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                 he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. (Ephesians 1:9-10)   Imagine that you have created the ultimate theme park. As one fictional theme park declared, you “spared no expense.” Like that theme park owner, you didn’t want the park to be just fun; you wanted it to benefit all humanity. You spent billions on the infrastructure and billions just on dressing things up for the opening day. Everything was perfect, then the first visitors walked through the gates, and all hell broke loose. No, it wasn’t dinosaurs having escaped from their pens; it was the guests themselves. For some, it was too warm, for others, too cool. Some didn’t like the music, food, colors, restroom locations, some of the other guests, or you. The food is...
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Blessings and Curses

                 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, (Matthew 5:44)   And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28) You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives . (Genesis 50:20) I’ve written about this verse many times, but probably not quite this way. The day before yesterday was our elections, and I’m not happy with how things turned out. I hope things don’t turn out as hard as I expect. God is still in control, and He will cause all things to work together for good. Yeah, yeah, we say the words and I suspect we think we mean them. But, as we approach the holidays, an ad comes to mind: Christmas Strength . If you’ve skipped watching it, it’s a good one that you’ve p...
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The Letter

                 He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. (II Corinthians 3:6)   A covenant is a contract, like the constitutions that direct the interactions between governments and the governed. They are vital to those relationships. We need to know. Some may suggest that there should be no rules, but truly no rules opens the door to abuse, neglect, and disappointment. After all, while we may think the other should know intuitively what’s right or wrong, that’s imposing a difficult rule on them. They are required to read the mind(s) of the other(s). Every time they fail, it is seen as their failure even though it’s ours because we haven’t communicated. But covenants and rules can be deadly, too. A government could pass some common sense laws, like no murdering, no stealing, no raping, drive on the right side of the road, tu...
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Subject To The Governing Authorities

                 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. (Romans 13:1)                It’s Election Day! I’ve heard people talk about not voting because they’re disgusted with the way things are, but Scripture tells us to be subject to governing authorities. Usually, we think of these as people like kings, governors, and even police officers or teachers. But there is another form of authority: written. We have Scripture. If you don’t think we should obey the principles God teaches through Scripture, that will be for you to discuss with Him. No doubt, we all have qualms with at least one thing we find in Scripture, but if we are to be subject to governing authorities, God and His Word certainly fit that description. The other piece of the puzzle is that ou...
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Prayer Requests

                 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. (Matthew 6:8)  For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them . Matthew 6:32 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective . (James 5:16) I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness . (I Timothy 2:1-2)   I have heard the complaint or accusation that if we believe that God is omnipotent and loving, we should not ask Him for anything more than once. The verses from Matthew 6 are sometimes used to argue this. Even more, we sh...
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On The Other Hand

              I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, (Ephesians 1:18)           Yesterday’s post had to do with being sober and alert for our enemy. Today, my Bible platform spun us around. Yesterday, Peter told us to be alert and sober, to pay attention. He called for us to be active. In today’s passage, Paul didn’t tell us to open our eyes and pay attention. He said he prayed that our eyes would be opened. His hope was for our blindness to be healed or removed. Or perhaps that our vision would be expanded. We like to think we’re not blind, but we can see only 0.0035% of the electromagnetic spectrum. That’s one of the reasons why the notion that the claim that science gives us the truth based on what we can see, hear, feel, smell, and taste is so amusing. If we can’t m...
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Red Alert!

                   Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. (I Peter 5:8-9)           This wasn’t the topic I planned to write about, but now that my Bible platform has suggested it, it is appropriate. The days are getting short, and they’re about to seem shorter. Don’t forget to set your clocks back an hour this evening! The holidays are coming up, which means stress and (for some) depression. And with all of that, life goes on, with all its demands.           Then, there are all of the unnecessary distractions and media overload we face. I seem to have two modes: mono-focus and complete lack of focus, and it feels as t...
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