Some people are so heavenly minded that they are no earthly good. Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr If you read history, you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were just those who thought most of the next. The apostles themselves, who set on foot the […] Read more
Pilgrim at Tinker Creek – Annie Dillard
I’m not sure I know how to properly write a book review. I get lost in the nuance and the pacing and often am uncertain how to describe the text. Reading a book is an experience I have, not so much a plot or character or scene. The problem is […] Read more
Not Taking the LORD’s Name in Vain
A New-Life Resolution To take the name of the LORD in vain has very little to do with uttering imprecations, swearing, or saying things such as “Jesus Christ,” “Jesus,” “Christ,” or “God-dammit” (or “damn-it” if you prefer a different spelling) when you are angry. Language carries meaning, and if we […] Read more
update…and a poem
In case anyone has been wondering why I’ve not posted for quite some time, I’ve decided to put the bulk of my writing time toward a story I’ve been working on. Hopefully, the first draft of that will be completed in the next few months after which I might return […] Read more
The Lord’s Prayer and the Bible
When I wrote the initial conclusion to this study of the Lord’s Prayer, the Sermon on the Mount, and Matthew’s Gospel I never intended on revisiting the writings for any reason other than for basic editing. Over the past few weeks, however, I’ve come to realize that something was missing; […] Read more
Conclusion: Lord, Teach Us to Pray
A long time ago — some two thousand years now — an unnamed student dared to make a request of his teacher. This student had seen his teacher engaged in prayer many times, in fact, he had most likely heard him pray as well, but on this day that student […] Read more
The Lord’s Prayer as a Preface to Bible Study
Often when I read the Bible I am at a loss as to how to prepare my heart. Many of my prayers are something as simple as “open my eyes” or something like that. Such a prayer is certainly an acceptable approach to reading the Bible, but there are times […] Read more
The Lord’s Prayer: Reflection X
The Lord’s Prayer with Emphasis Placed on “For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.” This tenth reflection looks through the lens of the Father’s eternally powerful and glorious kingdom to see the many facets of the Lord’s Prayer as we meditate and approach our […] Read more
The Lord’s Prayer: Reflection IX
The Lord’s Prayer with Emphasis Placed on “But deliver us from evil.” This ninth reflection on the Lord’s Prayer focuses our thoughts on the truth that only the Father can deliver us from evil and the many ways it infiltrates our lives. Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. […] Read more
The Lord’s Prayer: Reflection VIII
The Lord’s Prayer with Emphasis Placed on “Lead us not into temptation.” This eighth reflection on the Lord’s Prayer redirects our eyes to the path the Father would have us travel rather than the path we plot when guided by the temptations arising from our sin-filled hearts. Our Father in […] Read more