On the book of Job, chapters 1-2... From award-winning author, Philip Yancey's, book, The Bible Jesus Read: “Nowhere else in the Bible are we more clearly informed of a realm beyond our own - one we cannot see but, nonetheless, exists. “Like Job, we live in ignorance of what is going on ‘behind the curtains.’ … Continue reading The Supernatural World
Suffering
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 God Who Hurts Us
“Yet is was the Lord’s will to crush [his Son] and cause him to suffer...” (Isaiah 53:10) I’ve studied the book of Job (the “o” in “Job” is long as in “stove”) numerous times. But, until recently, I haven’t had the courage to read it devotionally (daily readings) since 2013 when my 19 year old … Continue reading The God Who Hurts Us
When Jesus Worked at McDonald’s
This past week, on a Tuesday morning, I swung through the drive-though at a local McDonald's for a warm, robust beverage on my way to work. After placing my order I promptly pulled up to the first window to pay for said beverage where I was warmly greeted by a woman at the window who … Continue reading When Jesus Worked at McDonald’s
Grief is a Part of Life – for Now
"Weeping may last for the night, but Joy comes in the morning." (Ps 30:5) In Sep., 2015, shortly after completing nine days in the Psychiatric Ward of our local hospital (I ended up there due to a cluster of triggers associated with my 19 year old son's suicide), I sat in my counselor's office and … Continue reading Grief is a Part of Life – for Now
Suicide and the Bible – Part 2 of 2
After recently reading my original blog, Suicide and the Bible, a reader kindly asked a common question: I was reading your "Suicide and the Bible"..and I just have a question. I'm genuinely curious to know what you think about this. So you're saying nowhere in the Bible does it say suicide will send you to … Continue reading Suicide and the Bible – Part 2 of 2
Netflix’s “13 Reasons Why” is not merely Dark, it’s Dangerous
"Welcome to your tape." If you've had the opportunity to view Netflix's white-hot series, 13 Reasons Why, you'll have no problem understanding the quote cited above. If you're unfamiliar with the series, it's a 13 part Netflix original fictional series about teenage bullying and suicide. The series, based on the 2007 book by Jay Asher, … Continue reading Netflix’s “13 Reasons Why” is not merely Dark, it’s Dangerous
Mere Suffering
Satan would have us view our suffering as "merely suffering." Stifling. Suffocating. Debilitating. But, what if there is more to our suffering than meets the eye? Can God transform our suffering into something meaningful? Something redemptive? I believe He can. Read on... From Eric Metaxas's book, "Miracles": "If our suffering has a purpose, it is … Continue reading Mere Suffering
What I’ve Learned From a Dislocated Kneecap
Recently, I've had two epiphanies: they are elementary level axioms of the Gospel of Christ (stuff I should know well, but need to be reminded of often.) Wed morning, Feb. 18th, my daughter, Macy, had knee surgery. The next day, we had her follow-up appt with her surgeon. Getting her from our house to the … Continue reading What I’ve Learned From a Dislocated Kneecap
“Awakenings” (sermon excerpt)
From a Roman prison Paul wrote, "I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened [flooded with light] in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you,..." (Ephesians 1:18) Below is the link to the final 9 minutes of the sermon I preached this past Sunday. What you … Continue reading “Awakenings” (sermon excerpt)