Above: From King’s “I Have a Dream” speech at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. August 28, 1963. ———————-    (…continued) Just outside of St. Peter, Minnesota is the Traverse Des Sioux historical site. Traverse Des Sioux is a shallow spot in the Minnesota River where generations of Sioux Indians crossed. In 1851 that […]
3288) The Declaration of Dependence (3/3) Read More »
   (…continued) In his Small Catechism explanation to the 4th petition of the Lord’s Prayer, Martin Luther listed many of the things God has given us for which we should give thanks. Included in that list is the gift of “good government.” Despite all the problems with our government, and for all that we
3287) The Declaration of Dependence (2/3) Read More »
      Next week, we will celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the birth of our nation. Does this Independence Day celebration have anything to do with religion? No, say many folks in the church. God is God of all people, not just of the
3286) The Declaration of Dependence (1/3) 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 »
   (…continued) Four years later, Cleo’s husband John died.  John was a believer, but wasn’t one to talk much about his faith.  He wasn’t like Cleo.  He didn’t have anything picked out for his funeral, and we did not have long discussions about God’s love and promises.  He and Cleo went to church together,
3272) Cleo and John (2/2) Read More »
   Cleo was dying of cancer.  She was still strong enough to come to church and go to appointments, but the doctors had told her there was nothing more they could do.  The cancer would soon end her life.  She was 66 years old and her husband had just retired.  They had lots of
3271) Cleo and John (1/2) Read More »
Matthew 8:23-27 — Jesus got into the boat and his disciples followed him.  Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping.  The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”  He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?”  Then he got
3254) Sleeping Through a Storm Read More »
Adapted from The Person Reborn by Paul Tournier, 1966, pages 201-201. ——————————-     The value of a human life does not lie in the “rights of man,” a fundamental concept of modem individualism. Rather, our rights come from God, who has given us our lives, and to whom we are accountable.     The concept of
3245) “Take Over” Read More »
ABOVE: “FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND”    This well known reading is not from the Bible, but it is certainly consistent with what the Bible says about how God carries us in our “times of trial and suffering.” This can be seen in the following verses: Deuteronomy 1:31 —  In the wilderness you saw how
3244) Prints in the Sand Read More »
