Philosophers, sociologists, theologians, and politicians have had their turn at explaining why we have problems and how to fix them. It is ironic that simultaneously some want to blame one problem on root causes while avoiding the root causes of others. Many problems have a beginning with some standard that was either twisted, ignored, or outright transgressed.
Continue reading “Root Causes”When Sister Thelma Died
She was lying on a hospital bed in the living room of her 60’s styled home. The month before, she had turned 86 and had lived as a widow for five years. Her paid caretakers had watched over her as her family had increased their visits knowing her departure was sooner than later.
Continue reading “When Sister Thelma Died”Hands of My Father
We were at a reunion gathering of our extended family when a distant cousin excitedly called his wife over to see my dad’s hands. He was amazed that Daddy’s hands looked like his deceased father’s hands. I looked at my hands and they looked like Dad’s. Two of my brother’s hands are also similar.
Continue reading “Hands of My Father”Journey Update: June 2021
To say that our world here and abroad has changed in the last year is a big understatement. Cultural attitudes and societal norms have shifted. As a Christian, I have begun to think more deeply about the implications these things will have on the church going forward. I wonder how long it will be before our American culture revs up its opposition toward Christianity bringing about open persecution. This is not a popular topic but a real possibility.
Continue reading “Journey Update: June 2021”Enough
I have never understood why many words in different languages are not spelled as they are pronounced. “Enough” is one of those words in our English language. I would write it in my phonetical brain as “Enuf”. But this post is not about phonetics—I’m just chasing another rabbit.
Enough means different things to different people. So, from a hoarder to a minimalist, the word would have a wide swath of meaning. Sufficient is a good definition.
Continue reading “Enough”Simple Pleasures
Some folks just don’t know how to be happy! They chase a dream that is just beyond their grasp and are blind to the blessings in their hand.
Continue reading “Simple Pleasures”The Pursuit of Dust
Every time I see a truck load of crushed cars headed to the scrap yard, I think to myself, “Yep, once upon a time everyone of those cars were sparkling new on a car lot, with buyers paying tens of thousands of dollars for the right to drive them away.” As an old man when I encounter a young person who is a little haughty about their youth, strength, and beauty, I think, “One day if you live long enough, you will be old, slow, and wrinkled!” Stop chasing the dust!
Continue reading “The Pursuit of Dust”Revelation and Confession
Evangelism is not salesmanship. People are not funneled into Christianity with smooth human tactics. There is a revelation component that is often missed in our Christian circles. There is an eighteen-inch difference between true salvation and mere mental assent—the distance between the head and the heart yet it is eternity long.
Continue reading “Revelation and Confession”Overcoming Evil
A lingering question is asked these days given the situation we see in our world, “What can we do?” It is an earthly question with a spiritual answer. Much of what people see as a cultural shift, political upheaval, or religious persecution is a spiritual manifestation.
Continue reading “Overcoming Evil”Treatment of our Families and Enemies are Revealing
I find myself repeating some phrases along my journey of life. One that I use from time to time is about representing Jesus to others by “Showing the life, love, and the light of Jesus to the world.”
Continue reading “Treatment of our Families and Enemies are Revealing”
