Suffering Brings Hope

Joe | January 27, 2010

The topic of why God brings about suffering has risen to the surface again with the tragedy of Haitian earthquake. While I, in no way, wish to casually dismiss or try to briefly explain it all away, I do wish to present a small, Biblical snapshot of suffering.
In Paul’s letter to the Romans, he gives [...]

Extracting The Precious From The Worthless

Joe | December 7, 2009

Things have settled down a little around here since Thanksgiving.
The day before Thanksgiving, I received a phone call from the hiring manager I interviewed with a couple weeks previously. He made me a formal job offer. After a little over four months of being out of work, I had gotten the phone call I had [...]

Seven Letters to Seven Churches: Smyrna

Joe | November 16, 2009

This entry is part 3 of 8 in the series Seven Letters to Seven Churches

Jesus’ first letter was written to the apostolic church of Ephesus. That church had a word of commendation from Jesus as well as a word of condemnation. Although the church wasn’t perfect, it was the church at its best.
Smyrna: The Church of Suffering
Smyrna is a seaport city located about 35 miles north of Ephesus. It [...]

Afflicted and in Pain

Joe | November 4, 2009

It’s been a tough week and it’s only Wednesday.
My wife and I have both spent some time this week in our local “governmental offices” and neither of us have enjoyed the experience. Quite to the contrary, we both have walked out in tears.

But I have to say that I know that God is allowing me [...]

The Consequences of Denying the Resurrection

Joe | October 26, 2009

On an early Sunday morning in April 32 A.D., Jesus of Nazareth rose from the dead. This is the heart of the Christian faith. Without the resurrection, there is no Christianity.
There are many that deny Jesus’ earthly existence 2,000 years ago, let alone that He rose from the dead.
But if there is no resurrection of the [...]

Welcome to May He Increase!

Welcome to the online home of Joseph Chavez.

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine on you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance on you, and give you peace.” –Numbers 6:24-26.


About the author

Joe

I am a born-again Christian who believes the Bible to be the inspired Word of God, the final authority for faith and life, inerrant in the original writings, infallible and God-breathed. I am a husband, father and stepfather who eagerly waits for the return of Jesus, the Meshiach Nagid.