Posts

Showing posts from August, 2016

He is Our Peace

Image

The Uncomfortable Word

Image
2 Timothy 4:3-4 (KJV) For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. I've had a lot of mammograms. Some women say they are uncomfortable--even painful. A few moments of mild discomfort. When I get the results and know that I am truly clear and clean of any disease, it's so worth it. Sitting in the pew on Sunday morning, we tend to squirm in our seats when the preacher says something that pricks our conscience. We believe we keep our sins secret; no one can see what we do. But when the Word uncovers our shame, our pride is wounded and tender. Strong medicine is the only thing that kills what ails you--sin. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man o

The Inconvenient Jesus

Image
It is inconvenient to get up before 10 a.m. every Sunday morning, shower, dress and leave the house. How easy it would be to sleep in, read the paper and eat brunch. How many times do we rise early on a Sunday, pack up the family, and head for the lake for a day of fishing, boating and swimming? We soothe our spirits by saying we can worship God wherever we are and being outdoors in His creation is worship enough? God’s Word says otherwise, by the way. In times past, Christians were burned at the stake or fed to the lions for sharing their faith; and yet they were obedient to the Gospel and spoke out. Modern-day followers are concerned with being culturally insensitive. Let’s face it—it is scary to witness Jesus. We risk losing credibility and acceptance. The Gospel of Christ is inconvenient. Talking about Jesus “gets in the way” of normal conversation, we say. We don’t want to offend anyone, we say. Yet we use His name in vain and tell offensive jokes, without cauti

The Irrelevant Jesus

Image
I was so excited that the new family moving in across the street had a daughter. Marching across the street, I introduced myself and we quickly became friends. That spring, we rode bikes and walked to school and played records and did everything together--just her and I. And then we went to summer camp. Soon after arrival, I realized that all the other kids in our group already knew my friend. And that's when I found out that my services as friend were no longer needed. I was irrelevant. Isaiah 29:13 (KJV) Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:  What does Jesus have to do with our lives today? Is He, and His Gospel, relevant to us? How often do I truly consider Him? When was the last time I thought of what God would say about my TV viewing habits? Or my conversations with friends? How often do

Taming A Tantrum

Image
James 1:2-4 (KJV)   My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this , that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. As I start to write this post, I am sitting in a familiar place--a hospital waiting room. More medical tests have been ordered by my doctors, due to some unusual findings in my recent six-month oncology checkup and the resulting full physical. I had a major pity party on Friday. Not being able to concentrate on my work, I walked the hallways, trying to blow the stink off. Looking into the toddler classroom, I noticed a little girl having a major tantrum. The high-spirited Charlotte was unhappy that it was snacktime and all the toys had to be put away. She clutched her doll in a deathgrip and screamed her lungs out. The teacher repeated that it was time to put away the toys and Charlotte threw herself on the floor and sobbed and kicked her