God’s love, which is stronger than death, is causing me to continue walking the path of the mission the Lord has given me (John 6:1–15). “At that very time some Pharisees came and said to Him, ‘Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill You.’ He replied, ‘Go tell that fox, “I will keep driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach My goal.” In any case, I must press on today and tomorrow and the next day—for surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem! Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. Look, your house is left to you desolate. I tell you, you will not see Me again until you say, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord” (Luke 13:31–35). ...
The God of Joseph [Acts 7:9-16] The text discusses the concept of ‘Brick instead of Bread’ and quotes a saying attributed to the famous news anchor David Brinkley. The saying illustrates that sometimes life presents us with challenges (symbolized by a brick) instead of comfort (represented by bread). How we handle these challenges can determine whether they become the foundation of happiness or the cause of unhappiness. The text then mentions biblical figures who encountered the brick of suffering in their lives, including Joseph from the book of Acts (Acts 7:9-16). Unlike some, Joseph did not reject the brick of suffering; instead, he accepted it with faith. Despite committing no wrongdoing, Joseph faced various trials, such as being sold to merchants by his brothers and later being unjustly imprisoned in Egypt. The text advises that when we go through the passage of suffering, we sho...