Life's Inanities and Ironies

In times of national crisis —be it devastating hurricanes ravaging coastlines, economic turmoil shaking the foundations of society, or pandemics that bring a nation to its knees—we often feel lost, much like the Israelites after the death of their great leader Joshua . The book of Judges opens with a powerful scene: "After the death of Joshua, the Israelites asked the Lord, 'Who of us is to go up first to fight against the Canaanites ?' The Lord answered, ' Judah shall go up; I have given the land into their hands'" (Judges 1:1-2). This moment, rooted in Israel's conquest of the Promised Land , teaches us a timeless truth: when disaster strikes, our first response must be to inquire of the Lord. Imagine our nation facing a catastrophic event, such as the recent floods that have displaced thousands or a financial collapse echoing the warnings in Scripture about trusting in riches rather than God ( 1 Timothy 6:17 ). In such chaos, human efforts—governme...

For many, the struggle with lust and addiction is a deeply personal and isolated battle. It's often waged in silence, hidden in the dark and fueled by shame. The silence in our culture and even within the church can lead us to believe we are alone in our sin—that our struggle is unique or unforgivable. This profound sense of isolation and brokenness often creates a cycle of guilt and despair, where the very shame of the sin prevents us from seeking help or experiencing God's grace. This article is not an act of condemnation, but a pastoral call to freedom. It is an invitation to move from the darkness of secrecy into the light of the Lord. The core message is one of grace and forgiveness, offering the assurance that while sin is a serious matter, you have not committed an unforgivable sin. The ultimate purpose is not to punish but to provide a path to sanctification and a life of purity and freedom. The journey is about transformation, and it is grounded in the truth that God c...