The Bible does not pretend that the Christian life is easy. It does not suggest that the disciples of Jesus will be well-liked. Rather, it assures the opposite. You will be hated by all for My name’s sake. Matt 10:22 (NKJV) A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a … Read More
We’re nearing the end of the year. And today we briefly step away from the usual grind to celebrate Thanksgiving with our family and friends. As we look forward to good food, holiday traditions, and relaxed times of fellowship, it’s easy to feel thankful for life and God’s blessings. We … Read More
Humanity Unsettled “Mass shootings across the U.S. leave dozens killed or wounded this weekend.” “Ukrainian war casualties running at a rate of 600-1,000 a day.” These are just two of the many headlines of this year reporting tragedies in the world. It is difficult not to become overwhelmed with horror … Read More
Feast and wilderness. These two words create an antithesis. Two words that create confusion in our minds through their dissonance. A wilderness is “an uncultivated, uninhabited, and inhospitable region.” A feast is “something that gives unusual or abundant enjoyment.” We only think about them simultaneously when we are longing for … Read More
Every now and then I hear the phrase that American Christians need persecution. I find it interesting that, with few exceptions, it comes from those who have not seen or experienced real persecution themselves—persecution that resulted in bodily harm, financial devastation, or forfeiture of life itself. Sure, most of us … Read More
For many of us, the problem of suffering is not an abstract, theoretical question. It’s all too real. How can it be true that God loves us, or that the Bible’s promises are true, or that there is any actual “hope,” in the middle of intense suffering or tragedy? The … Read More