If we're honest, a lot of our attempts at trust look like mental gymnastics with occasional "Lord, help me" thrown in for good measure. We're trying to feel confident about our circumstances while our hearts are racing and our minds are cataloging everything that could go wrong.
Here's what's happening in those moments: We're trying to trust God with our circumstances without first remembering who God actually is. We're white-knuckling our way through trust as if it were something we could manufacture through sheer spiritual willpower.
But trust doesn't work that way. We keep asking, "Can I trust God with this?" when perhaps the better question is: "Who is God, really?" |
|
|
Bible News The latest Bible-related and Bible-adjacent news |
|
|
October 9 — Pope Leo XIV released his first Apostolic Exhortation, Dilexi te ("I have loved you," Rev. 3:9), emphasizing the inseparability of faith and care for the poor. The document critiques economic inequality, "throwaway culture," and systems that marginalize migrants and women. Quoting various saints, the Pope urges Christians to recognize Christ in the poor, avoid being led astray by secular ideologies, and work toward dismantling unjust structures to promote dignity and justice for all. (Vatican News) |
| October 10 — A closer look at the 2025 State of Theology study (see Sept. 22) reveals shifts in U.S. evangelical beliefs post-pandemic. Evangelicals who believe Jesus was only a teacher declined to 28% (down from 43% in 2022) and those who think modern science disproves the Bible declined to 19% (from 30%), while belief in the obligation to join a local church rose to 61% (from 36%). However, 53% still view the Holy Spirit as a force, not a person, and 47% believe God accepts worship from all religions. (Lifeway Research) |
| October 11 — Chinese authorities have detained Pastor Jin "Ezra" Mingri and nearly 30 leaders of Zion Church, one of China's largest house church networks, in a coordinated crackdown across six cities. The arrests, citing "illegal dissemination of religious information," follow years of government pressure on Zion, which counts nearly 10,000 members across 40 cities. Despite the persecution, house churches continue to meet and minister to the sick and marginalized. (Christianity Today and The Gospel Coalition) |
|
|
Three years ago, I got news from my doctor that punched me in the gut. "I believe you have a degenerative neurological disorder," he said. "Somewhere in the family of Parkinson's."
My wife Jill and I walked out of the doctor's office, sat in my truck, and cried for what felt like forever.
By the time I got home, I was done. I didn't want to see anyone, hear from anyone, or receive any encouraging texts from friends. I just wanted to sit on my back patio and be alone.
I gave up on trusting God. I gave up on my future dreams. And I gave up on community.
Maybe you know how that feels. When life knocks you down, getting back up can seem impossible. Those are the moments we need our friends and family the most. However, unfortunately, they also tend to be the moments we run away from our community instead of running toward it. |
|
|
| Access an additional $3,100 worth of resources and go even deeper in your Bible study. Try it free for 7 days |
|
|
Paul urges, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Rom. 12:2).
"Do not conform" is an admission that the world has an agenda for us; it wants to fit us into the same mold — a life devoid of God, independent of God, or even working against God.
We are reborn to think and live a new life. Too many believers have been "born again," getting wet in baptism, but they are trying to live by the same rules, values, and purposes of their old life, apart from Christ. They are not "reborn" in their thinking. This robs them of much joy, spiritual fulfillment, and witness.
As an example, I'd like to address a common lie that I heard in church. |
| Most Christians I know wonder what faithfulness looks like in an environment like ours. Is the answer to embrace an all-out, partisan-driven culture war, with one side representing light and the other darkness? Or is it withdrawal, isolation and focus on our families and churches?
These aren't idle questions: I've heard loud proponents of both of these positions.
Many of us suspect there's a better way — though we struggle to articulate what it is. I believe the book of Daniel helps with the answer. |
|
|
In the Manger 5-Pack Bundle |
Bestselling author Max Lucado invites you to witness the birth of Christ through these twenty-five inspirational selections for Advent. This #1 bestselling Christmas devotional is the perfect seasonal gift for friends, family, Bible study groups, and community outreach. |
| Anne Neilson's Christmas Angels |
Find peace and wonder this Advent with Anne Neilson's Christmas Angels. Featuring 28 devotions and the author's radiant angel artwork, this book invites you to slow down and reflect on the hope, love, joy, and peace of Christ's birth, helping you stay centered on His presence amid the busyness of the season. |
|
|
Devotionals and Reading Plans Sign up to get daily inspiration, biblical themes, and guided studies that allow you to engage with Scripture in a meaningful and practical way. |
| Bible Gateway App Connect with God's Word anytime, anywhere. | | Bible Audio App Listen to God's word in your favorite narration. Enjoy features such as setting a timer, adjusting the speed, or repeating verses to better absorb the Word of God. |
|
|
| For a limited time, Study Gateway plans start at just $6.95/month for life. Access thousands of Bible study videos from trusted teachers, all in one place. Start your free trial today and make spiritual growth part of your daily routine. |
|
|
*All prices are USD. Additional sales tax may apply. The 7-day free trial is available to new subscribers only. *FaithGateway sale price ends on 10/31/25. Limited quantities available. Sale pricing excludes ebooks and audiobooks. Free Standard Shipping for U.S. orders over $35 excluding Alaska and Hawaii. *Study Gateway Sale is valid for the Personal Plan, Small Group Plan or Church Plan, charged to the payment method you provided, starting at the end of your 7-day free trial. Valid for new and returning subscribers only. You may cancel your subscription at any time. Offer is valid through October 30, 2025. This email was sent to alitealbum.biblegateway@blogger.com by Bible Gateway, 501 Nelson Place, Nashville, TN 37214, USA. You received this message because you signed up to receive updates and offers from Bible Gateway and its sponsors. If you have questions or comments about
this email, please contact us. VIEW THIS EMAIL IN YOUR BROWSER ► |
|
|
*All prices are USD. Additional sales tax may apply. The 7-day free trial is available to new subscribers only. *FaithGateway sale price ends on 10/31/25. Limited quantities available. Sale pricing excludes ebooks and audiobooks. Free Standard Shipping for U.S. orders over $35 excluding Alaska and Hawaii. *Study Gateway Sale is valid for the Personal Plan, Small Group Plan or Church Plan, charged to the payment method you provided, starting at the end of your 7-day free trial. Valid for new and returning subscribers only. You may cancel your subscription at any time. Offer is valid through October 30, 2025. This email was sent to alitealbum.biblegateway@blogger.com by Bible Gateway, 501 Nelson Place, Nashville, TN 37214, USA. You received this message because you signed up to receive updates and offers from Bible Gateway and its sponsors. If you have questions or comments about
this email, please contact us. VIEW THIS EMAIL IN YOUR BROWSER ► Manage all Bible Gateway subscriptions Opt Out of all Bible Gateway communication |
|
|
|
No comments:
Post a Comment