Then I applied myself to the understanding of wisdom, and also of madness and folly, but I learned that this, too, is a chasing after the wind.
I don't usually delve into discussions of apostasy or church authority. My own personal feeling is to pursue unity where possible — Paul puts it well in Ephesians 4:3: "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." But I recently read an article on Catholic Share by Godwin … Continue reading A Response to “The Protestant Reformation Was a Total Failure. Period.”
This morning I was studying John 11, the raising of Lazarus. I knew the story, but I can't say I ever attended a bible study on it, and I've certainly never studied or taught what "I AM The Resurrection and the Life" meant. I say frequently that the only reason I teach is because when … Continue reading When God Teaches Me
I was blessed by Ross King's honesty about his faith through difficult times. I skipped over the two worship songs and pick up about 10 minutes in to get to his personal story about his pain and challenges to his faith. https://youtu.be/SLaBj5zv1DA?si=IywhkehHLnWHJ-_o&t=634
I. Introduction The air is filled with the warm aromas of a hearty feast, families gather around tables laden with dishes like roast turkey, sweet potatoes, and green bean casserole. Expressions of gratitude echo through the air during this festive season, as traditions like cranberry sauce and dressing bring family and friends together. Beyond … Continue reading Giving Thanks at Thanksgiving
I just returned from a trip to Israel, and I'm waiting right now for that next-day 3:00pm jet lag feeling to hit. Just a few more minutes, I think. I took 1300 pictures; I plan on posting a few of them in the next couple of weeks with my thoughts. But before I do that, … Continue reading Compass Trip to Israel
Last year I traveled more than usual. I mean, I traveled a lot. I paid Italian income taxes, and the Customs agents at Schipol Airport know me by name. And when I started traveling, I stepped down from teaching bible study at my church. They have this weird rule that if you're not there, you're … Continue reading Dreams
It's a rainy Monday, Labor Day afternoon. I'm reading, surfing, playing, working, whatever I feel like. If only every day could be like this - spend a couple of hours working, then when you feel like it, see what's going on in the Texans kicking team, checking movie schedules, writing a snooty email to a … Continue reading God Satisfies
The town of Dundee has decided to celebrate Christmas, but is removing any reference to Christmas or Christianity. Christmas lights are now Winter Night Lights. Then there's this - And, instead of the traditional nativity story, the festival will feature a solar-powered disco, a continental market, a circus and a fairy on stilts. Oh good. … Continue reading Town Celebrates Christmas Without Any Christianity
Image by Getty Images via DaylifeMy wife showed me an article this week; I *think* it was from the Museum of Natural History, but I can't be sure. The article was mostly well-written and talked about how by a very early age, 6 months, humans begin rational thinking. Babies know that hidden objects haven't disappeared … Continue reading Conviction versus Tolerance
How would you introduce Christ to a room full of people?
I hear a bad joke this weekend. Put your wife and your dog in the trunk of your car. Drive around town for a couple of hours. Now, stop and open the trunk. Which one do you think is happy to see you? I'd credit that joke to the appropriate sourse; I think it was … Continue reading In the Trunk
The best way to give wings to the Christmas Spirit is to give gifts to people who need them. My wife and I exchanged few gifts this year, opting instead to give to charities instead. Instead of giving somebody a trinket they didn't need, we'd ask them what their favorite charity was. Then we'd give … Continue reading How to Gain the Christmas Spirit
The message of Christmas is simple: God loved us, so He sent His son to us. We're celebrating His birthday. Ways to celebrate this gift to us are many, and bring peace and joy to us, knowing that God loves us. We can spend time with those we love. We can spend time with those … Continue reading How to Kill the Christmas Spirit
God bless Joellen Murphy for her ministry. Joellen Murphy is putting together a campaign to counter atheist messages at Christmastime. Atheists in the nation's capitol have been campaigning to get Americans to doubt God's existence this Christmas, but one Christian woman is standing up against their efforts. Joellen Murphy had been praying for a chance … Continue reading I Believe Too
Genesis 1:1. In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. And God saw that it was good. And sometimes, He smiles. 🙂
The "separation of church and state," such as it is, should keep the government from imposing a religion upon the people of this country. But regulations that squelch the speech of pastors? Can the US Government tell pastors what they can and cannot talk about? There is no law that I'm aware of that restricts … Continue reading US Government Restricts Free Speech and Expression of Religion
I must be a target, then. U.S. presidential rivals Barack Obama and John McCain target religious voters on Saturday when as guests of one of America's foremost evangelists they discuss faith in public life, AIDS, the environment and other issues. Neither of the candidates appeal to me from a spiritual conviction. McCain can be downright … Continue reading Targeting Religious Voters
Studying for tomorrow's lesson, I stumbled across a quote by Nicole Johnson. No I'm not going to share the quote now, come back tomorrow. 🙂 Anyway, I found this little video clip that was fabulous, so I thought I'd share.
Go get'em, James Dobson. Obama had some very liberal interpretations of what the bible says, and simultaneously tried to minimize Christian influence in politics *and* say that all religious discussions are welcome. James is firing back against what he called a "fruitcake interpetation of the bible." I love that phrase. News sources come from here … Continue reading Fruitcake Interpretation of the Bible
Don't let your worries get the best of you; remember, Moses started out as a basket case. *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+* Some people are kind, polite, and sweet-spirited until you try to sit in their pews. *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+* Many folks want to serve God, but only as advisors. *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+* It is easier to preach ten sermons than it is … Continue reading Christian One Liners
Our church offers free coffee during bible study, and if you park off-campus and take the shuttle buss, they offer doughnuts, too. Now there's a church that goes one step further and has converted into a coffeehouse. DENVER — Connection Metro Church, which used its foyer coffee bars to attract visitors to its eight satellite … Continue reading Double Espresso, Hold the Sermon
It's as good a title as any. Some time ago, I wrote a book review on The Grand Weaver by Ravi Zacharias. A book I enjoyed immensely, about how we can only see the individual threads in God's grand tapestry, but our thread is important. It was all about following God's will for us. I … Continue reading Thus Spake His Navel
Muse. I need a good muse. I spent so much traveling time at the end of last year, I just couldn't really take the time to post anything. On the road it's hard enough since internet access and free time is limited. When I got back, I sort of decompressed and didn't write anything. Just … Continue reading Muse
Our church hosts Nick Vujicic this weekend, an absolutely amazing, joyous man who was born without limbs. There is a joy in surrendering your life to Christ, and Nick exhibits it with an enthusiastic smile that you can't help bu catch from him because his smile is so contagious. So much so, in fact, that … Continue reading Life Without Limbs
"What really matters is the celebration of the birth of Christ and being with our family and our friends." - Mike Huckabee
I first saw the news yesterday that governor of Georgia was going to lead a prayer for rain. I only briefly glanced over it; if I thought of it at all, it was to remark to myself that it's probably only a photo op to appease his votors, or if he's sincere, a passing wonder … Continue reading Praying for Rain
Jesus and Money Recently in a comment, I was challenged regarding posting my stock selections; the concern from Chris was that such financial considerations were incongruous with the teachings of Jesus. Chris Says: September 18th, 2007 at 11:03 am I find it somewhat ironic and mildly amusing that your blog contains articles of spirituality along … Continue reading Jesus and Money
Amy chronicled her battle with leukemia, and showed how to fight the battle with a warm, loving, patient, Christian heart. We will all go to be with our Lord someday; Amy's day was yesterday. You can read her entire battle from Amy's first post I wholly believe my journey through leukemia began from the foundations … Continue reading Living With Leukemia
* Nod to Another Day Closer for the link. ** The "embedding" code doesn't appear to be working. If there's a box with a little "x" in it above, try this link: Am I a Christian?
Through the Motley Fool, I read a few forums; a participant recently posted a review that included a discussion of Christian faith, postmodernism, Captain Kirk and Captain Picard. It's a terrific book review and offers some insight into those that dwell in a postmodern world. Those of us with faith in Jesus may find insight … Continue reading Evangelism, Postmodernism, and Star Trek
Michael Vick, the Atlanta Falcons quarterback, has been all over the news recently. Indicted for dog-fighting, his friends turning witness against him, loss of his quarterback position and the millions of dollars in signing bonuses and advertising deals, Michael Vick has certainly learned a hard and probably one-way lesson. And given the atrocious stories about … Continue reading Michael Vick: Where is Jesus?
The Duck & the Devil There was a little boy visiting his grandparents on their farm. He was given a slingshot to play with out in the woods. He practiced in the woods; but he could never hit the target. Getting a little discouraged, he headed back for dinner. As he was walking back he … Continue reading The Duck & The Devil
Just because I like it. Found it via Sand in the Gears. It's "Come Thou Fount" of every blessing by Sufjan Stevens.
Via Michelle Malkin via Weasel Zippers (no, really, that's the name of their website) (and links from National Catholic Reporter and Asia Times, there are 111 million Chinese Christians, and every day there are 10,000 more. By 2050, China will be the third largest Christian nation behine the United States and Brazil. Ten thousand Chinese … Continue reading 10,000 Christians a Day
It's good to see somebody putting their money and their life where their faith is. I learned something about Dominos Pizza today: The founder, Tom Monaghan, is a faithful Catholic. He's used his fortune to found the town of Ave Maria, Florida. What makes Ave Maria so special is that it's designed for Christians. Tom's … Continue reading Ave Maria
Taliban fundamentalists kill an unarmed Korean Christian. Please pray for the other 22 Christians still held captive, 18 of whom are women. Reuters identifies them as "church volunteers" killed by "Taliban." Michelle Malking correctly identifies them by their religion. Westerners like to obscure the religion because it's uncomfortable, but the radlical Islamists have no qualms … Continue reading Muslims Kill Korean Christian
The Church Report has released America's 50 Most Influential Churches survey. Hey, my church, Second Baptist, is #24. Interesting that Ed Young's son's church made #3. And I listen to MP3 sermons from McLean Bible Church which comes in at #49. Saddleback Church is the second most influential; I'll vouch for that. Between his "Purpose … Continue reading America's 50 Most Influential Churches
Paris Hilton finds God. Or so she claims. I first saw this story popping up over a week ago when Paris Hilton made a show of carrying a bible. That doesn't impress me. All that shows me is that she can carry a 1.5 lbs book. But now she's openly confessing her faith. My attennae … Continue reading Paris Hilton Finds God
Chris Byrd, IBF Heavyweight Boxing Champion, was at our church this weekend and briefly shared his firm belief in Jesus Christ with us. He was funny, too. "First, I beat them up, then I pray with them." I admire a man who is in the public spotlight that openly proclaims his faith and thought I'd … Continue reading Chris Byrd
Disclaimer: I am not God. Any judgemental statements are purely a result of my own hypocritical sinful nature. I know not who goes to heaven save me for the grace of God. That said, I'm looking for some sort of explanation. Why do... um... (heathens? Lite-Christians? Words fail.) wear a cross around their neck? Is … Continue reading Sign of the Cross
It's free, one of my favorite numbers. You can get the ESV bible to load on your iPod for free at Podbible.org. Put some God in your Pod. If you'd like an audio version for your iPod instead, you can get that at Podbible.com.
If you're interested in additional thoughts on the "Once Saved, Always Saved" discussion, there's a similar discussion going on at the Bible Archive called Can I Be Saved And Become Unsaved?
Two years ago I wrote... wait a sec. Two years ago? Was it really that long ago? Gadzooks. Time is going faster, I think. Let me start over. Two year ago I wrote about the Gender Accurate Bible, and generally dismissed criticisms of the TNIV. It doesn't say anything about a female god or any … Continue reading Gender Accurate Bible II
Barrack Hussein Obama describes himself as a Christian and the New York Times is almost besides itself with glee. Notice the picture and how holy Obama appears. I like Christians, I really do. I happen to be one. But those people that routinely exhibit their Christian faith are routinely trashed by the New York Times. … Continue reading Barack Hussein Obama: Self-Described Christian
I don't see how this passes for news. A Houston Chronicle reporter doesn't like bible studies going on in the courthouse. Just before 12:30 p.m. almost every Tuesday, Judge James Squier leaves his 312th Court and heads upstairs to the seventh floor of the Harris County Family Law Center. There, in an associate judge's chamber, … Continue reading Book of Judges
What exactly is morality? And who gets to define it? For me, I know the answer; morals come from the Most High God and are written in the Good Book. I have no qualms about labeling something society does as immoral. Just because "everybody does it" doesn't mean it's right. The Vatican spoke out yesterday … Continue reading Labeling the Immoral as Immoral
On the first day, God created the dog and said: "Sit all day by the door of your house and bark at anyone who comes in or walks past. For this, I will give you a life span of twenty years." The dog said: "That's a long time to be barking. How about only ten … Continue reading Creation
I mentioned earlier that the secular marketing campaign before every Easter tries to derail the faith in the resurrection of Jesus. This year, it was a blockbuster-style "documentary" that the remains of Jesus had been found in a tomb. Pay no attention to all those archaeologists that debunked this claim years ago, this time it's … Continue reading The Tomb That Isn't
Ah. A lightbulb goes off. I read several posts this Easter weekend about the dangers of forming a theocracy. The Houston Chronicle linked to one at Feet to the Fire: The banwitdth devoted to the dangers of Church to State is enormous. Being righteous lefties that analysis comes easy to us. As a lefty who … Continue reading Blog Against Theophobes
What's my gripe with public education? Besides the fact they seem to be devolving into a giant secular babysitting service, it's public money - my money - being used to teach young people values that oppose my values. I don't mind being opposed, really. I *do* mind being taxed to fund my opposition. The latest … Continue reading Christian Terrorists and Public Education
I received this via email, original author unknown, but it's a powerful prayer: Heavenly Father, Help us remember that the jerk who cut us off in traffic last night is a single mother who worked nine hours that day and is rushing home to cook dinner, help with homework, do the laundry and spend a … Continue reading Prayer for Patience
The 166th Christian Carnival is up at Wittenberg Gate.
This week's best Christian blogging is up at Everyday Liturgy.
This week's Christian Carnival is up, and it's being hosted this week... here, at Chasing the Wind! I've decided to categorize the entries this week into posts about Jesus, posts about our relationships, and posts about us. Jesus tells us we are to love him and love our neighbor as ourselves, and that reminds me … Continue reading Christian Carnival CLXIII
It's amazing. When I talk to people that don't know Christ, some of them don't even believe He lived. Or they except tripe like Da Vinci Code as truth of a coverup. But let some big shot director shoot a movie about 27 year news, they immediately believe that. Why are the falsehoods so easy … Continue reading Why So Quick to Believe?
"Too preachy?" That's a new one to me. Hollywood is taking out all the factual, religious elements of the movie Amazing Grace and replacing them with secular, humanistic socio-political motives. From the Wall Stree Journal (subscription required): Hollywood's 'Amazing' Glaze By CHARLOTTE ALLEN Wall Street Journal, February 23, 2007; Page W11 ...Alas, a lot of … Continue reading "Amazing Grace," Hollywood Style
Christian Carnival CLXII is up at Brain Cramps for God. This is a great carnival -- come and enjoy.
The Evangelical Ecologist hosts this week's Christian Carnival CLXI, this week's best Christian postings. Hey, Chasing the Wind is on there this week. I'll post hosting the carnival here on February 28th; I'm starting to get a little apprehensive because it looks like a lot of work. Eeep!
Good friends that work for Campus Crusade for Christ have put up a new website I'd like to recommend. While the intended audience for their site are the students of Stephen F. Austin University, there are good basic fundamental questions and answers there. Visit Everylumberjack.com and look around. I've also added a link to their … Continue reading Everylumberjack.com
Do we know which Old Testament Laws apply to Christians? It's a good question. We know the legalistic rules no longer apply - I was just reading 1 Corinthians 7:17-20 today while studying how we are to bloom where we are planted, and Paul is clear that "Keeping God's commands is what counts" but he … Continue reading Old Testament Laws
God spoke the universe into existence. Everything is made for His glory, including us. Something interesting a Christian friend shared with me this week. At the far edges of the universe, about as far as we can see, is the Whirlpool Galaxy (M51). It's 23 million light years away. Here's a photo from the Hubble … Continue reading God is in the Big Things, God is in the Small Things
Christian Carnival CLX is up and rarin' to go at Crossroads - Where Faith and Inquiry Meet.
Christian Carnival #152 is now up at thoughtsofagyrovague.com . No really. That's the name of the website.
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things … Continue reading Daily Manna – 2 Corinthians 9:6-9
But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ's triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an … Continue reading Daily Manna – 2 Corinthians 2:14-17
The latest Christian Carnival is up at Parableman. Always a source of refreshing Christian posts, and I like this group so much I've volunteered to host it here at Chasing the Wind on February 28th.
Whatever happens, as citizens of heaven live in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together with one accord for the faith of the gospel without being … Continue reading Daily Manna – Philippians 1:27-29
Beliefnet has setup a "Holiday Culture Wars Blog" that makes for some interesting reading. From a Christian perspective, they've highlighted television shows with sexually-explicit lyrics set to Christmas music, obscene art that is "rife with Christmas-themed debauchery," and how Christmas has become so secularized to the point where atheists "unhesitatingly wish everyone a Merry Christmas." … Continue reading Holiday Culture Wars
A manger scene without baby Jesus? ST. ALBANS, W.Va. - Christ is missing from Christmas in this small town. The community's holiday display has a manger with shepherds, a guiding star, camels and a palm tree, but no baby Jesus, Mary or Joseph. The parks superintendent said Jesus was left out because of concerns about … Continue reading Christ is Missing
"No matter what, you can overcome your past," he said. "With help, if you look to God, you can overcome your past and be reborn." I learn something new every day. Did you know Sylvester Stallone is a born-again Christian?
I'm boycotting "Winter Holiday" again. If you want to celebrate some sort of pagan winter thingy, you just go right ahead. But if a retailer can't acknowledge that I'm celebrating Christmas, then I'm not going to shop there. I did this last year, too. Some changes from last year, though - Wal-Mart firmly has the … Continue reading Boycotting "Winter Holiday" Again
I can't say I'm surprised. A new study shows that conservatives give more than liberals in every way possible - more money, more time, more giving blood, etc. In the book, he [Arthur C. Brooks] cites extensive data analysis to demonstrate that values advocated by conservatives -- from church attendance and two-parent families to the … Continue reading Compassionate Conservatism
From Drudge: Sir Elton John wants religion banned completely -- because he believes it promotes hatred of gays. Speaking to the Observer Music Monthly Magazine the singer said religion lacked compassion and turned people into "hateful lemmings". The PRESS ASSOCIATION reports: In a candid interview for a dedicated Gay issue of the magazine he shared … Continue reading Elton John Would Ban Religion Completely
When I hear of mission groups reaching out to Americans, I know there's a need. While most people believe in God, I don't think most believe know why they believe in God or why that should be important to them. This latest poll on American's views on God show what I mean. Among the various … Continue reading Domestic Evangelism
I can hardly imagine the cognitive disassociation necessary. Here's a controversy from London; women are upset that, after an abortion, the hospital burns the aborted fetuses in the hospital incinerator. One local woman, who asked not to be named, said after the heartache of deciding to have an abortion she was mortified to find the … Continue reading Burning Babies
Actually, I confess I wasn't even sure of a couple of the questions. I'm surprised I wasn't closest to Martin Luther, though. I've never heard of Anselm before today. You scored as Anselm. Anselm is the outstanding theologian of the medieval period.He sees man's primary problem as having failed to render unto God what we … Continue reading Which Theologian Are You?
Facing the Giants was a wonderful surprise movie this afternoon. I just don't know why I hadn't heard of it before this week. It's the story of a small Christian school's football team, and their triumph over defeat by placing their trust in God instead of man. So many wonderful Christian examples of how to … Continue reading Facing the Giants
That's what a London Muslim says. The Pope must die. 1 - Pope says Muslims can be violent. 2 - Muslims riot, burn the pope in effigy, and say the Pope must die. Have I misunderstood? I keep looking for quotes from leading Muslim leaders denouncing the violence, but if quotes like that exist, I … Continue reading Pope Must Die, Says Muslim
I had dinner with some friends from church last night, and one of the more learned friends made a statement that at first I objected to, but the more I think about it, the more validity it seems to have. My question: Does God hear the prayers of the unrepentant sinner? In my own walk … Continue reading The Prayers of the Sinner
I've been troubled by the recent story of the two journalists who were forced by their Palestinian kidnappers to accept Islam as a condition of their release. I'm not linking their story or names because I don't know certain details about their experience, but it does make me question. In Revelations 13:16-18, it says: He … Continue reading Forced Conversion
Yesterday, the news reports that medieval copy of the partial Psalms was found in an Irish bog. Interestingly, : "The book was found open to a page describing, in Latin script, Psalm 83, in which God hears complaints of other nations' attempts to wipe out the name of Israel." - (hat tip Atlasshrugs) Lets read … Continue reading Psalms, Irish bogs, Protestants and Israel
This week's best Christian blogging is hosted at Christian Carnival 130.
This week's best Christian blogging is up at Christian Carnival 129.
This book is a companion guide to The DaVinci Code trash that Dan Brown inflicted upon us. Dan Brown claims simultaneously that his book is both factual and fiction, enabling him to attack the Catholic Church and Christians and hide behind the "fiction" when the heat is on. Many don't know that even many of … Continue reading Review: The Da Vinci Codebreaker
This week's best Christian blogging is up. Check out Christian Carnival 128 at Cadmusings.
Presumably when Jesus was alive He didn't need bandages, but now you can buy bandages with His image on them for healing. Somehow it just doesn't seem right, but I can't put my finger on why. Healing comes from Jesus through prayer and grace, and a bandage with His picture doesn't fit into that equation … Continue reading Jesus Heals
This week's best Christian blogging is up at Christian Carnival 127.
January 2, 2006 Today's Swahili phrase: hakuna matada, which means "Disney marketing phrase." No wait, it means "no worries." I've received a lot of encouragement to continue this series - we're about halfway through - but this next day was a very important day, full of eye-opening experiences, and frankly, just hard to get a … Continue reading Kenya Mission, Day 7
This week's best Christian blogging is up at Christian Carnival 126.
Christian Carnival 125 is up with this week's best Christian blogging. Including, ahem, my post this week on Respond in Faith. 🙂
This week's best Christian blogging is up at Christian Carnival 124
Spotlight today on the Colorado Rockies, and a thanks to USA Today for portraying Christianity in sports in a positive light. DENVER — No copies of Playboy or Penthouse are in the clubhouse of baseball's Colorado Rockies. There's not even a Maxim. The only reading materials are daily newspapers, sports and car magazines and the … Continue reading Upon These Rockies I Will Build My Church
I love to hear about new love, especially when it's rooted in faith in the Lord. My wife and I, as you know, "re-began" (if that's a word) our marriage based on just this type of faith. Jeff at Think Sink is asking for prayers for him: Yes, friends and stray readers (and you know … Continue reading In Love on God's Timetable
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