Why Bad Things Happen To Good People (Part 2)

If God truly cares about us, why does He allow bad things to happen to us?

Well, the answer lies in the premise.

God cares about us (John 3:16). He wants relationship with us (Revelation 3:20). In fact, we were created to fellowship with God. God seeks relationship. But any relationship worth its salt has to be one built on mutual consent. If one party is compelled, coerced, or threatened to be in relationship with another, it’s not a relationship at all. It’s slavery at worst, and an abusive, manipulative relationship at best.

But Jesus said He came to release us from bondage (Romans 8:21, John 10:10; Galatians 5:1). God wants us to be free (Exodus 6:6, Romans 8:2). And He wants us to choose to be in relationship with Him.

This is why free will exists. Jesus said, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me" (Revelation 3:20). God doesn’t barge His way in. He knocks and waits for us to allow Him in. He doesn’t compel us to do anything.

This is why it’s so important that we invite Him in to work in our life. He won’t force it. That's not the kind of King he is.

More to come!

God bless,
J.W.

Why Bad Things Happen To Good People (Part 1)

When people challenge the existence of God, one of the first questions they posit is, “why would God allow bad things to happen to good people?”

It's a valid question, one for which Christians often either don't have an answer or have an incomplete answer. I think that's a mistake.

Underlying the very question is a belief system that’s flawed. That belief system is often based on the concept that God is unmoved and unaffected by the human existence – that is, that He doesn’t care about the things we go through or the circumstances in which we find ourselves; that He simply set the world in motion and now stands back and watches objectively as the events of the world occur.

The truth is the opposite. God created man out of a desire for relationship (Revelation 3:20). He was hurt when Adam and Eve disobeyed Him (Genesis 3:13-19). He was moved by the suffering of His people in Egypt (Exodus 3:7-8). He was angered when the world turned against Him in the days of Noah (Genesis 6:5-6). He so loved the world that He sent His Son to save it (John 3:16) at the birth of Jesus. Jesus wept at the death of his friend Lazarus (John 11). The earth shook at Jesus' crucifixion (Matthew 27:45-51).

God is affected by our circumstances. He cares about our well-being.

So, why do bad things happen to good people? Stay tuned for more on that. But in the meantime, know, at least, that God cares.

God bless,
J.W.

#PassionWeek - #Thursday - "I'm Searching for a Real Love"

Today, 2014 years ago, Jesus washed his disciples feet in an expression of love. Afterwards, He told them, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you” (John 13:15).

Unfortunately, however, our generation has distorted and perverted what it means to love someone.

We talk about it like it’s some fleeting emotion that we fall in and out of.

But truth be told, love is not an emotion.

It’s a series of behaviors by which we provide a service to others.

For instance, God didn’t love us simply by verbally or internally expressing his feelings towards us. Rather, John 3:16 says He loved us by giving his His Son’s life for us. God performed an act of service for us, which John 15:13 explains is the ultimate expression of love.

My question: when you say you love someone, are you saying you just have positive feelings towards them? Because that’s not real love. Real love is action. It’s not about what you say or feel, it’s about what you do. #PassionWeek #Thursday #EasterIsComing

God bless,
J.W.

The Perfect Date

Do you know that God courts you like he would a date?

Think about it.

He’s persistent – “I will not leave you nor forsake you.” ~ Joshua 1:5

He gives gifts – “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life.” ~ John 3:16

He’s the perfect gentleman – “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” ~ Revelation 3:20

He wants to impress you – “And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me.” ~ John 11:42

Who wouldn’t fall in love with a man like that?

God bless,
J.W.

Love Series - Part 5: Sacrificial Love

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” ~ John 3:16

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” ~ Romans 5:8


If we were to truly follow Christ’s example, we would notice what love truly is.

At the end of the day, love is both sacrificial and committal.

You must be willing to give something of yourself to another, no matter what you might get in return.

Otherwise, what you’re showing is not true love, but self-interested love, which really isn’t love at all.

What are you willing to sacrifice for love today?

God bless,
J.W.