Incarnated into a Crazy World
The eternal Word of God was incarnated and born as a human being into a world reeling in political and military turmoil, economic stress, and religious oppression. That sounds a lot like many parts of the world today, especially the Middle East—same place, similar issues. The fall of the Assad dictatorship in Syria is a historic watershed event that has brought freedom to Syrians. Internationally, it thankfully devastates Iran’s and Russia’s influence in the area. It’s shrinking the door for Syrian migrants and asylum seekers in Europe. Israel has taken unprecedented opportunity in destroying military assets so as not to…
The Pilgrims As They Were
I visited Plymouth, Massachusetts, and saw a replica of the Pilgrim’s (or more accurately the Separatists’) ship, the Mayflower. And I visited a replica of their original settlement. They came partly to escape grinding poverty and take a big chance at starting a new life in the New World. But they came primarily for religious independence from the oppressive and corrupt state church in England. They had bought a ship and were to sail on two ships, but their ship leaked, and after many weeks they couldn’t fix it, so they all piled onto the rented cargo ship called The…
Jonathan Edwards’ Non-legacy
I visited Northampton, Massachusetts, to see what physically remained of the ministry of Jonathan Edwards, who lived in the early 1700s and was the leader of the First Great Awakening and is still considered one America’s greatest theologians. All that remains is the semi-circular stone step of Edwards’ third meeting house, which was placed at the entrance to the present brownstone church building. That’s it. An informational sign placed by the Massachusetts Foundation for the Humanities succinctly tells an essential part of his history: “Edwards’ preaching had been marvelously effective, but he had made serious enemies in the community. There…
The Power of Expectations
My wife and I stayed at a resort where we expected a room with a view but were instead assigned the worst room in the entire place, right in front of the maintenance garage and parking lot. I was disappointed. So I thought about why. It came down to my expectations. If I had simply gone there for business or a conference, I wouldn’t have cared because my expectations would not have included a nice view. But I was there on vacation—and I would pray, read, think, relax, and eat most of my meals on the deck or patio outside…
Living Life Like Everyone Else
I edited a book for Dr. Ed West, who wrote, “A Christian who is exhausted by living life like everyone else should repent and start over.” Think about that.Do you ever get exhausted by living your life like everyone else? Maybe it’s always being busy, busy, busy.Maybe it’s striving for achievement or happiness.Maybe it’s trying to impress others or be an ideal somebody.Maybe it’s buying and paying for things the world says you need.Maybe it’s feeling that you have to do everything and can’t miss anything.Living in these and other ways can indeed become exhausting. The Lord speaks through the…
