Are you taking care of someone who is approaching the end of their life in the body in this world, or do you know someone who is? What is that like? How could it be made better? Is the approach of the end of our life in the body in this world a time of … Continue reading In the valley of the shadow …
Category: Current Events
How should we pray?
Last Sunday in worship service, the prayer for the day asked that our “petitions may be pleasing” to God. Many of us say prayers often, but how much do we ask God to make us pray as we should? The lessons for last Sunday were about Abraham interceding for Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen 18), being … Continue reading How should we pray?
Gifts from God?
Gifts from God inevitably bring challenges. Can that be right?? If so, are His gifts really gifts or traps? In the account (not parable) of Lazarus and the rich man, Abraham reminds the rich man, “… in your lifetime you received your good things” (Luke 16:25). Notice the expression “your lifetime”? The rich man collapsed … Continue reading Gifts from God?
A table in the presence of my enemies
Many people are familiar with Psalm 23 and take great comfort in knowing that Jesus is our Good Shepherd. Certainly, the Word and Spirit of Jesus (His rod and staff) guide us through this world full of the shadows of valleys of death. But how many of us remember that our Good Shepherd “prepares a … Continue reading A table in the presence of my enemies
In the Lions’ Den
Daniel 6 records the fairly well-known history of Daniel in the lions’ den. Consider how the lions’ den anticipated one of the means by which Christians were executed by the Roman Empire. Then consider how being surrounded by hungry lions is an apt parallel to the experience of honest, faithful people in our time. Here … Continue reading In the Lions’ Den
Tested by fire
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
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