“Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy” (Proverbs 27:6 ESV). I’ve written recently about the value of community. In community we find and give comfort; we strengthen the faith of others and are strengthened by theirs. In community we encourage and are ourselves encouraged. But, while community is... Continue Reading →
Sheep In Wolves’ Clothing?
"Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves" (Matthew 10:16 ESV). "I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world" (John 17:14 ESV).... Continue Reading →
What Defiles a Person
“'There is nothing outside a person that by going into him can defile him, but the things that come out of a person are what defile him.' And he said, 'What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft,... Continue Reading →
“Normal” vs. Normative
"Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ" (1 Corinthians 11:1 ESV). I'm hesitant to publish this post, as some people might be offended. I've tried to make it clear that the opinions stated are my opinions; they are how I feel that I need to judge myself. As they say, your mileage may... Continue Reading →
Excuses
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9 ESV). George was my best friend when I was little. We were inseparable. But although we did almost everything together, George had a naughty streak. Somehow he never got caught. No matter... Continue Reading →
Outsiders
“Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person” (Colossians 4:5-6 ESV). As Christians it is not uncommon that we find ourselves spending our time with other Christians. This is one... Continue Reading →
Hidden Things
"For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light" (Luke 8:17 ESV). Perhaps you can remember when, as a child, you were amazed that your parents always seemed to know when you had done something wrong despite your best attempts at... Continue Reading →
Plausible Deniability?
We've all likely heard the term "plausible deniability." It is used most often in a legal setting, and it basically means that there is insufficient evidence to prove that someone did something wrong or illegal, or knew about such things but didn't act to prevent them. Today I'd like to look at this term in... Continue Reading →
No Condemnation
"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death." -- Romans 8:1-2 ESV Having grown up with chaplains, or pastors, as the son of a career soldier I was... Continue Reading →
Simplify
"Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction." --Proverbs 29:18, NIV I'm too busy. Well, at least that's what I keep telling myself. If I'm being honest, I probably have a lot more available time than I might let on. I find myself scrambling... Continue Reading →
Skipping Stones 