Reflections on the loving kindness of the Triune God
Here’s a question. Do we pursue God or does God pursue us? Are we the seekers while God is coy and hard to get? Or is he persistently tugging, calling, and wooing us while we stubbornly deflect his efforts to win our hearts? The Bible emphatically supports the latter answer and dismisses the former—John 3:16-19, …
Read More Two AnswersThe “Fresher’s Fair” is offered by every British university as part of a new academic year. Recruitment displays and tables filled the room—a large meeting hall—as new students were being recruited. If, for instance, an arriving freshman is interested in joining the university crew he would be drawn to the proper spot by a pair …
Read More Faith in FocusAfter dinner our conversation turned to the social and moral changes we’ve seen over the years. We were all baby boomers—children of WWII era parents—so the memories of life as Christians in the 1950’s and 60’s were easy to recall. It’s a scene often repeated among aging adults throughout human history. Even in Moses’ day …
Read More A Dinner ConversationA note from Ron: My “Iron on Iron” post (July 22) touched just one aspect of a need today for strong spiritual and social coaching as boys grow into manhood. Broken homes create a special need on that score. Gretchen George, whose earlier guest entry here (January 25, 2010) is a must-read, returns to offer …
Read More A Father to the FatherlessThis entry repeats a Cor Deo post. Please offer any responses on that site. Go to Cor Deo by clicking here Here’s a question. Why do some people ask lots of questions while others aren’t especially curious? Are questions important? And what should we make of assertive people who love to express any and every …
Read More Questioning ThoughtsThe early church father, Augustine (354-430), mentioned an adolescent prank in a book he called his Confessions. It was a window on the problem of evil that still invites reflection. In a nutshell he and some of his adolescent companions were hanging out one night. On a whim they stole pears from a local fruit …
Read More Experiencing GodWhat is it to know God? The Bible invites us to seek after him but it also warns against fruitless knowledge. Let me offer a brief survey of options and then an application. Knowing specialists. Common sense tells us to collect and organize information about God. Gaining and ordering knowledge is essential in any field …
Read More Knowing GodThis entry repeats my Cor Deo posting. Please post any responses on that site (click here) “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” This lively analogy of iron and men in Proverbs 27:17 always catches my attention. I recall that some men—Art, Sam, Ed, John, among a few others—were iron-like figures to me. Strong …
Read More Iron on IronDo you ever look forward to the weekend for some enjoyment after a busy week? Or aim to enjoy a good show and a special desert on a workday evening? All of us welcome our sweeter moments in life, especially if our lives are a bit mundane. We long for more. Americans have even enshrined …
Read More EnjoymentThis entry is taken from the Cor Deo site. Please offer any comments on that site by clicking here Two men—both living in the same country at the same time—asked God for help. God remained silent for the one and answered the other. He let the first man die while he elevated the other to …
Read More God’s Initiative