Above image: A Raisin in the Sun, by Lorraine Hansberry (1930-1965), from the 1961 movie ————————- The 1959 Broadway play “A Raisin in the Sun” tells the story of a black family in Harlem. They never had much money and saw little chance of escaping their poverty. Then the father died and the […]
3146) “There is Always Something Left to Love” Read More »
Psalm 32:1-5: Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit. When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as
3140) Prayers of Confession Read More »
Pictured above: Philip and Janet Yancey ————————————— My favorite living author is Philip Yancey. He has written dozens of books and I have read every one at least once. His first book was published when I was in seminary, I read each of his new books throughout my ministry, and since I have
3119) Sin, Shame, Repentance, Forgiveness Read More »
By Lee Strobel ———————————— “This is embarrassing,” my friend said to me over the phone. “That’s okay,” I assured him. “Go ahead. You can tell me.” He sighed. “Well, we found out our little girl shoplifted a book from the church bookstore. We were really surprised because she’s a good kid. Anyway, I was wondering whether
3115) A Lesson in Grace Read More »
(…continued) God has three very important things to say about rules. First of all, he gives the rules for our own benefit and the benefit of others who might be hurt by our bad behavior; and God demands that we obey him. Secondly, when we break the rules, that is to say when
3092) III. Rules, Excuses, FORGIVENESS (3/3) Read More »
As a young woman in Brighton, England, Charlotte Elliot (1789-1871) was known as “carefree Charlotte.” She was a popular portrait artist and a writer of humorous poetry. When in her early thirties, Charlotte suffered a serious illness that left her as a bedridden invalid for the rest of her life. She was often
3058) Come As You Are Read More »
Pictured above: Garrison Keillor (1942- ) ————————- By Garrison Keillor, Lake Wobegon Days, 1985, from pages 242-248. Uncle Virgil Bunsen’s death caught almost everyone by surprise, though they hadn’t even known he was alive. He moved to Nevada in 1925 and didn’t keep in touch, so not many people at his funeral knew
3057) Life is Too Short Read More »
Cindy and Cathy are identical twins. Their parents were alcoholics and the girls had a dreadful childhood. Their dad died while they were still in high school when he rolled his car after a night of drinking. Their mother took an overdose of pills and died when the girls were away at
3051) The Healing of Memories Read More »
Pictured above are Al Quie and Chuck Colson *************************** (…continued) This idea of Jesus as our substitute has been illustrated in many ways. One of the most famous illustrations is of a judge who hears a case, is informed of the guilty verdict by the jury, pronounces the death sentence, and then comes
3049) Leo Tolstoy, Jesus Christ, and Al Quie (2/2) Read More »
Pictured above: Leo Tolstoy in peasants’ clothing, 1897. ********************************* Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910) was a man of huge contradictions. He was born into the wealthiest class in Russia in the 1800’s; and though he took advantage of all the benefits of his privileged life, he despised his wealth and was envious of the simple
3048) Leo Tolstoy, Jesus Christ, and Al Quie (1/2) Read More »
