Category Archives: Uncategorized

Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that. James 4:15 As the years of my Christian life progressed through various towns and churches, there have always been precious friends around me who, whether in prayer with me or simply in daily conversation, use the phrase, “Lord willing.” ItContinue reading “Lord willing”

Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him.   1 JohnContinue reading “yeah, but”

But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. James 2:18 I wrote last time about my three-decade effort to ensure my “good vs. bad” tally sheet was heavier on the “good” side so that I would be destined forContinue reading “work because, not to”

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 Growing up in the religion of my parents, my faith in God was all about negotiation. My prayers would sound something like, “God, please get me out ofContinue reading “Jesus and”

Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. Proverbs 3:7 Did that blog title get your attention? Maybe you think the words that follow will be about how we Christians need to fear the exponentially evil direction our culture is going. Or the horror that should seize ourContinue reading “a time to fear”

You there! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; And you who have no money come, buy and eat. Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.   Isaiah 55:1 When you’ve been out for a walk on a warm day, working in the yard, or even just eating some salty snacks, there’s nothing like gulping downContinue reading “quenched”

But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. Romans 13:14 Moderation is a tough thing for me. From my perfectionist and control-freak personality, to my waning addictive tendencies, I am inclined to overdo—not to be moderate. In my BC days (that is, “before Christ”), I would never haveContinue reading “when moderation isn’t a good thing”

Be on the alert then, because you do not know the day nor the hour. Matthew 25:13 In looking around, listening, and reading, do you sense it? There seems to be an acceleration of, well, crazy. Right is wrong, and wrong is right. A mob mentality is creating lemmings who aren’t thinking straight—or even thinking forContinue reading “choosing sides”

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 3:20 As I sit down to write this, I’m am actually taking a respite from unpacking boxes and trying to figure out—once again—what we really need and where we should put it all. You see, over my 26-year marriage,Continue reading “just passing through”

Do homage to the Son, that He not become angry, and you perish in the way, For His wrath may soon be kindled. How blessed are all who take refuge in Him! Psalm 2:12 Here’s a strange (and disturbing) thought: What if one of the world’s most evil criminals, having instigated horrific atrocities against men,Continue reading “convicted, not yet imprisoned”