I think all followers of Jesus should be "kind," don't you? There's a seldom-talked-about and even more seldom practiced Christian quality that's captured in a somewhat frequently used term in the New Testament – "Epieikes." Pronounce it any way you want to – I do. Since, in all likelihood you are already as kind as …
The Day I Got My “Whatever” Back (part two)
I’M SUPPOSED TO DO WHATEVER… These passages seem pretty clear about God’s “whatever” approach… Jeremiah 1:7 But the LORD said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you.” “Whatever” he commands is what he expects, and to my excuses …
Continue reading "The Day I Got My “Whatever” Back (part two)"
The Day I Got My “Whatever” Back (part one)
Have you ever had a teenager (or an adult acting like one) say to you with a sort of sneer, “Whatever!”? In case you didn’t already know, this is not really an expression of respect. It’s right up there with, “Yeah, well…” or “And I’m supposed to care?” I banned the word from use in …
Continue reading "The Day I Got My “Whatever” Back (part one)"
Making Adjustments (part four)
Does it seem to you that some Christians expect God, like a personal assistant, to keep everything on schedule and on an even keel? They might not express it that way, but their rush to hold him in contempt when Plan A is upset, delayed, or becomes altogether defunct, is pretty telling. To be disappointed …
The Black in “Black Friday”
I don’t usually talk much about stuff like this, but I couldn’t help myself. Is anyone else nauseated by the concept of “Black Friday”? Is it really my responsibility to put all my favorite retailers and our country’s economy “in the black” by buying a bunch of paraphernalia that neither my friends nor I need? …
