(…continued) Armando Valladares, and many other prisoners in the Cuban prison on the Isle of Pines, were inspired and strengthened in their faith by another prisoner they knew only as “The Brother of Faith.” ‘The Brother’ was a Protestant minister who, in that ‘hell on earth,’ created a community of living faith in Jesus […]
3316) “Viva Cristo Rey!” (2/2) Read More »
Charlotte Eliot was born in England in 1789. Her parents were wealthy, and for 20-some years she lived a care-free, fun-filled life. Then, she was struck with a crippling disease, and by her early 30’s she was a bedridden invalid. She became depressed, bitter, and angry at God. She would often be rude
3310) Just As I Am Read More »
Picture above: Peter Torjesen (1892 – 1939) ———————————– Peter Torjesen was born and raised in Norway. His father was a chimney sweep. Both his parents were devout Christians. They took Peter and his brothers to church every week, and read the Bible and prayed with them every day. One evening in
3300) “Og Mit Liv” Read More »
(…continued) One long ago writer who struggled with this issue was John Donne (1572-1631; pictured above). Donne lived during the reign of King James, the king who authorized the first official (and first legal) translation of the Bible into English (1611). William Shakespeare was also a contemporary. Excellent writing and eloquent speaking were much
3284) Who’s the Judge? (2/2) Read More »
It is common today for people to get angry with God. It is the preferred voice of many when speaking of or to the Supreme Being. The world is filled with suffering and pain, and we insist on an explanation from God. We are the judge and jury, and God is the defendant; and
3283) Who’s the Judge? (1/2) Read More »
This piece is from a 1944 interview with C. S. Lewis (1898-1963); from the book God in the Dock: Essays on Theology and Ethics, by C. S. Lewis, pages 51-52. QUESTION: Many people feel resentful or unhappy because they think they are the target of unjust fate. These feelings are stimulated by bereavement, illness, deranged
3183) Making Good Use of Our Troubles Read More »
Pictured above is the Karna Lutheran church in Malmslatt, Sweden. Like many of the churches in Europe, this church is very old. The present structure is no doubt the result of several expansions and remodelings of the old church, but the original part of the building is believed to go back over 800
Image above: Self-Portrait, Spring 1887 —————- You have probably heard of the painter Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890), but you may not have heard of ‘the Rev.’ Vincent van Gogh. Actually, before Vincent was a painter he was a pastor. He followed in the steps of his father, going to seminary and then serving
3113) Rev. Vincent van Gogh Read More »
“Let Someone Serve You in Suffering,” by Vaneeta Rendall Risner (pictured above with her husband). See her website at: https://www.vaneetha.com/ —————————————- I don’t like asking for help. Frankly, I’d rather take care of myself, by myself. But independence has become a thing of the past for me. Because of my disability
3096) I’ll Get By With a Little Help From My Friends Read More »
Geoffrey Canada is an African-American man who grew up on the streets of Bronx. He is the author of the book Reaching Up for Manhood: Transforming the Lives of Boys in America. In it, he shares some of his personal experiences and tells how he overcame many adverse circumstances. He gives great credit to his
3083) Leaning on Grandma’s Faith Read More »
