Thought For the Week

Dear Friends, I wanted to take this occasion to say I hope you all had a blessed Christmas observance (despite what was for many here in the U.S. a frigid weekend). I also wanted to take this occasion to wish you the best in the upcoming year. In fact, my "thought" for today is sent with the hope that it might guide you in the year to come. It includes four separate helpful insights on prayer that I have found extremely beneficial and have frequently shared with others. People often struggle with prayer if they pray and then forget about it until the next scheduled time of prayer. That's where these thoughts by Brother Lawrence, Jonathan Edwards, William H. Hewitson, and Andrew Bonar are helpful. Enjoy. "The most holy and necessary practice in our spiritual life is the presence of God. That means finding constant pleasure in His divine company, speakin

Dear Friends, I was cleaning out some books this week and came across one entitled, "Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul." My tendency was to put it in the giveaway box. It's not that they don't have some good stories, but sometimes the constant need to have them always be (to use the line from a local radio station) "Positive and Uplifting" can seem a bit out of touch with life in this world . And out of touch with life as found in the Bible (Matthew 14:1-12 / Acts 7:54-8:1 / Acts 12:1-3 / II Cor. 1:8-10 ...). We obviously don't need everything to be "Negative and Depressing"! Yet, isn't the life of faith one that helps us face, endure, learn from, come to grips with, or overcome such things. Then I noticed the last part of the title: "Stories of Tough Times and Lessons Learned." That's when I decided to rethink my decision and give the book another chance -- and I'm gla

Dear Friends, Today’s related “thoughts” are for those who are a bit more inquisitive. For those who like to do more than just scratch the surface. For those who enjoy trying to figure out a puzzle. So, yes, I know they are not for everyone. But I do wish everyone would take the time to read them over! After all, if nothing else, it would help you understand what your pastor goes through every Sunday when trying to put together a sermon! Both entries come from, “Bible Study Magazine” (Logos, Nov. / Dec. 2022, Vol. 15, No. 1) which I received (unsolicited) in the mail today. The first selection is entitled, What was Paul’s “Thorn in the Flesh?” by Murray J. Harris. The second is entitled, How To Deal with Inspired Ambiguities in the New Testament, by Nathaniel J. Erickson. They are both excellent articles which I only cite in part - meaning that if you want to look at the complete articles (and other helpful ones as well) you will need to get a copy of your own! Enjoy. J