In government the name of Washington is revered. In literature the name of Shakespeare is respected. In music the name Bach is admired. In Christian circles the name of Spurgeon is honored. If the names of mortal men are regarded for their accomplishments and integrity, how much more should we esteem the name of God? The third commandment […]
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change, Ja 1:17. The Bible says God is infinitely and lavishly generous. But my sinful tendency is to think he’s not good but mean. And I am not alone. Tragically this is […]
I like collecting quotes – you know, small, one sentence reminders of truth. I write some in the fly leaf of my Bible. My phone has dozens of them saved under photos. Here are a few miscellaneous ones that have spoken to me: “Fear arises when we imagine everything depends on us.” – Elisabeth Elliot […]
Why are Americans so mad? One survey indicated we vent some sort of anger 8-10 times a day. Now that ticks me off! Seriously, anger manifests itself in all shapes, sizes and colors: criticism, annoyance, irritation, frustration, rage, inward seething, outbursts, grouchiness, etc. Sinful anger grieves God, stifles spiritual growth and ruptures relationships. Now all anger isn’t […]
It is important that we as believers develop a Christian worldview. It’s hard to sift thru the news whether liberal or conservative – there’s always a secular bent. Enter Al Mohler and a daily online program called “The Briefing.” It usually lasts around 25 minutes. Dr. Mohler has been the president of the Southern Baptist […]
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote, “Every heart has its secret sorrows, which the world knows not, and oftentimes we call a man cold, when he is only sad.” Are you going through a sad time? Such times – though unwanted and unwelcomed are the norm in a fallen and broken world. There’s nothing wrong or unusual about […]
Happy “early” Valentine’s Day. I can remember in grade school signing my name on dozens of Valentine cards as they would be distributed to the entire class. Some might bemoan or shrug off such a Hallmark holiday but can we not as God’s people redeem it? Charles Spurgeon the London pastor of 150 years ago said, […]
“One of the most noteworthy theological trends in 21st-century pop culture has been the rehabilitation of the ‘villain,’” so writes Brett McCracken of The Gospel Coalition. “From Cruella to Maleficent to the Joker and more, iconic villains are now routinely given spinoff movies and sympathetic backstories that complicate our categories of good and evil … Giving villains origin stories […]
I love Neh 2:12, “And I told no one what my God had put into my heart to do for Jerusalem.” Nehemiah was burdened about rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls. But building God’s work requires help. God had worked in Nehemiah’s heart – how would he motivate God’s people to join him? Some churches nag – or […]
Thanks to Susan’s 4th grade Sunday School teacher she can recite off the books in the Bible (BTW – that was her dad). I can recite them until I come to the Minor Prophets – that’s when I stumble until Malachi. The Minor Prophets are called that only because of their size – 4 chapters […]