The story doesn’t always turn out how we expect, especially when God is involved. The Old Testament is filled with stories that end with, “Well, I didn’t see that one coming.” I’m on a quest to find these stories. Honestly, the plot twist is utterly ridiculous. Stories aren’t supposed to end like that, especially in the violent world of the Old Testament! But God’s mercy shows up. Here are a couple of them that have stood out to me recently.
The Deceiver is an appropriate name for Satan. He’s good at spinning lies – big whoppers, little while lies, whatever. He offers them to us so cleverly wrapped up in bits of truth, like those bacon-wrapped little smokies coated in brown sugar they serve for special occasions at work.
But we are not unaware of his schemes.
Is Fasting Fun?
Short answer is: No. Sorry guys. It’s not. Some may consider fasting the opposite of fun because it involves giving up stuff. Fasting is a spiritual discipline. DISCIPLINE.
Have you ever turned on a faucet that hasn’t been on and working for a long time? When the water pressure in the pipes builds up enough to push through that faucet, stuff will start spewing out. Stuff – not clean water. Trust me: you don’t want to drink that yet! So what do you do?
We have come up against a culture that teaches you can have it all: you can go to church and feel good about yourself, listen to any music you want, hang out with anyone you want, put whatever you want in your body, and no one can tell you not to. You’ll be ok!
“Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them He said: ‘If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. Suppose… Continue reading A Sneaky Idolatry
One of the greatest joys in life is rediscovering something you didn’t know you had. I’ve done this many times since childhood, and I think it’s the reason that I got hooked on cleaning & organizing. Rummaging through boxes of old stuff is a treasure hunt. You may find things to give away and bless… Continue reading Clutter
