-
Finding Meaning in our Suffering: A Study of Job
• •As I prepare to publish a book about how Scripture comes to life in counseling and caring for souls, I find it necessary and appropriate to include a chapter on suffering. I'm sharing it as a blog here, in hopes that it hits the mark for readers who have either… -
Sitting in the Ashes Revisited
• •Most people, even those who know little of the Bible, have heard of Job, and connect his name to great loss and suffering. He’s the poster child for the apologetic question of why God allows bad things to happen to good people. Many books have been written attempting to give… -
God is the Sorter
• •This blog was first written and published in May of 2021, while I was ensconced in the Gospel of Matthew. It came to my mind the other day from out of nowhere. I always try to pay attention to these things, because it could be a signal from the Holy… -
Ephesians: An Embarrassment of Riches
• •(While reading Ephesians this morning I remembered this impassioned essay I first published at the end of 2020. I offer it again with a few revisions because it still resonates.) About forty years ago, a young musician living in New York City was drawn to the Lord Jesus Christ purely… -
"Immediately" in the Ministry of Jesus
• •Mark the Gospel writer frequently expressed immediacy in his accounts of Jesus and his ministry. In this shortest of the four Gospels, Mark uses the word immediately 12 times, more than any of the other three. His Gospel is one of action, suddenness, and surprisingly fast, dramatic outcomes. This got… -
Curriculum of Christ
• •The Gospels contain all sorts of questions and misguided assumptions from people about Jesus’s identity, his motives, his methods, and his works. His disciples ask questions and wonder what he is up to, as do those seeking his help and healing touch. The religious folks, who oppose him and eventually… -
We Must Stand Firm in Faith
• •I’ve started this year alternating between Isaiah and Judges in my morning study. I’m finding this to be a satisfying plan. It balances the narrative with the prophetic. Combining stories with prophecy gives me new levels of insight about both. God is so good to teach me such things. In… -
Resetting for a New Year
• •I love Mondays. Yes, I really do. I also love a new year for the same reason I love Mondays. It’s a new start. There’s been a period of relative rest and reflection, and then—a reset, a fresh start with a new set of goals and priorities and activities. It’s… -
The Wisdom and Favor of God: Joseph's Story
• •I’ve been reading Genesis, and I’m fascinated with Joseph, yet again. We often cite Joseph as a biblical character who exemplified faithfulness, integrity, and honor despite the grave injustices inflicted upon him. He never lashed out or sought revenge against his many betrayers. Joseph patiently endured great suffering and loss… -
Approach the Throne Boldly
• •Have you ever wondered if you’re bothering God with repeated requests for help? I have, at times. When we ask for God to intervene, and then experience what seems to be a delay in his response, we can become heartsick. We can lose patience, and even listen to the devil’s… -
Let Us Not Weary the Lord with Our Words
•Life is full of tests. Have you noticed that? Whether believers or not, we all encounter tests of integrity, strength, endurance, knowledge, and patience. It’s the way things are under the sun. I am a writer, a singer, a teacher, a counselor—in short, a communicator. My life is an endless… -
The Seal of God
• •Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame. (Song of Solomon 8:6) Occasionally I will buy or be given a product that is…
The Scripture Comes to Life Blog
One of my greatest joys is reading and studying the Bible. While I do so, I believe that God will give me supernatural insight I’ve never seen or heard preached before. He has faithfully done so. I am a teacher at heart, so my study is driven by a desire to teach and share the wonderful truths he reveals.
I’ve written on a wide variety of themes and topics. The blogs are searchable by topic and with keywords.
As you read, I pray that Scripture will come to life for you in many marvelous and helpful ways.