What’s the Ugliest Thing in the World?

“If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion – how can God’s love be in that person?” (1 John 3:17 NLT) Please bear with me as there is method in the madness: Have you ever been constipated to the point that no matterContinue reading “What’s the Ugliest Thing in the World?”

Why Does God Allow Suffering (Part 2)

“Punishment is made for mockers, and the backs of fools are made to be beaten.” (Proverbs 19:29 NLT) Why do the questions for which we struggle to find an answer haunt us the most? Why is it so difficult for us to understand why some suffer in extreme and, from our perspective, undeserved ways, whileContinue reading “Why Does God Allow Suffering (Part 2)”

Why Does God Allow Suffering?

“Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.” (2 Corinthians 13:11 KJV) With sin comes suffering. When mankind chose to go our own way, we lost the protective covering oneness with God provides. Which raises aContinue reading “Why Does God Allow Suffering?”

Why Did God Suffer?

“What we do see is Jesus, who was given a position ‘a little lower than the angels’; and because He suffered death for us, He is now ‘crowned with glory and honor.’ Yes, by God’s grace, Jesus tasted death for everyone. God, for whom and through whom everything was made, chose to bring many childrenContinue reading “Why Did God Suffer?”

Where Will You Spend Eternity?

“And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God’s Son does not have life.” (1 John 5:11-12 NLT) While this may be a question that’s already been answered for you, there are likelyContinue reading “Where Will You Spend Eternity?”

Understanding the Times

“From the tribe of Issachar, there were 200 leaders of the tribe with their relatives. All these men understood the signs of the times and knew the best course for Israel to take.” (1 Chronicles 12:32 NLT) 1 Chronicles 10 records the death of Israel’s first king, Saul, then chapter 11 tells of David becomingContinue reading “Understanding the Times”

Avoiding the “Bonk”

“So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.” (Galatians 5:1 NLT) While I can’t personally imagine the horrors of slavery, having been a pastor for many years and spending a fair amount of time visiting and speaking withContinue reading “Avoiding the “Bonk””

Why All the Angst?

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends You, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” (Psalm 139:23-24 NLT) The thought of being in heaven without my kids is unbearable. To see them walking without an intimate relationship withContinue reading “Why All the Angst?”

What Is Your Choice?

“If by continuing to live I can do more worthwhile work, then I am not sure which I should choose. I am pulled in two directions. I want very much to leave this life and be with Christ, which is a far better thing; but for your sake it is much more important that IContinue reading “What Is Your Choice?”

Another Look at Forgiveness

“So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.” (Matthew 9:6a NLT) Jesus often tied forgiveness with physical healing or other very practical issues. The paralyzed man who was brought to Jesus by his friends likely wasn’t thinking of his need of forgiveness, yet thatContinue reading “Another Look at Forgiveness”