"All of life is business with God…" John Calvin
In his second Inaugural Address, Abraham Lincoln expressed his belief that the Civil War was the direct result of God’s providential justice, brought to bear against our nation in God’s appointed timing because of the offense of slavery. The Almighty has His own purposes. "Woe unto the world because of offenses; for it must needs … Continue reading Woe To the Oppressors
Last week, Habakkuk faithfully wrestled with the Lord’s perplexing ways. He grounded himself in what he knew to be true—that God is all powerful, he is holy, he is faithful, he is just, and he is a steady refuge in time of storm. None of that squared with what God revealed he was planning. The … Continue reading The Righteous Shall Live By Faith
“Our Father in heaven,hallowed be your name.Your kingdom come,your will be done,on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:9–10) Jesus taught us to pray that God’s will would be done here on earth. If we believe that God is sovereign, then we believe that everything that happens on earth is according to his divine will. … Continue reading Not a Blind Faith, but a Puzzled Faith
Last week we lamented with Habakkuk over the violence and destruction that was rampant in Judah, among the very people of God (Hab. 1:2–4). Why didn’t God do something to bring order and peace? How long would Habakkuk continue to cry out to the LORD and have his petition fall on seemingly deaf ears? This … Continue reading Wonder and be Astounded
Last week we began a study of the book of Habakkuk with the women of our church with an introduction by my co-teacher on the historical context in which Habakkuk lived and wrote. This week we covered the first four verses of Habakkuk. I’d like to share here the substance of our lesson for those … Continue reading O Lord, How Long?
“I’m sorry, sweet girl, I’m so, so sorry.” As I gently removed the last dead puppy from her bed, her whimpers began. Only the day before her belly had been full of life, but her babies came too soon. One at a time, her puppies were born sleeping. Yorkshire Terriers are normally born looking like … Continue reading All Creation Groans
Update, we're positive for covid. Let's break this down: The bad news: we're kinda sick and are isolating ourselves. We were exposed along with members of our extended family, one of whom is also positive, and another who is symptomatic and likely positive. We may have exposed others; they have been notified. Our daughter Erin … Continue reading The News: Bad to Best
In my previous post, we considered the personal rebuke and sober warning found in Hebrews 5:11–6:8, and the questions raised concerning assurance of salvation. As we learned, that passage does not teach that a genuine believer in Jesus Christ can lose her salvation. But where do we find assurance of salvation? Knowing that genuine believers … Continue reading A Sure and Steadfast Anchor
Sin whispers, “Is God really good?” Sin suggests, “You can do better than God’s way.” Sin befriends, “God doesn’t have your best interest at heart; I do.” Sin cajoles, “Just this once.” Sin promises, “You’re in control. You’ve got this. Nobody needs to know. You can stop at any time.” Sin deceives. In the Garden, … Continue reading Hold Fast
