What follows is an excerpt taken from a sermon given by Dr. Alister McGrath, professor of science and religion at Oxford University on October 26, 2014. The need for hope remains important to all of us. We need hope - not a naive and shallow optimism, but a robust and secure confidence that there is … Continue reading Hobbits & Hope
Hope
Bitter or Better? (It’s up to You.)
Pain. Disappointment. Betrayal. Suffering. We all experience it. None are immune to it. But, why do some emerge from pain differently than others? Why do some go one to joyfully help others in their pain, while others grow bitter from their pain and die a slow death? “Many of the character traits that run deepest … Continue reading Bitter or Better? (It’s up to You.)
My Least Favorite Book in the Bible
My favorite book in the Bible is the Psalms, with my favorite chapter in the Bible being Luke 15. But, then there’s the book of Judges. The book even begins with bad news: “After that generation died (the generation that followed the godly leadership of Joshua), another generation grew up who did not acknowledge the … Continue reading My Least Favorite Book in the Bible
Is He Worthy?
The 20th century pastor and author, A.W. Tozer, once said, "While it looks like things are out of control, behind the scenes there is a god who hasn't surrendered his authority." Presently, the world is a little scary. Allow the Spirit of Christ to calm your soul with this song by Andrew Peterson. Do you … Continue reading Is He Worthy?
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
I often tell people that, within the context of Christian music, the words of most beloved hymns & carols boil down to this: those lyrics are someone's story put to music. As with the heart-breaking story behind Horatio Spafford's It is Well, we would do well to familiarize ourselves with the drama that gives life … Continue reading I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
Minor Prophets with a Major Message: Joel
Following a devastating locust invasion – unprecedented in its scope of damage – God instructed Joel to use the locusts as a living illustration of the judgment to come on Judah if they did not repent of their luke-warm, indifferent approach to God. In Joel 2:25, God says to Judah, “I will restore to you … Continue reading Minor Prophets with a Major Message: Joel
Minor Prophets with a Major Message: Hosea
Hosea beautifully – and frighteningly – describes God’s loyal/covenant love for a stubborn, rebellious people. Like any parent who loves their child more than anything, God uses Hosea to warn Israel of punishment to come so as to protect them from horrible pain. They refused to listen. Below is a beautiful quote from the 5th … Continue reading Minor Prophets with a Major Message: Hosea
Turning the Tables on the Devil
We all have awful days i.e. our car breaks down, the hot water heater goes out, something frustrating happens at work or school, someone hurts us, the list seems endless. Pastor/author, Charles Stanley, writing about Joseph (the one with “the coat of many colors” in the book of Genesis), pointed out, “we are all dealt, … Continue reading Turning the Tables on the Devil
The Old Rugged Cross
NOTE: I wrote this four months after finding my 19 year old son after he'd taken his own life... There have been moments these past months that I've wanted to give up on God. I'm simply being honest. As one who grew up in a violent, alcoholic home, I witnessed more violence as a child … Continue reading The Old Rugged Cross
The Joy of Helping the Hurting
The most familiar biblical image is most likely from Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan. Helping the hurting. I cannot begin to estimate the number of people my wife, Michelle, and I have counseled since the suicide of our son, Jordan. Countless people who have, themselves, suffered the loss of a loved one due to … Continue reading The Joy of Helping the Hurting