Life's Inanities and Ironies

 Hey there, fellow seekers of faith! In a world where "grace" is often thrown around like a get-out-of-jail-free card, it's easy to skim over one of the Bible's most straightforward teachings: obedience. I recently came across a powerful homily that hit me right between the eyes on this topic, and I felt compelled to turn it into a blog post. Titled Obedience: Often Ignored and Seldom Preached or Taught, it reminds us that true love for Jesus isn't just about warm feelings—it's about action. As Jesus Himself said in John 14:15, "If you love me, keep my commandments." Let's dive in and let God's Word do the talking. The Misunderstood Side of Grace We've all heard it: "We're saved by grace, not by works!" And that's absolutely true—Ephesians 2:8-9 makes that crystal clear. But somewhere along the way, many Christians (myself included at times) have twisted grace into something loose and permissive. It's like treating ...

 " The jar of flour was not spent, neither did the jug of oil become empty, according to the word of the LORD that he spoke by Elijah ." – 1 Kings 17:16 (ESV) In a world that often feels uncertain and filled with scarcity, the story of the Widow of Zarephath stands as a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness, provision, and care for His people. Found in 1 Kings 17:8-16, this account is more than just a historical event—it is a timeless lesson on faith, obedience, and the sovereignty of God. For those of us who hold to the literal truth of Scripture, this story speaks directly to our hearts, challenging us to trust God even when circumstances seem impossible. A Test of Faith in Desperate Times During a severe drought in Israel—a judgment from God for the nation’s idolatry under King Ahab and Queen Jezebel—the prophet Elijah was sent by God to Zarephath, a town outside Israel. There, at the town gate, he met a widow who was gathering sticks to prepare a final meal for herself ...