The book of Daniel has several great narratives about how those who were honest about dependence conducted themselves in a foreign land with many antagonists lurking about. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were companions of Daniel and enlisted in the service of the king of Babylon (Daniel 3:1-30). Those three men were blessed by God with … Continue reading Tested by fire
Category: Current Events
Opportunity amidst Opposition
Has there ever been a time and place in history where someone wasn’t abusing their power and ability by tyranny? Adam was created to bear responsibility for Eve but instead he misdirected her, abandoned, then accused her (and her Creator) of being at fault. Most people have heard of the reign of terror during the … Continue reading Opportunity amidst Opposition
Breath giving, breath taking!
You may recall that on Easter evening, Jesus’ apostles were behind locked doors for fear of the Jews and Jesus came to them and said, “Peace to you.” Jesus’ proclamation of peace to them is important for at least three reasons. First, they were afraid of how Jesus might respond to their abandoning Him; what … Continue reading Breath giving, breath taking!
Holy Week
This is “Holy Week,” the days between Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and His resurrection on Easter. The substitutionary life of Jesus means that His arrest and condemnation should have been ours. So this week seems like a good time to ponder Jesus’ imperative to first take the log our of our own … Continue reading Holy Week
Times of trial
Jesus warns us that trials will come. Paul said these trials are a necessary experience, given the corruption of human nature and the Lord’s redeeming work in us. Peter said these trials would prove that our honesty about dependence is more precious than gold. And James tells us to count it all JOY when trials … Continue reading Times of trial
Another idea for Lenten meditation
A few weeks ago, I wrote about the imperative is found in 1 John 2: “Do not love the world or the things of the world . . . because this world and the things of it are passing away.” The meaning of the word “love” used here is “to sacrifice everything for.” Material products … Continue reading Another idea for Lenten meditation
Lent 2022
Are you acquainted with the tradition of giving something up for Lent? Are you also acquainted with a natural principle I learned from Concordia-Chicago’s Dr. Steinmann that "nature abhors a vacuum"? If we give up one thing for Lent, does something else just take its place? What if we added something to our life for Lent—something … Continue reading Lent 2022
The scientific method?
Good science and good religion are good for the same reason: they seek the truth, no matter what, by persistent testing and collaboration. Check a concordance for how many times God invites or commands us to keep on testing for truth. In 2 Corinthians 13:5 Paul wrote, “Keep on testing yourselves to see if you … Continue reading The scientific method?
Connectedness
Right before New Year’s Eve, I suggested a resolution to focus in on our daily reading of God’s Word, and keep it with us throughout the day. Together, we have considered turning away from an abundance of possessions, and toward a life where Christ dwells richly and armors you as you remain in His Word. … Continue reading Connectedness
The Basis of Christian Life
Have you been able to keep in mind that life does not consist in the abundance of possessions? Is the Word of Christ beginning to dwell in you more richly? Have you been able to put on the whole armor of God, more of that armor and earlier in the day? Jesus identified the substance, … Continue reading The Basis of Christian Life