Some people approach the Bible as if it consists primarily of a set of doctrines to be learned. So they turn to the “experts” to hear their explanations of the various propositions it contains.  But this is like “reading” a classic novel by studying the SparkNotes summary. Sure, you might be able to spout back some plot details and describe a major theme or two and it will save you a whole bunch of time, but you will miss out on the joy of reading a masterpiece and the wonder of firsthand discovery. And one thing is guaranteed: if you…

Over the past couple of years I have heard many Christians express a critical view of American culture (deservedly so!) and a gloomy forecast for our country’s future.  Most recently, I heard it this morning in Sunday school. A man there said that he told his adult children – (I am paraphrasing) – “I know things are bad, but prepare yourself because they are going to get worse. In fact, as bad as things are right now, just remember that these are the best days you are likely to see in this country.” I can empathize. At times, I can…

It seems to me that in recent years American culture has made its goal to become as open minded as possible. And there are aspects of that goal which are commendable.  But perhaps we have overshot the target.  Here are a couple of quotes – from decades past – yet wise words of warning for present times: “Cursed is he that does not know when to shut his mind. An open mind is all very well in its way, but it ought not to be so open that there is no keeping anything in or out of it. It should…

It seems to me that in recent years American culture has made its goal to become as open minded as possible. And there are aspects of that goal which are commendable.  But perhaps we have overshot the target.  Here are a couple of quotes – from decades past – yet wise words of warning for present times: “Cursed is he that does not know when to shut his mind. An open mind is all very well in its way, but it ought not to be so open that there is no keeping anything in or out of it. It should…

Here are more ponderings from the mind of Mark Twain, this time from “What is Man?” in 1906: “We are always hearing of people who are around seeking after Truth. I have never seen a (permanent) specimen. I think he has never lived. But I have seen several entirely sincere people who thought they were (permanent) Seekers after Truth. They sought diligently, persistently, carefully, cautiously, profoundly, with perfect honesty and nicely adjusted judgment—until they believed that without doubt or question they had found the Truth. That was the end of the search. The man spent the rest of his life…

In a similar vein to “People don’t have ideas – Ideas have people” is this quote: “It’s easier to fool people than it is to convince them they have been fooled.”  Over the past decade or so, these words have often been attributed to Mark Twain, but the factchecking websites cannot find this quote in any of his written material.  (If it matters, the false attribution was the work of Twitter.) Still, the factcheckers did find a similar idea expressed in Twain’s autobiography: “How easy it is to make people believe a lie, and how hard it is to undo…

This world is headed in one direction. God in the other.  Any action based upon the will of God, therefore, WILL create friction, for both the point person and bystanders. And friction is, at the very least, uncomfortable.  More often it is downright frightening.  It makes us question our mission.  It tempts us to retreat to more familiar ground.  If we’re not careful, a pattern of behavior develops where we shrink back each time we should be moving forward.  What happens when we recognize that fear as a signal that we are resisting God’s will? So here’s a question worth…

“People don’t have ideas. Ideas have people.” I have heard this quote several times in recent years across social media. Apparently it is something that Jordan Peterson is relating as coming from Carl Jung’s teachings. Wherever it originated, it strikes me as true.  To me, it means that ideas are powerful entities with a life of their own. And although we believe we are in charge of our own ideas – keeping only the true and useful ones while kicking all false or weak ones to the curb – our rule over ideas is largely an illusion.  Put another way,…

I don’t know about you, but when February rolls around, I find myself in the midst of a genuine struggle. On the one hand I recognize the spiritual necessity of being grateful for each day God gives. But on the other hand? I just want winter to be OVER.  So I am tempted to wish time away. Can’t we just skip ahead to spring? I don’t suppose it was JUST February that the Apostle Paul had in mind when he advised, “Look carefully how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because…