Life's Inanities and Ironies

Have you ever felt like the world around you is spiraling out of control? In those moments, it’s easy to lose sight of God’s promises and His unwavering faithfulness. The Bible, however, is filled with stories that remind us of God’s sovereignty, even in the darkest of times. One such story is found in 2 Chronicles 22:10, where Athaliah, the wicked queen, attempts to destroy the royal line of Judah. Yet, despite her evil plans, God’s purpose prevails. In this post, we’ll explore how this passage teaches us about the dangers of sin, the courage of the faithful, and the unshakable promises of God. Let’s journey together through this powerful story and discover how it can strengthen our faith today.   The Story of Athaliah and God’s Preservation of the Davidic Line To understand the significance of 2 Chronicles 22:10, let’s set the stage. The Books of Chronicles focus on the history of Judah, particularly the Davidic line, and God’s covenant faithfulness. In this chapter, Ahaziah, the...

A Question of Fairness Have you ever wondered why good things happen to bad people? It’s a question that nags at us when life feels unfair. Why does the sun shine on both the kind-hearted and the cruel? Why does the rain water the crops of the righteous and the wicked alike? In Matthew 5:45, Jesus gives us an answer that’s as comforting as it is challenging: “ For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” ( ESV). This simple verse, tucked into the Sermon on the Mount, reveals a stunning truth about God’s love—and it’s a truth that calls us to live in a way that might just turn our instincts upside down. A Radical Teaching To really grasp what Jesus is saying, let’s set the scene. Matthew 5:45 comes from the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), where Jesus lays out what life in God’s kingdom looks like. He’s speaking to a crowd of everyday folks, challenging the religious norms of the day with a vision of faith that’s all about the he...

Today's Scripture: 2 Kings 2:23-25 (KJV) "And he went up from thence unto Bethel: and as he was going up by the way, there came forth little children out of the city, and mocked him, and said unto him, Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head. And he turned back, and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the LORD. And there came forth two she bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two children of them. And he went from thence to mount Carmel, and from thence he returned to Samaria." The Bible is filled with passages that challenge us to dig deeper into God’s truth, even when they seem difficult or unsettling. One such passage is 2 Kings 2:23-25, where the prophet Elisha is mocked by a group of youths, and two bears emerge from the woods to maul 42 of them. At first glance, this story might appear harsh or confusing. Yet, when we explore its context and meaning, it reveals profound lessons about God’s holiness, the seriousness of sin, and the reverence due ...

 In a world where moral decay seems to spread like wildfire, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. We see self-love glorified, truth twisted, and godliness mocked. But as believers, we’re not left without guidance. In 2 Timothy 3:1-5, Paul warns us of these very days, urging us to stand firm in our faith. His words, penned under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, are a lighthouse guiding us through the storm of a world gone astray. As Christians who hold the Bible as God’s unchanging truth, this passage speaks directly to our hearts. It calls us to recognize the signs of the times, guard our souls, and cling to the Word that equips us for every good work. Let’s explore Paul’s warning and uncover its lessons for us today. The Warning of Perilous Times Paul begins with a sobering truth: " This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come " (2 Timothy 3:1, KJV). The “last days” aren’t just a distant future—they’re the period from Christ’s first coming to His second. That...

Have you ever wondered if someone is too far gone to be reached by the Gospel? Maybe it’s a friend lost in sin or a public figure whose life seems irredeemable. The Bible offers a powerful reminder that no one is beyond God’s grace. In Acts 8:9-24, we encounter Simon the Sorcerer—a man steeped in magic and self-glory—yet even he was drawn to the message of Christ. His story showcases the limitless reach of the Gospel while warning us about the dangers of greed and false faith. It’s from Simon’s actions that we get the term "simony," a word that still cautions against corrupting the sacred for personal gain. As Christians who cherish the Bible as God’s inerrant Word, Simon’s account challenges us to trust the Gospel’s power and guard our hearts. Let’s explore this story and uncover its lessons for us today. The Rise of Simon the Sorcerer In Samaria, Simon was a big deal. Known for his sorcery, he dazzled the people with his magic and claimed to be someone great. The Samaritans...

 Have you ever been tempted to take a shortcut for personal gain? Maybe it was something small, like stretching the truth to get ahead, or something bigger, like chasing wealth at the expense of your integrity. We’ve all faced moments where the lure of “more” tugs at our hearts. In 2 Kings 5:20, we meet Gehazi, a man who gave in to that temptation—and paid a heavy price. His story is a powerful warning for us today, especially as fundamentalist Christians who hold the Bible as God’s unchanging truth. Let’s dive into this cautionary tale and uncover the lessons it holds about greed, deception, and the call to live with integrity and trust in God. The Story of GehaziIn  2 Kings 5, we find Naaman, a Syrian commander afflicted with leprosy. Through the prophet Elisha, God heals him, and Naaman is overwhelmed with gratitude. He offers Elisha silver, gold, and clothing as a thank-you gift. But Elisha refuses, declaring, " As surely as the Lord lives, whom I serve, I will not accept ...

  Welcome to our blog, where we explore the timeless truths of Scripture and their application to our lives today. In this post, we’ll delve into 2 Samuel 21:10—a verse that, at first glance, might seem obscure but holds profound lessons for us as believers. It’s the story of Rizpah, a grieving mother whose quiet devotion speaks volumes about faithfulness, the consequences of broken covenants, and trusting in God’s justice even in the midst of suffering. As Christians, we believe in the inerrancy and authority of the Bible. Every passage, no matter how challenging, has something to teach us about God’s character and our calling. So, let’s unpack this story together and see how it can shape our walk with Christ. A Broken Covenant and a Mother’s Grief In 2 Samuel 21, Israel is gripped by a three-year famine. When King David inquires of the Lord, he learns that the famine is a consequence of Saul’s sin—specifically, Saul’s violation of a covenant made with the Gibeonites during Joshua...

  Have you ever felt like your faith is just going through the motions? In a world that often pulls us toward self-reliance and performance-based acceptance, it’s easy to lose sight of what it truly means to live as a Christian. But Galatians 2:20 offers a powerful reminder: true Christianity is not about earning God’s favor—it’s about a transformative relationship with Christ, rooted in His love and sacrifice. As Christians, we hold the Bible as the inerrant and authoritative Word of God. Galatians 2:20 speaks directly to our hearts, calling us to live out our faith with conviction and grace. Let’s explore this verse together and discover how it can shape our lives today. Paul’s Message to the Galatians Before diving into the verse, it’s important to understand its context. The Apostle Paul wrote the letter to the Galatians to address a critical issue: legalism. Some were teaching that Gentile believers needed to follow Jewish laws, like circumcision, to be truly saved. Paul passi...

 Welcome to our blog, where we explore biblical truths and their application to modern Christian life. Today, we’re delving into Judges 3:20-22 to uncover timeless lessons for the church. Have you ever wondered how God brings justice in a world full of oppression? The Bible provides a striking example in Judges 3:20-22, where Ehud, a left-handed Benjamite, assassinates King Eglon of Moab to deliver Israel from 18 years of oppression. This passage, though graphic, holds deep spiritual lessons for us as Christians, emphasizing God’s justice, His use of unlikely heroes, and the transformative power of His Word. The Story of Ehud and Eglon In the Book of Judges, Israel repeatedly falls into a cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. Judges 3:20-22 is a pivotal moment in this cycle. After 18 years of suffering under Moabite rule due to their disobedience, God raises up Ehud to deliver His people. Ehud, described as left-handed, crafts a double-edged dagger and conceals it ...

Playing with a new format today.  Let me know what you think. Welcome to my blog, where we explore biblical truths and their application to modern Christian life. Today, we’re delving into Numbers 16:31-33 to uncover timeless lessons for the church. Have you ever wondered what happens when we challenge God’s authority? The Bible provides a stark example in Numbers 16:31-33, where Korah and his followers faced divine judgment for their rebellion. This passage isn’t just a historical account—it’s a powerful lesson for us today. The Story of Korah's Rebellion In Numbers 16, Korah, a Levite, gathered 250 leaders to challenge the leadership of Moses and Aaron. He argued that all Israelites were holy and questioned why Moses and Aaron exalted themselves above the rest. In response, Moses proposed a test: Korah and his followers would offer incense before God, and God would decide who was truly holy. The next day, as Korah and his followers stood with their censers, God instructed Moses a...

As many of you know, I’m currently on dialysis and awaiting a kidney transplant. This journey requires me to attend dialysis three times a week, alongside a battery of tests that seem to come at me from all directions.  Today was particularly challenging. I traveled to Indianapolis for a specialized evaluation to determine if my bladder, which hasn’t functioned in over two years, can support a new kidney. I’ll spare you the graphic details, but imagine tubes inserted from every angle, fluids being pushed and pulled, and a level of discomfort where 'ouch' feels like a polite understatement. After all was said and done, I left with no clearer answers than when I arrived—the medical team was equally uncertain.  The tests suggest my bladder, long dormant, has shrunk significantly, now holding only a fraction of what it should. Yet, amidst the ordeal, the staff at IU Health were remarkably compassionate. They balanced the necessity of the tests with genuine care for my emotional an...

 “Good morning, friends. Please turn in your Bibles to Habakkuk 2:4.” For most congregations, these words are rarely heard from the pulpit. A quick glance through sermon archives or church websites reveals a predictable pattern: sermons often gravitate toward familiar passages like Romans 8, Psalm 23, or the Sermon on the Mount. Meanwhile, books like Habakkuk, Obadiah, or Philemon remain largely untouched, their pages metaphorically gathering dust in the preaching calendar. When pastors plan their sermon series, they’re far more likely to choose a journey through Philippians than to venture into the minor prophets. Similarly, guest preachers or associate pastors often opt for the safety of John 3:16 over the less-traveled terrain of 2 John or the genealogies of 1 Chronicles. For those who hold to the inerrancy, sufficiency, and authority of Scripture, we affirm the truth of 2 Timothy 3:16-17: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correc...

Today, I want to speak to you about a matter close to the heart of every faithful Christian—how we manage the money God has entrusted to us. The Bible is clear: we are stewards of His resources, and we must use them in a way that brings Him glory. As it is written in 1 Corinthians 4:2 (KJV), "Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful." This stewardship extends beyond how we spend our money—it includes how we invest it. Many of us may not realize that our investments can either honor God or support practices that defy His Word. The world tempts us with countless ways to grow our wealth, but not all of them align with the truth of Scripture. That’s why I want to talk to you today about biblically responsible investing, or BRI—a way to ensure that our financial decisions reflect our faith. What Is Biblically Responsible Investing? Biblically responsible investing is about choosing investments that line up with God’s commands. It means saying "no...

Scripture Reading: James 2:26 – “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead.” Today, we turn to the words of James, who reminds us in verse 2:26 that faith, if it lacks works, is as lifeless as a body without a spirit. This teaching has stirred debate for centuries, even prompting Martin Luther to call the Epistle of James an “epistle of straw” because he felt it seemed to overshadow the centrality of faith in Christ’s salvation. Yet, as we reflect on this passage, let us anchor ourselves in the truth that Christ alone saves, while exploring how works flow from that saving faith. James challenges us with a stark image: a faith that does not produce action is dead. He’s not suggesting we earn our salvation through good deeds—far from it. Salvation is a gift of grace through faith in Jesus Christ, as Paul writes in Ephesians 2:8-9. But James urges us to examine whether our faith is alive, bearing fruit in the way we live. True faith, the kind that trusts i...

Gospel Reading: Mark 12:41-44 Today, we reflect on the beautiful and challenging story of the widow’s mite, a passage that invites us to examine the depth of our generosity and the sincerity of our hearts. In the Gospel of Mark, we see Jesus sitting near the temple treasury, observing people as they offer their contributions. The wealthy come forward, placing large sums of money into the collection, their coins clinking loudly, perhaps drawing attention to their generosity. But then, a poor widow approaches, unnoticed by most, and quietly places two small coins—worth only a fraction of a penny—into the treasury. To the world, her offering seems insignificant, barely worth mentioning. Yet Jesus sees something profound in her act. He calls His disciples and says, “This poor widow has put in more than all the others… For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on. ”What is Jesus teaching us here? This story...