I started writing my sisters as the 75th wedding anniversary of my deceased parents is coming up. I realized that I was still mad at them, All children have been hurt by their parents in some ways. My parents were no better or worse than others, but I had to go to God to forgive them as I should not hold my anger, but let God handle the justice my anger seeks. However, what more do I need to give …
When Jesus taught the disciples to pray saying, “Our Father”, He was announcing a new world to us who believed. We all had an earthly father, but God wanted to be our Heavenly Father. John 1:12 says more about our status of being brothers and sisters in Christ. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— I have sisters, but my earthly parents passed away long ago. …
God loves us is both hard to understand and easy to understand. Lets unpack it. People make trash, but we see God’s creation does not make trash. God’s creation had no pollution problem. Why would God make trash when he is making people who he especially designs? If he makes people differently, he has his good purpose in it. For example, children born with abnormal genes are not bad kids. They are just as lovely as other children in their …
I was struck by Isaiah 50:10-11 shown below today and started considering–Do we use our own fires? …Let the one who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord and rely on their God. 11 But now, all you who light fires and provide yourselves with flaming torches, go, walk in the light of your fires and of the torches you have set ablaze. This is what you shall receive from my hand: You will lie …
Small whispers and parables are not often held together, but let me try here. Jesus said he told parables so people would not understand. Wait, he definitely wanted people to understand. He told parables so that people would think deeply. Thinking deeply draws issues into our heart where we can be truly reached. Jesus could say to Nicodemus that you need to have faith in Jesus to be saved. But he began by saying you need to be born again. …
I mentioned before that my wife came to faith in her Chinese college. Let me tell you the steps and how at first the Christian relationships drew her. She, like most people, was attracted to love. In the English corner at her college, the Christians would gather together. Hmm, she started to notice the Christians because a person she met for a school project introduced herself by saying that she had two fathers. She laughed at this girl, but the …
In Mark 10, Jesus says marriage makes a man and woman one flesh when they unite. He says no separating as God does not want any divorce. Yes, God has a higher view of marriage. Yet, He sees us. We are sinners and marriage is a lot of work. A Christian I respect a lot told me— Marriage is two people who do not give up. First, marry someone who accepts God’s higher view of marriage and will not giive …
The Old Testament had hundreds of rules and commands. A Teacher asked Jesus which is the greatest. Jesus and the greatest commandments came to us. 28 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” 29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.[e] 30 Love the Lord your God with …
Paul the Apostle told Timothy to be strong in the grace. See the quote and before and after verses. 18 May the Lord grant that he will find mercy from the Lord on that day! You know very well in how many ways he helped me in Ephesus. The Appeal Renewed 2 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified …
We are being and being is a funny phrase and might just help us. Despite or perhaps because my parents were all about – you do and you are, I found God and found myself. I grew up in an ideal childhood where my parents liked me and supported me and did not criticize me. Yet, in middle school I sensed the future was darkness and opened a Bible as did not like that feeling. That led me to faith. …
