In Genesis 5: 24, in the midst of a chapter that is basically a genealogical record of descendants of the family of Adam, that tells how old a bunch of men from the same family were when they died, we find this somewhat mysterious verse: “Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, …
For the next few weeks, I’m going to be leading a Bible study on Ephesians, and I’m sharing here some of the notes I’ve made in preparation for that study: my own little Intro to Ephesians. Since my family will soon be getting a puppy, I thought I would soften the blow of any discomfort you …
I’m closing out the year 2016 with a post on faith. As I reflect back on my life this year, I’m also doing a bit of thinking ahead in regard to the fast approaching new year of 2017. I’m indulging myself in dabbling in a bit of dreaming – in imagining what my life in this …
Rejection Stinks Rejection is the feeling of being dismissed, devalued, or unwanted. If I were to ask you, “Have you ever felt rejected?”, would that trigger some thoughts, or a memory for you? I’m guessing that since you’ve walked this planet long enough to have learned how to read and click the link that brought …
I’ve been noticing lately that everything’s connected in my life. When I take the time to look, events that might at first glance seem to have happened randomly, upon closer inspection, have common threads running through them. When I reflect further, I often find areas where God might be speaking to me – there – …
The fifth chapter in the book, The Cure, is called Two Healings, for a reason. The subject matter of the chapter revolves around forgiveness. One type of healing – which is actually no healing at all – is the result of us white-knuckling our way to forgiveness through reciting the right words, but with no true change …
It’s taken me a while to figure out what the authors meant by the title of this chapter. (“What are the two solutions?” I kept asking myself.) I think I know, now, although it wasn’t clear to me initially. (And if I’m wrong, I extend my heartfelt apologies to the authors of The Cure: John Lynch, Bruce …
When I was 17, I got my driver’s license. I wasn’t one of those kids who was chomping at the bit to have my freedom, or living for the day when I could finally drive a car. I’m more what you might call “the cautious type”. When I go to the pool, I dip …
James 1: 5-8 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. …
We’ve been studying the Israelites’ exodus out of Egypt and their journey to the Promised Land at our church. Their story is not one of starting at Point A, and following a straight line that ends at Point B. Their path was a tortuous one, and if you saw it drawn on a map, you …
I’ve begun the Beth Moore study on the book of James, as of last Friday, and while I realize her studies are not to everyone’s taste, I am inordinately fond of “Blonder Than I Pay To Be” Beth Moore. I find her to be honest, humble, hilarious, and absolutely passionate in regard to her faith …
On Sunday morning, I go to church. The songs of worship are encouraging, and good for my soul, and most of the congregation enters into the lovely singing. But last Saturday? Saturday I entered a building that didn’t look one bit like a traditional church building. Inside of it, I had the privilege of getting …
It’s been dry, dry, dry around here lately. And it’s not just the soil that has suffered: my spirit feels withered as well. I told someone the other day that if life is a test, I feel like I’m failing it these days. And then, out of the blue… (Who could have predicted it? Our …
Ashley Judd. Image from here. Ashley Judd recently wrote an excellent article in response to a viral discussion of her physical appearance. HER APPEARANCE. I want you to pause for a moment, and imagine what it might feel like to have a large number of people in the media having an online discussion critiquing YOUR …
What would it be like if every morning, when I woke up, one of the first thoughts that came to my mind was how deeply I am loved, cherished and completely accepted by the Father? What would it be like if I didn’t just know in my head, but actually believed in my heart, that …