Sometimes when I'm reading the Bible, a verse I read seems to contradict something I believe. The following verse was one such instance. They built the high places of Baal that are in the valley of Ben-hinnom to cause their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire to Molech, which I had not commanded them nor had it entered … Continue reading Did Not Come to Mind- A Biblical Argument for Free Will
Sometimes, I find myself at a loss for words upon receiving the praise of others. As a Christian, I resist the lure of conceit about things that I do. But can an individual be too humble, not accepting another person’s compliments, or is that, in itself, a form of pride? I try to do the … Continue reading Appreciation?
While I have not followed the Olympics closely this year, Simone Biles pulling out of competition has been hard to miss. I have read articles praising her courage and critiques denouncing her as a quitter who let down her team and the United States as a whole. Thirty years ago, I was a gymnast with … Continue reading Courageous, Simone!
Over the previous couple of months, in addition to working on a new book, I have been enjoying the warm summer weather here in Pennsylvania, sitting outside while catching up on some back issues of World and Decision magazines. Much of what I have read is encouraging and thought-provoking. But I can't help feeling disheartened … Continue reading Watch and Pray
We can all relate to the notion of uncertainty. We all face trials and challenges that force us to make decisions that affect our future well-being and livelihood. No one knows the intricate details of his or her life beyond the present. We have desires, goals, and reasonable expectations for the future but no guarantee … Continue reading Uncertainty?
Over this week since the Easter weekend, I have been contemplating the life, death and resurrection of Jesus and what it means for us. While Jesus hung on the cross, many of those observing mocked and ridiculed him. “He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from … Continue reading Ridiculed, Crucified, but not Defeated
Periodically, a devotional or article that I read strikes a note of relevance to an eternal outlook on life. The following, written by John Piper, is one such article. I would like to share this, taken from his Solid Joys devotional. I hope that God blesses you through what you read. Devotional by John Piper https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/what-binds-the-hands-of-love … Continue reading What Binds the Hands of Love?
Throughout the history of the United States of America, God has tremendously blessed this nation. From the beginning, the early settlers relied on God to lead them to a land that would provide them with an opportunity for freedom - freedom of religion, freedom from oppression, and freedom to live their lives on their terms … Continue reading Warning
I have heard it said and repeated that each of us has a God-shaped hole that we yearn inwardly to fill. Those who fail to establish and enter into a meaningful relationship with God can never truly experience inner peace and lasting satisfaction. All pleasures and earthly endeavors are temporary and fleeting aside from the … Continue reading God-shaped Hole
An individual's hope of salvation is only by the grace and mercy of God. Once saved, can that individual lose his or her salvation? This issue has been debated frequently throughout the history of Christianity. The answer to this question lies in an understanding of what Jesus did through the cross. We have no hope … Continue reading Once Saved, Always Saved?
