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Paradox of Faith

One of the definitions of paradox is a “statement that seems to say two opposite things but that may be true”  (Merriam—Webster Dictionary). I assume most Christians struggle in some way with their faith-walk. In less than transparent environments, many would be afraid to admit. 

Everyone looks a little better from a distance. I have viewed a few strutting Christians at a distant but when I got a closer I wondered why they strut. We all have some struggles of faith even though at times people may think we have it altogether.

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Obscurity

Obscurity

The subject of obscurity has dogged my steps for some time for reasons only God knows.  I know this sounds strange in a blog that could potentially be read by thousands of eyes but I would like to share my heart on this subject.  I think we need to rightly divide two statements made by Jesus.  In one He said, “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them.  Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven” (Matthew 6:1 NKJV).  In the second one, He said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16 NKJV).

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A Clean Heart and a Steadfast Spirit

A Clean Heart and a Steadfast Spirit

King David had a moral crisis when he lusted after and committed adultery with a beautiful woman named Bathsheba. He complicated and multiplied his sin by deceit and murder after it was revealed to him that she was pregnant with his child.  The husband of Bathsheba, Uriah, was a trusted soldier of David’s who was numbered in the elite thirty-seven of 2 Samuel chapter 23.  Uriah was ordered from the front lines for the sole purpose of obscuring his wife’s pregnancy as a product of adultery.  When Uriah refused to keep company with his wife while his men were roughing it on the battlefield, David took the sin to an even lower level of murder.  He wrote orders for Uriah to be put in the most dangerous position of battle guaranteeing his death.  This strong faithful soldier faithfully carried his own sealed, death sentence to the commander of the army.  Yes, he died in battle and David brought Bathsheba into his palace as his wife.

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Abraham and Isaac: A Foreshadow of our Father and Jesus

Abraham and Isaac: A Foreshadow of our Father and Jesus

Abraham had been called out by God to leave his relatives and move to an unknown land. God chose Abraham and made some strong and far-reaching promises to him and his descendants.  This is the promise quoted in Genesis 12:2-23 (NKJV), “I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing. / I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

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Following Jesus with No Options

Following Jesus with No Options:

I hate picking out colors of paint because there are just too many options.  Some foreign restaurants I have eaten in, only give you a choice of available meat and you have no option with the side dishes; you get what they usually serve.  When it comes to the side dishes, you either eat it or leave it.  Of course, I usually eat it!

When it comes to being a true disciple of Jesus Christ, why do some folks think they have options?

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The Why Behind Fasting

THE WHY BEHIND FASTING:

To be honest, I love to fast and I hate to fast.  I love food and I am a ‘snacker’ by nature so I hate the thought of fasting.  This sounds like a contradiction but this is what I love about fasting-it crucifies my flesh.  I have come to realize the spiritual benefits of fasting.  Simply put, it makes me stronger spiritually.

During a fast, especially in the beginning, our flesh will cry out for food and we just wag our parental index finger at our naughty little flesh and say, “No, no you little spoiled brat, you can’t have everything you want.”

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End of the Old and Beginning the New

End the Old and Begin the New

The hope of the New Year is found in fresh starts and new beginnings. This time of year we talk of New Year’s resolutions and the like, all with the expectations of getting a new grip on life.  I am thankful with God; we can get a fresh start anytime.

I like the words Paul wrote to the church of Philippi, “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, / I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14 NKJV).

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A New Year’s Perspective

The New Year is just around the corner and on the top of many resolution lists will be to lose weight.  That resolution along with many others will end in the ash heap of frustration in just a few weeks.  I have never been a big New Year’s resolution guy to begin with but I do like to evaluate myself from time to time.  In that evaluation, I always see some things I need to lose and some things I need to gain.

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Postpartum Christmas

The few days following Christmas is like coming down from a sugar high.  This Christmas season started right after Walmart put away their scary masks and it began in earnest the day after Thanksgiving.  The weeks leading up to Christmas is filled with scheduling family gatherings, shopping, wrapping, cooking, and decorating.  There is a lot of energy that goes into the Christmas season.

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