Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances… 1 Thessalonians 5.16-18 I’ve been waiting for a block of time to sit down and write. Perhaps that block of time won’t come this week. I may have to rely on moments. I really want to write a praise, maybe even something in an ancient poetic genre. However, with the lack of time, my higher levels of creativity are not really in effect. I have been on vacation with my... Read more
Time is probably my most precious commodity. I think I have my mind wrapped around the concept of lifespan, and so does the Psalmist. My times are in your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors. Psalm 31.15 “My times are in your hand…” My son is visiting me right now for a set time. I’m enjoying every moment. However, the clock is ticking. As a Father I understand the swiftness of time and know the... Read more
Intuitively we are thinking things. Not only are we thinking things, we are right beings. What I mean is we want to be right, to live right. Right or wrong, we all have our definitions of right and wrong. Of course we all want to live in the right, even if we have to justify our version of right, even if our version of right is simply a lighter shade of a dark wrong. We know right and wrong quite... Read more
What are some differences between Eastern and Western Theology? In all my years of ministry since 1993 I’ve never heard this question from a parishioner who has come to the altar for prayer. Would you explain to me some of the differences in the way we think about Theology between the Eastern and the Western churches? I have however heard this question more than once in seminary settings. How is it that Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic are both within... Read more
Times of uncertainty surely come. I just faced a time recently. It turns out my fears of the uncertainty were alleviated completely. However, in my alone time leading up to it, I must admit I faced some angst. Thankfully, when we approach a moment appointed by God, in humility and the fear of the Lord, He shows up like the cloud of His Presence at the Temple (1 Kings 8). He certainly overwhelmed me with His graciousness. Texts Through Uncertainty... Read more
…it keeps no record of wrongs. 1 Corinthians 13.5, NIV My first line of commentators for years now have been the Early Church Fathers (EC). However, with the sources at my fingertips, the EC is silent on this particular phrase. If the EC points me in a direction, I usually let it guide my hermeneutics. However, since the EC is silent, I will tentatively proceed with hermeneutics. What is “it”? Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy,... Read more
We often think of women at the crucifixion, and at the empty tomb. However, women traveled with Jesus and the Disciples throughout His ministry. Soon afterward Jesus began a tour of the nearby towns and villages, preaching and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom of God. He took his twelve disciples with him, along with some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases. Among them were Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons;... Read more
The theme is waiting. Absalom did this with everyone who came to the king for judgment, and so he stole the hearts of all the people of Israel. 2 Samuel 15.6 How long does King David have to wait from these moments until the kingdom of Israel is restored to him? Our lives are in his hands, and he keeps our feet from stumbling. Psalm 66.9 We wait for what seems like an endless minute, but our lives and times... Read more
The doctrine of subsequence more than likely comes to us from the Wesleyan tradition. It is a little difficult to track because the Wesley brothers, although they could have, did not operate as Theologians. John Wesley traveled the English countryside preaching sermons. Charles Wesley, his brother, is known for penning some of the most beautiful hymns of his era. defining subsequence So to track the doctrine of subsequence to the Wesley brothers is difficult to do, although they both firmly... Read more
10:15 PM really isn’t that late, is it? After all, people stay up much later on a Saturday night. Not too long ago my family used to have pizza and a couple movies on Friday night, stay up late. So what is worth reading at this time of night? First, maybe I should ask what is worth listening to? Rejoice. An original song by Victory That’s what I’ve been doing all day for the last couple days. I’ve had my... Read more
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