Sometimes the opposition seems overwhelming.Most of it has been self-inflicted. History – people doing horrible things in the name of Christ.The world of observers, not knowing any better, makes uninformed assessments and forms terrible opinions of Christianity. Televangelists – money-grubbing, high-living, charlatans and false teachers giving religion in general and Christianity in particular a bad rap (1 Timothy 6:3-5). Division & infighting – people who should be loving each other and thus proving to be disciples (John 13:35) fighting and slinging mud in the most unloving ways.Dividing into yet another denomination over the slightest perceived doctrinal error, we assist the world in its dismissal and unbelief (John 17:20-23).
Once upon a recent day, I was at a large, anonymous store to pick up a prescription.It was late in the day and the pharmacy was closing in 30 minutes.The line of customers promised a 15 minute wait.Sometimes such things can be boring…but not this time.A very disgruntled customer was providing us with some drama.
The first hint of something gone awry was a man, about 35 to 40, yelling, “Yeah…call the manager, I’d LOVE to talk to your manager!” (more…)
I’m getting a little tired of hearing that Ron Paul doesn’t stand a chance. I challenge my American readers to read this article by Chuck Baldwin. Dr. Paul may not make it to the White House (don’t count him out yet!) but his ideas will live on. He’s a man whose principles and philosophy need to be taken seriously by lovers of freedom. Thanks to Bob Chapman for alerting me to this excellent article.
Carlos had more blessings than he would probably ever realize.He was born in the finest hospital in the large city he would call home.The most renowned doctors attended him.He left the hospital in a late-model automobile and taken home to a prosperous neighborhood.He had a room of his own.He attended a school known for its high academic standards.His attentive mother and father loved him very much and made sure he knew it.He attended Bible School and Worship.He said his prayers every night with his loving mother in attendance to tuck him in and kiss him goodnight.In his early teens, he was immersed into Christ by his father.The future held bright promise for this loved and privileged child of a Christian home. (more…)
I’m not sure where I got this but had this insane urge to share it with you, Dear Reader. Enjoy! Laugh! Ridicule!
Please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit our best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low stress, non-addictive, gender neutral, celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasions and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all . . .
And a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling, and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2001, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great, (not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country or is the only “AMERICA” in the western hemisphere), and without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith, choice of computer platform, or sexual preference of the wishee.
(By accepting this greeting, you are accepting these terms. This greeting is subject to clarification or withdrawal. It is freely transferable with no alteration to the original greeting. It implies no promise by the wisher to actually implement any of the wishes for her/himself or others, and is void where prohibited by law, and is revocable at the sole discretion of the wisher. This wish is warranted to perform as expected within the usual application of good tidings for a period of one year, or until the issuance of a subsequent holiday greeting, whichever comes first, and warranty is limited to replacement of this wish or issuance of a new wish at the sole discretion of the wisher.)
First, let me get you to read an article by my friend and brother Ron Carlson. This is a great article about the simple ways marriages can be made strong and unbreakable. While you’re at it, you might want to subscribe to Grace Centered Magazine. Lots of wholesome, helpful articles.
Let me add something to the above article. I have found that if I can get couples to read and practice the characteristics of love found in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, they can get their marriage off the rocks. I require that they read it to each other each evening before bedtime…one reads it to the other in turn…and then pray for God’s help in practicing these characteristics. It hasn’t failed yet. There you have it…free marriage counseling!
“…you have broken faith with her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant” (Malachi 2:14). In the last 18 months, I have had personal dealings with two beloved men.In addition to other associations with me, they are my brothers in Christ.They have broken my heart and the hearts of those who love them, their children and their extended families.I am putting this on my blog for them and for others who may be involved in similar circumstances.
It is addressed to these men but I am aware that women are often bogged in the same tragic muck.To all of you I say: there is no need to stay stuck in this morass.You can get out.If you do it quickly and decisively you can, with God’s help, find some measure of true joy.I have personally offered to help you both…that offer still stands.
My dear loved one,
So, you’ve decided to leave your wife…maybe for another woman…maybe just to explore other options.And, you are doing this in spite of the fact that your wife still loves you, has been faithful to you and, perhaps most importantly, children are involved.Well, I have a few things to say about that. (more…)
The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary. He has a quote from Anne Graham that I’m not in full agreement with but the rest of it is worth reading by my thoughtful readers (I don’t think I have any “unthoughtful” ones!). Let me know what you think.
My confession:
I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish.And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call thosebeautiful lit up, bejeweled trees Christmas trees. I don’t feelthreatened. I don’t feel discriminated against. That’s what they are:Christmas trees.(more…)
