The heart, Blaise Pascal said, “has its reasons which reason knows nothing of.” Something in us longs, hopes, maybe even at times believes that this is not the way things were supposed to be. Our desire fights the assault of death upon life. And so people with terminal illnesses get married. Prisoners in a concentration …
Internal to External – Not the Other Way Around
Most Christians desire very deeply to be known as gracious, kind, patient, and forgiving. We feel we “owe” it to Jesus to be seen on our best behavior. This is even truer for those of us in “the ministry” whose lives are publicly attached to Jesus. Now, some of the motivation behind this is beautiful …
“Ezer Kenegdo” – The Purpose of Eve
Eve is given to Adam as his “ezer kenegdo”, or as many translations have it, his “help meet” or “helper.” Doesn’t sound like much, does it? It makes me think of Hamburger Helper. But Robert Alter says this is “a notoriously difficult word to translate.” It means something far more powerful than just “helper”; it …
When was the last time someone stopped you to ask about your hope?
A curious warning is given to us in Peter’s first epistle. There he tells us to be ready to give the reason for the hope that lies within us to everyone who asks (3:15). Now, what’s strange about that passage is this: no one ever asks. When was the last time someone stopped you to …
Torn means torn… Free means free…
If you’re listening to someone who is telling you that you have to earn the love of God… earn the favor of God… earn ANYTHING with God… RUN. The New Testament teaches that God nailed all the scorecards to the cross with His Son. The veil between Himself and you wasn’t just half torn, partially …
The Calf-Path
One day, through the primeval wood,A calf walked home, as good calves should;But made a trail all bent askew,A crooked trail as all calves do. Since then two hundred years have fled,And, I infer, the calf is dead.But still he left behind his trail,And thereby hangs my moral tale. The trail was taken up next …
God is laughing.
“The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed, saying, “Let us break their chains and throw off their shackles.” The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them.” – Psalm 2:2-4 God is laughing. God, who is King over the entire Universe, …
I’m so sorry.
I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry to those people who have been wounded by religion. I’m so sorry to those people who have been taught to believe “church” is a building. I’m so sorry to the precious souls who have had scripture slung at them like daggers. I’m so sorry to those who have been …
A BRAVE Love
Matthew 5:22“But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.” This may be one of …
Phariseeism Self-Check
Circle “yes” if you generally do or believe the following statement.Circle “no” if you generally do not believe or do the following statement. yes no yes no yes no yes no yes no yes no yes no yes no yes no yes no yes no yes no yes no yes no yes no yes no …