The Light

Pastor Chuck Swindoll surveys Elihu’s message, what’s good and what’s bad, in Job 32–37.

From the Series: Job: A Man of Heroic Endurance

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It’s easy to take everyday blessings for granted until they’re suddenly gone. Our health, family, homes, abilities, relationships, and simple comforts can become so familiar that we stop noticing them. But seasons of loss or difficulty can remind us just how much we have and challenge us to live with greater gratitude for God’s goodness.

Zechariah’s story in Luke 1 offers a powerful reminder about doubt, prayer, and learning to recognize God’s blessings. After years of waiting for a child, Zechariah struggled to believe God’s promise when the answer finally came, and his temporary silence gave him time to reflect. We don’t have to wait for something to be taken away before we appreciate it. By focusing on God’s generosity and choosing gratitude each day, we can become more aware of His blessings and trust His power and promises even when we don’t understand how He will work.

Highlights:

• Why we often recognize the value of everyday blessings only after losing them
• What Zechariah’s story teaches us about doubt and trusting God’s promises
• Learning to appreciate health, family, relationships, and daily provisions
• Why gratitude can change our perspective during difficult circumstances
• How to recognize areas where doubt may be keeping you from trusting God
• Practical questions for identifying blessings you may be taking for granted
• Encouragement to praise God and give thanks for His goodness today

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Full Transcript Below:

What Are You Taking for Granted?

By: Whitney Hopler

Bible Reading:
“Zechariah asked the angel, ‘How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.’ The angel said to him, ‘I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.’” – Luke 1:18-20, NIV

I lost my voice for about one week after a severe cold. It was awkward and humbling having to communicate only through writing during that time. I had to type in chat during online meetings when everyone else was talking, and they had to wait for me since typing is much slower than talking. I had to write notes to family members and hold them up, or try to gesture or pantomime what I wanted to say. The experience taught me not to take my voice for granted. It’s amazing how quickly we realize the value of something only after it’s suddenly taken away. We go through life using our senses, our health, and our daily comforts without a second thought, assuming they will always be there.

A similar thing ha

The light of the gospel shines into our hearts to bring salvation—and the light of the truth characterizes authentic gospel ministry. It is the open and truthful proclamation of Jesus Christ, marked by clarity and integrity.

Dr. Stanley teaches how we can rely on the Holy Spirit to live victoriously and impact the lives of others.

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Do you need to "die to self"? Deny yourself? Die daily? So much time in these truths has meant so much freedom for me! My two sons took their inheritance and haven't spoken to me in decades. I have forgiven them and pray for them! How is our union with Christ lived out? Can we really be ourselves?

1. Read Colossians 1:21–22. Is holiness something you're trying to achieve, or something Christ has already accomplished for you? How does this change the way you see yourself?
2. Read Romans 6:6–7. What does Paul say has already happened? What difference can this make in your battle with sin?
3. Read Colossians 3:9–10 and 2 Corinthians 5:17. What's the difference between trying to "improve" your old self and learning to live from your new self?
4. Read Galatians 5:24. Does Paul tell believers to crucify the flesh, or does he say something different here? Why is this distinction important?
5. Read Galatians 5:16. What solution does Paul actually give us here? How does it work?
6. Read Ezekiel 36:26 and Romans 6:17. What do these passages suggest about the believer's heart? How does this truth challenge popular religious teaching on the heart?
7. Read Hebrews 10:16 and 2 Corinthians 3:3. God has written on our hearts rather than merely giving us external rules to follow. How might this change the way we make decisions and live life?

Aging can bring mixed emotions, especially for parents watching their bodies change while their children grow into adulthood. The world often treats getting older as something to fight against, but Scripture offers a different perspective. Growing older can bring wisdom, deeper faith, greater compassion, and a renewed appreciation for the life God has given us.

For parents entering their senior years, aging can become an opportunity to embrace a new season rather than mourn the one that has passed. Years of parenting, relationships, hardships, and answered prayers can produce a wisdom that younger generations need. As physical strength changes, our dependence on God can grow stronger, shifting our focus from temporary circumstances toward His eternal promises. There is also freedom to slow down, enjoy new adventures, invest in family, and discover simple joys that may have been difficult to make room for in earlier seasons.

Highlights:

• Why parents can view aging as a gift rather than something to fear or avoid
• How growing older can deepen wisdom, compassion, patience, and grace
• Why aging can strengthen our trust in God’s eternal promises
• Learning to focus less on temporary circumstances and more on lasting hope
• How parents can embrace greater freedom, relaxation, hobbies, and new adventures
• Finding joy in relationships with adult children, grandchildren, and loved ones
• How faith can provide strength and renewal even as our physical bodies grow weaker

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Full Transcript Below:

3 Good Reasons for Parents to Embrace Aging

By: Lia Girard

Bible Reading:
"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day." - 2 Corinthians 4:16

We're all living in a world that wants us to believe it’s easy to find the next magic pill, new exercise, or diet strategy that will keep us eternally young—even in our old age. Yet we all know: this earthly life will end. None of us escapes this necessary passage, at whatever age God decides we're ready to stand in his presence. 

The longer I live… and the more sweet opportunities I’m given to be present with younger people managing life challenges… the more I understand that getting old is a crown of glory (see Proverbs 16:31). We don't all get to arrive in our senior years. As we near them, we may be feeling the pain of letting go of our own parents. It brings us face to face with the finality of this side of heaven. 

I've learned, though, while growing out my silver hair, wearing my glasses regularly, and giving up running for yoga, that life fosters compassion as your body weakens. If you're