This morning I was awakened by a dream in which I had made a u-turn in the middle of a two-lane road as I was driving. The driver immediately in front of me had made the same turn with no repercussions. There was a bus, not a police car, behind me. As soon as I made the turn, I stopped, as did the bus. The driver of the bus “arrested” me as if he were an officer of the law. I “explained” that I was from another state and that I saw the car in front of me do it. But inside I knew I was guilty, knew it even before I made the turn. It was at this time I woke up.
Asleep in the Storm
Matthew 8:23 And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. 24 And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. 25 And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. 26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. 27 But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!
A Sound Mind
May 20, 2017
Paul tells us that
2Timothy 1:7 . . . God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
We therefore know that if our minds are not “sound,” it is not God’s will. There is also the implication that fear could be at the root of any lack of power, love or soundness of mind that we might experience.
Parables as a Teaching Tool
Using the word “parable” in its broadest sense (to include word pictures, personifications, similes, metaphors and allegories), it is probably the most common and effective means of both spoken and written communication available. It is the primary tool employed by Jesus when teaching. Actually, there is scarcely any account of anything in Scripture where the parable isn’t used—from the Garden of Eden in Genesis to the New Jerusalem in Revelation. And yet orthodox Christianity prides itself on sticking to a literal reading of Scripture whenever possible. Of course there are countless instances where it isn’t possible for even the most literal-minded person to read it thusly.
Take No Care
A couple nights ago I was having difficulty sleeping. I found that my mind was occupied with thoughts about some things that were quite serious, such as family relationships, and other things quite trivial (what to cook; what to buy at the grocery; what to wear, etc.). I attempted to get quiet inside and listen, but wasn’t very successful. I was finally able to doze off for a few minutes and, upon awakening, was able to hear.
“Rapture” or “Second Coming” (Part 1)
There are countless (and I do mean “countless”) books, pamphlets, papers, sermons and lectures available on the subject of “end times.” They are all about chronological countdowns, tribulations, resurrections and judgments. Some make a distinction between the “rapture” and the “second coming”; some do not. Many congregations and denominations have been formed, fractured or destroyed because of disagreements concerning these matters. Anyone wanting to make an exhaustive study of this subject will quickly find himself agreeing with Solomon:
What Is Prayer?
This weekend we visited some dear Christian friends and attended church with them. Of course we had many discussions about spiritual matters since our spiritual journeys are what is most important to all of us. The subject of prayer kept recurring, both in our private discussions and during the church service when prayer requests were taken and prayed for. The implication of most of the statements made were that the more often we pray, the more people who are praying and the more serious we are about praying (e. g. fasting and intensity) is what determines whether or not our prayers are answered.