindness

Are you only kind to people when you think they deserve it, or when you’re in the mood to be kind? We are called to be kind at all times. Kindness is an active choice and it is contagious. You don’t spread light with darkness, but you can vanquish darkness with light.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Colossians 3:12

Tested in Service

Do your goals and plans include helping others, or primarily yourself? Do you use the skills God gave you to further His mission, or to further your own? God blesses us with our resources, minds and abilities so that we can use them to serve others and further His kingdom.

For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.

1 Corinthians 3:9
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Tested in Faithfulness

Do you obey God only when it is easy, or only run to Him when life is hard? Are you selfless, generous, kind, and serving others in order to further His mission? God commands us to be faithful in all things, at all times; good and bad, easy and difficult. When we are faithful in the little things, we will be faithful in the bigger things. When we are faithful to God through the testing we see that He is faithful to us.

Whether it is good or bad, we will obey the voice of the Lord our God to whom we are sending you, that it may be well with us when we obey the voice of the Lord our God.”

Jeremiah 42:6

How do we endure testing?

In order to endure the testing we must face, we must lean into God, trust Him through it, and surrender ourselves and our sense of control to the One who is actually in control. Lift up your struggles with a thankful heart, and remain faithful to God who is always selfless, generous, kind, faithful, and serving His people.

Activate your faith and stand firm, not only to show God we can but to show ourselves that He can. How do you know you really trust God if you’re never put in situations where you must? How will you strengthen your belief that God will carry you if you never surrender control?

God is right there experiencing your struggles with you, waiting for you to trust Him to carry you. Even when it doesn’t feel like it, like He’s left you, like there’s just too much darkness, chaos, and pain, God is there to help you get through it and pass every test. Trust Him to be in control and let His peace replace your fears.

‘And the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?” Then Satan answered the Lord and said, “Does Job fear God for no reason? Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face.” And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your hand. Only against him do not stretch out your hand.” So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord . ‘

Job 1:8-12

And he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord .” Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong. ‘

Job 1:20-22

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Galatians 6:9

I believe that the present suffering is nothing compared to the coming glory that is going to be revealed to us.

Romans 8:18

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

1 Peter 4:12‭-‬13
Why do we suffer?

Why do we suffer?

Why do we suffer?

Why is there so much tragedy, heartache, pain, and suffering in life? What on earth is there to gain from so much pain? These are questions everyone asks themselves at some point in their life.

But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths.

Genesis 3:4‭-‬7

Where did suffering begin?

This story is one most people are at least semi-familiar with. Something important that is embedded into this story is the origin of suffering. When God told Adam and Eve that they will “surely die” if they eat from the Tree of Life (Gen. 2:17), He did not mean they’d die an immediate death in the earthly sense that you and I know. Their innocence, peace, blissful ignorance would die and they would be introduced to sin and know suffering.

Satan, the serpent, knew this and tricked them in their innocence. He played on their curious human nature, led them into temptation, and now all of humankind knows sin and suffering.

Then the Lord God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of us in knowing good and evil. Now, lest he reach out his hand and take also of the tree of life and eat, and live forever—” therefore the Lord God sent him out from the garden of Eden to work the ground from which he was taken. He drove out the man, and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life.

Genesis 3:22‭-‬24

Why does it have to be this way?

We were never meant to have this knowledge of good and evil. We were created to live peacefully and innocently with God, trusting in Him to know what is best. As soon as the first sin occurred, human beings were forced to bear the weight of knowledge.

With the knowledge of good and evil came sin, suffering, and eventual yet inevitable death. The death God warned of in Genesis, I believe, is both the human death we all eventually experience, but also the instant death of human innocence and blissful ignorance as soon as Adam and Eve ate from the tree. It is a death of purity and peace as they entered into a world of sin and suffering. The good news is that God provided a way for His people to find and reside in that peace and purity again through the death and resurrection of Jesus.


Will the suffering ever stop?

Growing up I had an incredibly tough life. There were only a few points in my childhood that were stable, and even those times didn’t last very long. When I was 11 my mother told me I was overweight and started me on weight loss pills. That was the beginning of a new kind of suffering in my life.

Through that, I entered the steep slope of young alcoholism, pill addiction, and eating disorders which then transformed into the desire for positive attention from literally any place I could find. This led me to many situations of being used, bullied, and assaulted by my peers. I had no one. I was utterly alone and constantly suffering.

Eventually, I attempted to end my life to stop the ceaseless suffering. After continuing to fail at something that in every earthly sense I absolutely should have succeeded, it hit me…maybe there is a reason for me to be alive. Maybe all this pain means something. But what? Why?

‘… for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. ‘

1 Peter 1:6-7

Suffering is an opportunity to learn

I would continue to struggle for many years. As soon as I’d asked myself why I was still alive I, for the first time in my life, realized that there had to be something bigger than myself keeping me alive. It had to be for some purpose.

In all the suffering I have endured I began to learn that it was making me stronger. My suffering began to clearly lead me to God, as He was the only “thing” that could possibly help me through all the pain.

‘For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, ‘

1 Peter 3:18

The point of suffering is to develop and strengthen our faith. It is to make us stronger, more faithful, and less fearful of earthly things. When we suffer, we learn to depend on Christ to see us through.

‘And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. ‘

1 Peter 5:10

There is hope in the suffering

There is hope to be had through the suffering. It is not forever. As we go through our trials, we are refined, like a rough gold nugget being melted down, purified, polished, and shined into a valuable, beautiful gold ingot. God will strengthen and restore us.

It is inevitable that we will all suffer to some degree in our lives. It’s also inevitable that through it all God will do wonders in His faithful children and bring us out shining like gold in His presence.

why do we suffer

What does God hope to accomplish through our suffering?

When I took the huge leap of faith, putting away my extremely painful, sinful way of living, and decided to live for God it changed everything about myself – or at least, the “me” I had become while conforming to what society wanted me to be. It was incredibly strange, too. It was an immediate change, which felt extremely natural, not forced at all, and it literally just happened. I began to speak, dress, walk and eat differently.

I began to treat people differently. I’d gone from extremely pessimistic and dramatic to finding impossible peace I never knew existed. I changed from an extremely boisterous, complaintive person to a peaceful, confident, fearless woman.

God literally transformed my heart and my mind as soon as I gave my life to Him in full trust, but I got to that point through an incredible amount of suffering. Had I not suffered all that I had, I would not have become the person I have become. I would not know this impossible peace and undying faith.

‘Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. ‘

1 Peter 3:3-4

How do I endure suffering?

God gives us very specific qualities He wants us to exhibit. When we are enduring great suffering, he is buffing out the sinful qualities and bringing the righteous qualities to the surface.

‘Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech. They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it. ‘

1 Peter 3:8-11

When we endure our suffering, allowing God to work on us, transform us, and heal us we are made new. We are utterly transformed and we may receive God’s blessings through our suffering and obedience.

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