A common reaction when we are deeply afflicted and frustrated is to ask God the “Why?” question. “Why me?” “Why this?” “Why now?” I would admit that it is a question that I have been tempted to ask God in dealing with my battle with thyroid cancer. But a study of the scriptures reveals it is a question that God typically chooses not to answer.
Moving beyond the Why? question Read More »
The inspector waited determinedly as he rang the door bell a third time. He knew someone was home because he could hear the faint sound of one of those noxious courtroom shows on a TV. While standing there it crossed his mind that he should just sit down in one of the white wicker chairs arranged so invitingly on the porch and simply wait the guy out. The home, like all the homes in this newer pastel painted neighborhood, with its neatly manicured landscaping and freshly mown lawn indicated its owner was attentive to all the necessary upkeep.
Suddenly the door opened. The man standing there looked like an everyman, no unusual features. The inspector got right down to business. He introduced himself, flashed his ID and asked “Are you Mr. Talent, Mr. One Talent?” The man nodded his head reluctantly “Yes . . .what do you want?”
The Inspector meets Mr. Talent Read More »
While fear and panic are often a first response to dire circumstances, Jesus’ simple question, “Where is your faith?” has the power to restore a faith-filled perspective.
Jesus asked this question in the context of what His disciples perceived as a life threatening situation. Faith is always tested most severely when the stakes are the highest.
Where is your faith? Read More »
First thanks to all of you for your prayers, words of encouragement and support. The surgery to remove my thyroid a week ago today went very well! Jesus, the Great Physician, was faithful in guiding the hands of the two surgeons and everything went as planned with no complications. I ended up being hospitalized two nights and was released last Wednesday afternoon.
Post surgery update Read More »
I love this little poem written by Emily Dickinson more than 150 years ago. It conveys in such an unassuming way a deep spiritual truth. The Apostle Paul writes “There is no respect of persons with God.” (Romans 2:11) He is quoting here an Old Testament passage out of Deuteronomy 10:17 that says “God does not show partiality or take a bribe.” This is a very freeing truth. The basis of our relationship with God is not measured by accomplishment – by making ourselves or proving ourselves to be somebody.
The joy in being a nobody Read More »
