Reflections on the loving kindness of the Triune God
In Hebrews 12:6 we find a citation of Proverbs 3:11,12: “For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” The author then elaborates the point (verses 10-11), “For they [earthly fathers] disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our …
Read More Love and DisciplineGod, speaking through Jeremiah, bared his heart to his people: “What wrong did your fathers find in me that they went far from me” (Jeremiah 2:5). When I read this I quickly asked a counter-question, “God, does our widespread human distaste for you really matter? Aren’t you so transcendent, so exalted in your glory, and …
Read More Worth and WorthlessnessWho is the Spirit? What should we expect of him and how do we respond to him? It’s an important question, especially given what Jesus had to say. And what Paul said as well. It’s a question so important that our lives depend on getting it right. The full edition of this post was published …
Read More Thinking SpirituallyThe king leaned forward, angry. “He deserves to die.” The prophet responded, fixing the king eye-to-eye: “And you are the man.” Many readers will immediately recognize this element as the dramatic peak of Nathan’s confrontation of King David after the king murdered Uriah, the husband of Bathsheba. I start with it—a story of adultery, murder, …
Read More The Power of a Good Story“The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answers of the tongue is from the LORD” (Proverbs 16:1). Here the author offers us God’s perspective as a basis for our own point of view. That is, of course, a key insight for faith as we enter a new year. Let me carry it …
Read More Making New Year Plans