During the ancient times of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the custom was that when the father died, the eldest son would become the head of the family and receive a double portion of the inheritance. This was his birthright. Said birthright was sometimes transferred to another person, in uncommon circumstances. The Lord, of course, could […]
We learn in grade school that we are to respect one another, to care for one another, to “remember the golden rule” (treat others the way you want to be treated). We’re taught to treat everyone the same, without regard to their station in life. However, here’s the rub… When we grow up, society rewards
A World of Contradictions Read More »
What happens when a person chooses evil over good? Does God ever allow it? Does He ever just give you what you want? (Strictly speaking, since God ordains all things, He is effectively giving you what you want even when it’s against His better judgement.) The answer is, “Yes!” The more important question is, do
When God Gives You What You Want Read More »
When fear overcomes a person, they are controlled by it. Have you ever heard the term FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)? Hold that thought… What happened in the Garden of Eden when the woman ate of the forbidden fruit? Apparently, she was suffering from a case of FOMO! God had said that she and Adam could eat
There’s an account of Jesus praying in Gethsemane described in multiple Gospels in the Bible that has always made me take pause. Here’s Mark’s version: And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” And he took with him Peter and James and John, and
Our Father’s Salvific Plan Read More »
There’s a big difference between doing something wrong in God’s eyes when you’re ignorant and doing so when you know better. The apostle Paul is a perfect example of someone who zealously sinned against God and His chosen people, even murdering them in His name! Paul was utterly against Jesus before he was converted on
Ignorant vs. Willful Sinning Read More »
“Well, I had to talk Sally down from the wall again today.” “What’s going on with her these days?” “Well, it’s just been this rollercoaster ride lately with her. Last year she was struggling with self-esteem, this year she doesn’t even know if she likes her husband anymore, and this past week she said she
Your Emotions Aren’t Your Life Read More »
Jesus said something startling. Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise [shrewd] as serpents and innocent as doves. -Matthew 10:16 It took me a while to figure out what Jesus meant by “be wise [shrewd] as serpents” as it seems counterintuitive from the One who is often typified elsewhere in
Is It OK to Be Shrewd? Read More »
I have never been what most would call witty. I’m the guy who thinks of what I should’ve said after the most opportune or effective time has long since passed. I’m also a terrible joke teller (not sure if these two facts are related, but I felt compelled to share them – LOL). From a social perspective,
The Value of Well-Timed Words Read More »
I was so looking forward to my Fourth of July vacation. I had taken an extra day off from work just so I could spend two nights at one of my favorite New Hampshire locations. I was even planning on playing a round of golf at the course across the street from the hotel. Good times ahead, I thought.
It Rained On My Vacation Read More »