James says that the reason we can smile in the face of trials is that our trials are measured out in order to produce a mature, steadfast faith. God wants us to grow up, and trials are the real-time, real-life circumstances that God employs to bring it about. Count it all joy, … [Read more...] about Various Trials
Just a Thought
For better or worse, sometimes I only have a single, unqualified thought. This seemed as good a place as any to drop off some shareable quotes, poetry and a nuisance idea for those who need a shot.
A Little Amalekite, Here and There
We spend a lot of time on the big sins. We worry over them, sometimes reach a point of despair over them, and we encourage others to wage war over them. Such battles make for good testimony. But, as Solomon once said, it is the little foxes who ruin the vineyard (Song of Solomon … [Read more...] about A Little Amalekite, Here and There
In Defence of Skubalon
So that you don't miss the point, or the satire, or the sarcasm, let me say at the outset what this article is about. This article is a biblical defence of indefensible language, comments that pierce the heart and judgements that appear, by our standards, to be less than … [Read more...] about In Defence of Skubalon
Marvellous in Our Eyes
David understood the maxim that "what fills the eyes soon fills the heart." He understood that the wicked had "eyes full of conceit" (Psalm 36:2) just as Peter lived among those whose eyes were "full of adultery" (2 Peter 2:14). In short, it matters what you feast your eyes … [Read more...] about Marvellous in Our Eyes
He Came to Gladden the Heart
Jesus came eating and drinking and people thought that perhaps He had a demon. He ate with tax collectors and some considered Him to be unclean. He feasted with fishermen, and some thought Him to be an arrogant and uneducated Galillean hack. As God had been with Adam in the … [Read more...] about He Came to Gladden the Heart
