Category: What do you think?

The Comfort of the Shepherd’s Care

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AMY TURNER

Psalm 23:4 says that the shepherd’s rod and staff bring comfort. These were not random objects. The staff, with its curve, guided sheep when they wandered into danger. The rod, a strong club, protected the flock by driving away predators. One corrected mistakes made by the sheep, while the other defended them from outside threats.

For David, both were signs of safety, and the same is true for us. Living under God’s care means His hand reaches into our struggles, whether they come from our own choices or from enemies around us. Because of this, we should not push back when God disciplines us. His correction is for our good, and His protection is certain.

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?

Romans 8:31

Why Believers Need Each Other

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JEFF TURNER

Hebrews 10:25 reminds us not to give up meeting with other believers. While this verse is often seen as a simple call to attend church, it actually points to something deeper. The message is about how important it is for Christians to stay connected with one another in regular, meaningful ways.

Gathering with fellow believers helps us grow in love and good actions. It’s a time when we encourage and support one another. The Christian life is not meant to be lived alone. The New Testament gives many instructions that involve relationships with others. We hear of praying together, correcting each other, offering love, and giving comfort. These can only happen when believers come together in fellowship.

When someone chooses to stay away from the church community, they miss out on the spiritual help and accountability that come with it. Following Jesus faithfully becomes much harder if we try to go it alone.

Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2

Trusting God’s Guidance Even When It Doesn’t Make Sense

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FLOYD ROGERS

God offers guidance to those who seek it. When we ask Him for direction, it’s important that we follow what He reveals, even if it doesn’t immediately make sense to us. Often, people hesitate because they can’t fully understand God’s plan. In those moments, they may be tempted to choose what seems easier or more appealing to them. However, relying on human judgement over God’s wisdom leads us off course.

God’s word reminds us that He understanding far exceeds our own. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “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.”

The Bible is the source of light for those seeking direction. If we want the truth, we need to listen carefully to God through His Word and obey, setting aside personal feelings or opinions.

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and [a]without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.

James 1:5-6

Jesus Shows His Power to Forgive and Heal

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AMY TURNER

In Matthew 9:6, Jesus told the paralyzed man, “Get up, take your mat, and go home.” Before this, the man had been lowered through the roof by others who wanted him to meet Jesus. When the man arrived, Jesus first forgave his sins. This raised an important question: how could anyone know if forgiveness had truly happened? There was no visible sign.

Healing the man’s body gave the answer. While words of forgiveness are unseen, telling a paralyzed man to walk required real action. Jesus spoke, and the man stood up.

I want to be clear here: I am not saying all who are forgiven of their sins will be healed. I am saying Jesus’s authority to forgive sins is evidenced by his authority to make the lame man walk. He has mercy and power for the body and for the soul.

For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but so that the world might be saved through Him.

John 3:17

Staying Separate from the World in Spiritual Work

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JEFF TURNER

In 2 Corinthians 6:14, the Apostle Paul tells believers not to join with non-believers. While some apply this verse to marriage, its main focus is broader and more urgent. Paul’s concern is not first about marriage, but about spiritual partnerships. He is warning the church in Corinth against forming religious or ministry connections with those who do not share their faith.

The Corinthian church was facing real trouble—false teachers had entered the community and gained influence. Paul saw this as dangerous. He reminded them that light and darkness do not mix, and that Christ has no partnership with evil. Believers are not to rely on non-believers to achieve spiritual goals.

For specific guidance on marriage, Paul speaks clearly in 1 Corinthians 7, where he says that a Christian should marry only within the faith. This leaves no doubt. But the instruction in 2 Corinthians 6:14 goes deeper, warning believers not to compromise in any work that relates to the kingdom of God.

This teaching still applies today. The church must remain distinct from the world, avoiding alliances that might weaken its witness.

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

Romans 12:2