90 illustrations found
God who weeps, this morning I wake to loss again. The absence is the first thing I feel, before I even open my eyes. I don't ask You to take the grief away— it's love with nowhere to go. But I ask Y
God who does not leave, today was hard. I'm tired in ways that sleep won't fix. I don't need You to explain why it was difficult. I just need You to be near. Meet me in this exhaustion. Speak into t
God who does not waste our pain, I bring this suffering to You— not because I understand it, but because You are the only One who can redeem it. I will not pretend this is easy. I will not call this
God who stands with the suffering, we remember today our brothers and sisters who follow You at great cost. Those imprisoned for faith. Those beaten for belief. Those martyred for witness. Be their
monastic devotional prayer by Thomas a Kempis
catholic evening prayer by Augustine of Hippo
catholic contemplative prayer by Julian of Norwich
Healer God, this body that won't stop hurting, this diagnosis that won't go away, this "new normal" I never wanted— I bring it all to You. Not because I've figured out how to accept it, but because
Paul's perspective on suffering reveals the transformative power of eternal thinking: 'For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all' (2 Corint...
Vivid sensory description for preaching John 18:12-27
Vivid sensory description for preaching Psalm 6
Romans 8:28-39 is Paul's triumphant conclusion to his argument about life in the Spirit. The golden chain (foreknew-predestined-called-justified-glorified) assures believers that God's purpose will not fail. Nothing in all creation can separate us from God's love in Christ.
In the Lutheran tradition, Genesis 21:8-21 highlights God's providence and mercy amidst human failure and strife. The narrative of Hagar and Ishmael illustrates the tension between Law and Gospel, showing how God's grace extends even to those marginalized and cast out, affirming that all are included in His salvation plan despite their circumstances.
In the Baptist tradition, Genesis 41:37-57 emphasizes God's sovereignty and providential guidance in the lives of His people. This passage illustrates how God raises up leaders like Joseph to fulfill His purposes, reflecting the belief that divine sovereignty works in partnership with human responsibility, particularly in the context of local church governance and individual believer's lives.
In the Lutheran tradition, the story of Joseph illustrates God's providential care even amid human sin and suffering. The tension between Joseph’s favored status among his brothers and their jealousy serves as a reminder of our own simultaneous existence as both righteous and sinful, pointing to the need for grace in our relationships and lives.
In the Black Church tradition, Genesis 37:1-11 is viewed through the lens of God's sovereignty and the importance of dreams as divine revelations of purpose. This passage underscores the reality of suffering and betrayal within community, yet emphasizes the hope and liberation that comes through God's ultimate plan for His people.
In the Pentecostal tradition, Genesis 37:12-36 speaks to the providential hand of God in the life of Joseph, emphasizing the belief that God orchestrates events for His purpose, even when circumstances seem dire. The passage invites believers to trust in the active presence of the Holy Spirit, who empowers them to endure trials and recognize God's redemptive plan in their lives.
In the Mainline Protestant tradition, Genesis 39:7-23 highlights the themes of injustice and the faithfulness of God in the midst of suffering. Joseph's experiences of betrayal and wrongful imprisonment resonate with the struggles faced by marginalized communities today, illustrating that God's presence is particularly strong in moments of despair and injustice.
In the Lutheran tradition, Genesis 39:7-23 illustrates the duality of human experience as both justified and sinful (simul justus et peccator). Joseph's integrity amidst temptation and false accusation reflects God's faithfulness and providence, reminding us that even in suffering and injustice, we can rely on God's sustaining grace.
In the Anglican/Episcopal tradition, Genesis 39:7-23 reveals God's providence and faithfulness in the midst of suffering and injustice. This narrative illustrates the theme of resilience through faith, emphasizing that God can bring good out of difficult circumstances, inviting believers to trust in His overarching plan.
In the Lutheran tradition, Genesis 30:1-24 highlights the complexity of human relationships and the struggle for identity and acceptance. The narrative reveals how God's grace operates amidst human sinfulness, demonstrating that even in our flawed attempts to secure blessings, God remains sovereign and faithful, ultimately providing for His people in unexpected ways.
In the Catholic tradition, Genesis 3:14-19 is viewed as a pivotal moment in salvation history, marking the entrance of sin and its consequences into the human experience. This passage underscores the necessity of God's grace and the promise of redemption, which is fully realized in Jesus Christ and the sacraments of the Church.
In the Wesleyan/Methodist tradition, Genesis 40:1-23 illustrates God's prevenient grace at work in Joseph's life, highlighting how God provides opportunities for redemption and hope even in the midst of suffering and imprisonment. The passage also underscores the importance of faithfulness and trust in God's purpose, which is essential for sanctification—the process of becoming more like Christ through life's trials and tribulations.
In the Black Church tradition, Genesis 41:1-8 serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and providence, especially in times of suffering and uncertainty. The passage illustrates how God uses dreams to communicate divine purpose, urging the community to remain vigilant and hopeful as they seek God's vision for their lives and futures.