What Satan put into the heads of our remote ancestors was the idea that they could “be like gods”—could set up on their own as if they had created themselves—be their own masters—invent some sort of happiness for themselves outside God, apart from God. And out of that hopeless attempt has come nearly […]
738) C. S. Lewis on Happiness and Comfort and Security Read More »
(…continued) ‘By Faith,’ is a phrase the Bible often uses. An often quoted definition of faith is to “Let go and let God.” Let go of your fears and your anxieties and have the faith to let God take care of you. It has a nice ring to it, but I was never
705) By Faith… (part two of two) Read More »
Above: August 1, 2007, Minneapolis, Minnesota —————————– “We walk by faith, not by sight,” says Paul in II Corinthians 5:7, and isn’t that the truth? Each week I lead worship, talking about and saying prayers to a God I cannot see, but believe in by faith. There are many good and logical and
704) By Faith… (part one of two) Read More »
Painting above: Conscience, by Nicolai Ge, Russian painter (1831-1894) Judas watches as the soldiers lead Jesus away ——————————— (… continued) In the same way, Philip Yancey and the couple that lost their son to cancer, in spite of disappointment and confusion, kept looking to God. And though they were disappointed and heartbroken, sadness
695) Disappointment With Jesus (part two of two) Read More »
A friend of mine was telling me about some friends of his. “Years ago they would always go to church,” he said of the friends, “but then their daughter was killed in a car accident, and they have not been back to church since the funeral. They are upset with God for letting
694) Disappointment With Jesus (part one of two) Read More »
“Merciful Snow” A short story from Rev. Michael Lindvall’s book The Good News from North Haven: A Year in the Life of a Small Town, 1991, pages 26-33. Lindvall is a Presbyterian pastor who grew up in Minnesota, and has served parishes in Michigan and New York. …Priscilla Atterby died at eighty-four years: “fourscore
669) Peace at Last Read More »
Photo above: Rushford, Minnesota, August 19, 2007 From a sermon given the following Sunday. ———————– Seven years ago my wife and I bought the house in which we are now living, and I am very happy to report that in all that time, that house has not moved even one inch.
657) When the Foundations are Destroyed Read More »
Recently I ran across an old videotaped recording that contains a fascinating conversation between two men, Tim and Greg. Thirty years ago, when the conversation was recorded, both men were in their middle 30’s, and both were teachers at the same college. At about the same time, they were both diagnosed with an
591) Healed, Not Healed Read More »
Horatio P. Spafford (1828-1888) was a wealthy Chicago attorney. He made a lot of money, invested it wisely in real estate, and was one of the wealthiest men in a city that was rising fast after the Civil War. Then, in 1871, the great Chicago fire consumed much of the city,
576) It Is Well With My Soul Read More »
Lowell Mason (1792-1872) Lowell Mason lived in the early years of this country’s history. He was born during the presidency of George Washington. Mason’s passion was church music. He loved to direct church choirs, he loved to teach Christian music to young people, and he loved to write music.
575) My Faith Looks Up to Thee Read More »
