Category: Christian
-
Light in sorrow
Truly, it is in darkness that one finds the light, so when we are in sorrow, then this light is nearest of all to us. — Meister Eckhart There is a purpose for everything. Without darkness, there is no light. Without evil, there would be no free will. Without suffering, there would be no spiritual…
-
Dead leaves and second chances
Over the last few weeks, the United States has experienced brutal winter conditions. Weather—and climate—works in cycles over long periods of time. On a shorter scale, the weather patterns follow the seasons of the year. It’s been winter here—a long winter—so it has been cold. That’s how it works. As I pay attention to the…
-
Obadiah, Edom and modern Israel
Last week, I put together a short study on the book of Obadiah. By some accounts, it is the least popular book of the Bible—although that is based on the number of searches on a website. Still, with the exception of Jonah, the 12 prophets or the minor prophets section of the Old Testament tends…
-
Taking a coffee break (I don’t have a name for this one)
Yesterday, I wrote a bit about Brand Jesus and commented that Christians, especially in America, have a Christian alternative for so many different things. I know it might bother a few readers, but I don’t think this is Christianity at all. Jesus didn’t tell us to create our own little world and shut ourselves off…
-
No Christian alternatives
American Christianity is a brand. In cities all over the country, a Christian can find an alternative product for almost any interest. Anyone can get into their car—with a fish on the back, of course—tune in their Christian radio station, and drive to their Christian gym, Christian coffee shop, Christian bookstore, or Christian restaurant. All…
-
Chatting with an atheist
I took a vow for Lent that I would not get into political arguments. I didn’t, however, promise not to aggravate people in religious discussions. A few days ago, I ran across an article—written by an atheist—that said “we must offend religion more.” Naturally, I clicked on an article with that phrase in the…
-
Fed by feeding
If I can claim anything as my motto, it is “we are fed by feeding.” It’s a short saying but, I believe, one that sums up the Christian ethic in its five words. People who know me in a ministry sense have likely heard me say this before. I have said it in my small…
-
The evil evangelist
ratch0013/freedigitalphotos.net Yesterday, I wrote a piece about looking for evil. I wasn’t sure when I started where I was going with it (sort of like now) but it ended up as a commentary on negativity. I have a low tolerance for people who seek evil—people who look for the bad in a situation. As I…
-
If you look for evil
Negativity can ruin your life. It can skew your view of others, lower your expectations, and blind you to blessings. Proverbs 11:27 says “if you search for good, you will find favor. If you search for evil, it will find you.” There is suffering in life. We are made stronger by our struggles but the…
-
Lent: A season of contemplation
Yesterday, I mentioned that Jesus made real wine, and not juice, at Cana. For most of us, this is not even an issue but it can be a source of confusion for some people. Several years ago, I got into a conversation about this subject and one person in the conversation vowed never to speak…
rebootreligion 