The following is my fourth installment on this topic. The first can be found here, the second here, and the third here. You can tell this is something I think about a lot. I often find engagement with others who are passionate about their understanding. Some people, of course, favor harmony over discord and hope…
Read moreLent – There’s a smudge on your head
Did you spot a co-worker or cashier this week with what looked like a smudge of dirt on their forehead? If you didn’t grow up in a Christian home, you might not recognize the symbolism. A friend of mine once saw a woman at work coming out of the copier room with a smudge on…
Read moreOpen! Says me?
Can I choose to open the gates of heaven and let myself in? Is it my free will to decide if I’m a follower of Jesus Christ? Let’s look at a classic conundrum of the church; the role of Free will and Predestination. It seems the mere mention of “free will” always gets my engines…
Read moreRetired. Now the Work Begins
I recently joined a Zoom session with some old friends from a lifetime ago—over forty years, to be exact. As we reminisced, I was transported back to the days when our world revolved around selling and servicing factory automation equipment. While some of us have since retired, others are still working and have no intention…
Read moreChristmas Presence
I’ll be celebrating my 63rd Christmas this month. I’m feeling that qualifies me as a Christmas expert. I approach this season with great hope and renewed expectations. I’ve never been the type to dread holidays. In fact, I seek to prolong them. As the kids (and now grandkids) dive under the tree to sort gifts,…
Read moreCount Your Blessings
In days of worry and fear, we’re encouraged to remember our blessings. One of our greatest blessings is we’re invited and able to pray – to communicate with our Creator. Paul in his letter to the Thessalonians tells us “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of…
Read moreBe Attitude
My men’s Bible study has been reading Isaiah for the last several weeks. It is a collection of prophesies made by this prominent spokesman of behalf of the Creator of the Universe. God is not happy with his people’s behavior and tells of a time in the future when they will be made to suffer…
Read moreWhat is Truth?
This image circulated on the internet just after Hurricane Helene devastated huge swaths of the South Eastern United States. Images like these, created by readily available (and free!) tools on the internet, show how easy it is to usurp attention and ultimately erode public trust in the news. Believable lies drive people away from all…
Read moreRoad Signs
My wife and I recently drove from one sister’s house to another. The route lasted a bit over ten hours through Pennsylvania and West Virginia and into North Carolina. Along the way I was reminded of a few “dad jokes” my Dad used to tell on long drives. For your reminiscence I offer the following…
Read moreA nation divided…
In 1858, Abraham Lincoln lifted and used a verse from the Bible in a memorable speech, not given as President, but as a candidate for the US Senate (*spoiler* he did not win). In the run up to the presidential election, the airwaves are filled with pundits quoting poles that not only show which candidate…
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