Ever been stuck in a job, or class at school, or a season of life you’ve desperately wanted out of, repeatedly praying, “God, get me out of here!”? Me too. Did you know there are numerous examples of this in the Bible? Here’s just one: We find a familiar story in the book of Genesis. … Continue reading Bloom where you’re Planted
Faith
When God asks you do to something “stupid.”
Has God ever asked you to do something makes absolutely no sense? Meet Naaman. (ENG transliteration: NAY-muhn) Naaman was the commander of the army of Aram. The Bible describes him as a "valiant warrior." But, for all his skills and successes, he was burdened (and not doubt embarrassed) with a skin disease. (You can read … Continue reading When God asks you do to something “stupid.”
When You Feel Like Someone’s Out to Get You
So did Jeremiah (and a host of other ‘heroes of the faith.’) But let’s look real quickly at Jeremiah’s story. He wrote, “The Lord told me about the plots my enemies were making against me… I had no idea that they were planning to kill me.” Most likely, you’ve never felt your life was being … Continue reading When You Feel Like Someone’s Out to Get You
All Worldviews – not just Christianity – Require Faith
"When someone stands up and says, 'I am a person of faith,' they shouldn't get respect for it. They think that's a respect-producing statement: 'I am a person of faith.' In other words, 'I am a person who will believe practically anything on no evidence at all.'" Christopher Hitchens The late Christopher Hitchens was no … Continue reading All Worldviews – not just Christianity – Require Faith
“Much Afraid” – When Following Jesus is Scary
The late, British, author, Hannah Hurnard's, "Hinds Feet on High Places" (a "hind" is a deer) is written in the genre of John Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress" - they're both allegories of the adventure of following Christ. Hurnard opens her story with God's promise from the prophet, Habakkuk: "The Sovereign Lord is my source of strength. … Continue reading “Much Afraid” – When Following Jesus is Scary
“God, why do you hate me?”
Me: "God, why have your hurt me?" God: "Trust me." "So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace … Continue reading “God, why do you hate me?”
The Hubris of Some Scientists
The hubris of some Scientists. Notice I did not say “the hubris of science”, but "scientists.” Also, note that I said, "some scientists." Because there are a host of scholars within the scientific disciplines who have professed their faith in Christ. (For one solid resource for finding scientists who have placed their faith in Christ, … Continue reading The Hubris of Some Scientists
The Deconstruction of the Christian Faith
Preface The topic about which I'm writing is actually nothing new, certainly not unique to modern times. Jesus, himself, told his disciples two millennia ago, "I have told you these things so that you won’t abandon your faith." I try to always document and cite quotes. Some quotes used here were gathered almost nine years … Continue reading The Deconstruction of the Christian Faith
Broken? Be encouraged – you’re right where God can use you.
Read through the Bible and you will see a pattern. God tends to use those who are weak and broken. 19th century pastor, J.R. Miller, once wrote, “Christ is building His kingdom with earth's broken people. Men want only the strong, the successful, the victorious, the whole - in building their kingdoms. But God is … Continue reading Broken? Be encouraged – you’re right where God can use you.
How I Survived the Worst Day of my Life – one more thing…
For brevity, I did not include the following in How I Survived the Worst Day of my Life. But, I believe it bears sharing because it provides greater theological context to how I - and my family - survived. As I was listening to the voice of Jesus that day assuring me of his presence and … Continue reading How I Survived the Worst Day of my Life – one more thing…