Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God (Mic. 6:8).
God has two dwellings; one in heaven, the other in a meek and thankful heart.

Thots

Another worship leader loses his faith

Posted by Luz on 8 January 2023 Thots

A kind, respectful, non judgemental conversation between Jon Steingard & Sean McDowell, looking at faith from an emotional, experimental angle, and an intellectual way sharing experiences that brought them both to the place where they are now: a believer and an unbeliever. Read more

A Question about Healing

Posted by Jon on 27 December 2022 Thots

The scene between Little James and Jesus, where Little James asks Jesus why He hasn't healed him (found in Episode 2 of Season Three of "The Chosen" ) has gotten more response than almost any scene they've ever done. The Chosen producer / director Dallas Jenkins talks to Nick Vujicic about it, a man born with no arms or legs. Hear his incredible story and insights on one of the most complex and challenging questions about God. Read more

How to overcome tribalism in politics and the church

Posted by Luz on 11 December 2022 Thots

"Truth Over Tribe" is the name of the new book by Patrick Miller and Keith Simon. They talk to Justin about Trump, abortion, LGBT, Christian nationalism, progressives and conservatives, and how the church can be part of the solution rather than the problem of tribalism in politics and culture. Read more

Secret Ingredients of Great Hospitality

Posted by Luz on 1 November 2022 Thots

Restaurateur Will Guidara's life changed when he decided to serve a two-dollar hot dog in his fancy four-star restaurant, creating a personalized experience for some out-of-town customers craving authentic New York City street food. The move earned such a positive reaction that Guidara began pursuing this kind of "unreasonable hospitality" full-time, seeking out ways to create extraordinary experiences and give people more than they could ever possibly expect. In this funny and heartwarming talk, he shares three steps to crafting truly memorable moments centered in human connection – no matter what business you're in. Read more

Forgiveness

Posted by ForeverSailing on 23 October 2022 Thots

Very good interview/discussion with Tim Keller about forgiveness. Read more

Morality and Psychoanalysis

Posted by ForeverSailing on 24 August 2022 Thots

Morality and Psychoanalysis (From Chapter 4 of C.S. Lewis' book, "Mere Christianity"). Many of us have read or listened to the full book, but listening to some of the chapters on their own is striking. Read more

The Autistic Brain

Posted by Luz on 14 July 2022 Thots

This is a video from 2013 --- where Temple Grandin predicts that messing around and hacking people's DNA is so much more ''interesting'' than just hacking their visa cards (sarcastically speaking of course) -- Isn't this happening right now? God help us all! Read more

Can David Slay the Globalist Goliath?

Posted by ForeverSailing on 26 June 2022 Thots

The article brought to mind some of what Hungary has done of late: defied the EU mandating State control of children's sex education, refused to allow transgender swimmers enter the recent World Cup swim meet in Budapest, ... among a list of other things. Read more

About Courage

Posted by Luz on 8 June 2022 Thots

Courage is a heart word. The root of the word courage is cor - the Latin word for heart. In one of its earliest forms, the word courage meant, "To speak one's mind by telling all one's heart." Over time this definition has changed and today we typically associate courage with heroic and brave deeds. But in my opinion this definition fails to recognize the inner strength and level of commitment required for us to actually speak honestly and openly about who we are and about our experiences -- good and bad. Speaking from our hearts is what I think of as "ordinary courage.” Read more

Helping a Loved One Who is Hurting

Posted by Luz on 13 May 2022 Thots

This can be applied to all kind of relationships, not only - like in this case - a couple where he, the pastor, was struggling with extreme anxiety, panic attacks etc. Maybe helping one of our children who is under attacks of the enemy, or a friend who is going through something we cannot understand. Sound counsel on how to be there for those who are suffering (the same as Jesus who is ALWAYS there for us) and how not to take things personal. Read more

Bible Code

Posted by Luz on 30 April 2022 Thots

The Hebrew name of Jesus and other words and phrases relating to His life and death are revealed in equidistant letter skip sequences in Isaiah 53 and Psalm 22. See all seminar video sessions at www.thelivingword.org.au. Read more

You'll Be Hurt, But You Have To Do It

Posted by Luz on 5 April 2022 Thots

Learning to be truthful has a high price. One thing I have always admired of Jordan Peterson, is his attempt to be truthful, saying things that few people dare to be open about, opening our eyes to see our responsibility instead of blaming others, circumstances etc. Read more

Spirituality, Religion, and Life

Posted by Luz on 27 March 2022 Thots

Interesting question and answer session between mother and daughter, some maybe more for women, others going deep when Tammy had the diagnosis to only live 11 more months. Read more

The Bruxy Cavey Scandal

Posted by Jon on 14 March 2022 Thots 2

Bruxy Cavey, author of best-selling End of Religion, Teaching Pastor of The Meeting House – one of the largest, fastest growing and most innovative churches in Canada recently resigned due to sexual misconduct ten years ago. Here is a explanatory note about the situation from the Jesus Collective (a Jesus centered movement that Bruxy Cavey and Greg Boyd helped to start a few years ago). Following the note from the Jesus Collective is Bruxy's confession from his blog. (www.bruxy.com) Read more

Faith After Doubt

Posted by ForeverSailing on 10 March 2022 Thots 1

(Sent in by GM:) I’m reading a very interesting book, “Faith After Doubt” by Brian D McLaren Read more

Eschatology Overview

Posted by ForeverSailing on 23 February 2022 Thots

Long! but a very interesting overview of the Endtime examining the many versions of ET doctrine bandied about different or opposing Christians or denominations, each holding a different position on the ET. They all quote scripture to back up their claims and in different ways they all making sense. So who's right? Very confusing. DB once used the analogy of the ET being like a train arriving at the station ("station" equaling one of the signs of the ET) and once arriving at that station only then will we fully understand "that station". Read more

Addressing the Cultural Issues of this Generation

Posted by Luz on 23 February 2022 Thots

Good talk about the most important meaning for life in our Western world: the so called freedom, and the sadly wrong misinterpretation of freedom where our preferences overide the truth. The human nature and desire for autonomy over truth started already with Adam and Eve in the garden! Nothing new. Very good explanations about Jesus, His absolute truth. Read more

Cathy Don't Go ...

Posted by Jon on 18 February 2022 Thots

Someone recently wrote a Christian friend asking about the song "Cathy Don't Go." The person wrote: Read more

Understand Myself

Posted by Luz on 17 February 2022 Thots

This is not only for couples, I believe, but in general to help relationships of people living together/interacting with each other. Good samples to understand yourself, your (and other's) level of agreeableness, other people's personalities. Read more

Answering The Best Pro Choice Argument

Posted by Luz on 8 February 2022 Thots

Going over the best arguments given in support of the Pro-Choice position --- very interesting arguments by Stephanie Gray, a Christian, ukulele player, Canadian, who has given over 800 talks about the subject of abortion. Read more

Are You Really Okay?

Posted by Jon on 1 February 2022 Thots 1

Healing is often in layers. I found this podcast to be simple, very honest and down to earth. It helped me think more deeply about my life and to consider and "examine and probe my ways." (Lamentations 3:40) Read more

Leaving the Cult of Wokeness

Posted by Jon on 7 November 2021 Thots

Africa Brooke, globally recognised mindset coach, business consultant, podcaster, and speaker who specialises in helping people overcome what is commonly known as self-sabotage. shares why she had a change of heart to Jordan Peterson. There is a very touching segment at the 7:30 minute mark when Africa confesses how Jordan's podcasts influenced her (and changed her outlook on life) and Jordan brakes into tears. Read more

A Wing and a Prayer

Posted by Luz on 4 November 2021 Thots

A short video which brings tears to my eyes, like others from Jordan Peterson's heartfelt, honest talks. - Many have been praying for Jordan to come to faith in God, Jesus. This is more than a confession! GBH! Read more

Embracing Change

Posted by Luz on 3 November 2021 Thots

Embracing change, knowing when to ''pull back'', when ''to reach out'', interesting talk about Ecclesiastes 3:5 Read more

My Descent into Death

Posted by Luz on 31 October 2021 Thots

In 1985 while dying in a hospital in Paris, France, Howard Storm had a Near Death Experience that involved being tormented in hell. ---But this is not the main point of his testimony! Very down to earth explanation how his life was changed by meeting Jesus personally. Read more

The Two Witnesses

Posted by Luz on 26 October 2021 Thots

The next chapter of the Two Witnesses series is here! This Bible Prophecy episode explores the end-time outpouring of God’s Holy Spirit and how it relates to the Two Witnesses vision! A shocking discovery awaits in our new episode on The Two Witnesses of Revelation! Read more

The collapse of our values is a greater threat than climate change

Posted by Luz on 7 October 2021 Thots 1

When society forgets its moral values nihilism and terror reign. The internationally best-selling author and clinical psychologist Dr Jordan Peterson joins Steven Edginton to discuss the moral crisis facing the West, how people become radicalised and what is filling the void religion once held within society. Watch the full interview above or listen on your podcast app. Read more

There Really Is a Tree

Posted by ForeverSailing on 2 September 2021 Thots 1

Introduction to Every Good Endeavor: Connecting Your Work to God's Work

by Tim Keller

When J.R.R. Tolkien had been working on writing The Lord of the Rings for some time, he came to an impasse. He had a vision of a tale of a sort that the world had never seen. Read more

When Lies Become ''Truth''

Posted by Luz on 2 September 2021 Thots

Orwell, Huxley, Solschenizyn - freedom of speech, soft totalitariarism and much more - a very helpful insight by Gregory Koukl, a Christian apologist, radio talk show host, author, speaker, and the founder of the Christian apologetics organization ''Stand to Reason''. The interview starts at about 5:00 min. Read more

The Upheaval

Posted by ForeverSailing on 24 August 2021 Thots 1

Introducing the revolutions upending our world

N.S. Lyons April 8, 2021 Read more

Canticle of the Sun

Posted by Frank on 11 August 2021 Thots 2

I read this after an early-morning (pre-dawn) walk, which was lovely, and I thought St. Francis's prayer was lovely too: Read more

Solitary Refinement

Posted by ForeverSailing on 11 August 2021 Thots

by James M. Kushiner

How One Man Found Freedom Inside a Communist Prison

Fr. Roman Braga was born to a peasant family in Romania in 1922. They lived near a monastery, which had a profound influence on him. He entered a seminary school when he was 12. After completing seminary in 1943, he studied at a military school until 1945, when the war ended, and then moved to Bucharest, where he continued theological studies. He was arrested by the Communists in 1948 and held prisoner for five years. He was arrested and imprisoned again in 1958 and released in 1964, and was then ordained a priest. In 1968 he was exiled to Brazil, finally moving from there to the United States in 1972. But Roman Braga's escape to freedom, he says, took place inside the Communist prison. Salvo's executive editor, James Kushiner, interviewed Fr. Roman about this in December 2011. Read more

War Room

Posted by Luz on 29 July 2021 Thots

Eric Metaxas with Steve Bannon. A six minutes long video on the subject of whether Christians should get involved in political affairs. Read more

The Jesus You May Not Have Known

Posted by Luz on 25 July 2021 Thots

Abdu Murray

We in the West are becoming quickly like the East ... This was written before Ravi Zacharias' death and the scandal around him. Quite amazing is that Abdu is kind of prophecizing the judgement the world is throwing out about Ravi Zacharias' abuse scandal -- the Eastern way through an honour-shame lens. He says there is fear behind the honor-shame attitude - maybe he fell himself into this trap by totally succumbing to his RZIM organisation to speak out against Ravi, even taking his book from the market ... (just my personal thought). Read more

We will not be silenced

Posted by Luz on 15 July 2021 Thots

Eric Lutzer identifies the toxic responses secular culture disguises as solutions and shares insight from his book ''We Will Not Be Silenced: Responding Courageously to Our Culture's Assault on Christianity.'' Read more

The Cost of Discipleship

Posted by Luz on 11 July 2021 Thots

Cheap grace versus costly grace, a challenge and much to think about as personal decisions are concerned, especially for those of us who were trained to make ''Nachfolger'' - the German word for disciples (literal translation would be ''those who follow after'') that is Successors or Disciples. Read more

As He is, so are we in this world!

Posted by Jon on 8 June 2021 Thots 1

Diane Langberg

A thought provoking talk. She pulls no punches when she clarifies, "It is us, not them!" (Have to listen to it to find out who the "them" are!) Less than 20 minutes long, but food for thought for a lifetime! Read more

I'm firing back about one criticism

Posted by Luz on 3 June 2021 Thots

This is Dallas Jenkins, director of ''The Chosen'' -- God bless him! So honest about his own sinful nature! (If you haven't seen the series, please do!) This reaction from Dallas towards someone who critized a scene in the season Nr. 2 episode 5 is one more THOT about our Jesus, about us, sinners, about hypocritical perfectionism and holier than thou-ness. It goes together with the video from Abdu Murray and Ravi Zacharias' abuse. I am convinced that it will help so many not to give up after having gone through deep episodes in their lives, so often haunted and not being able to let go of the past without Jesus' help. I am looking forward to episode 6 -- it will come out end of June, I think. Read more

Compelled: Speaking and Living the Gospel

Posted by Chris on 1 June 2021 Devotional Thots 1

This is a very clear narrative of what the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is really all about. I found it very helpful when it comes to sharing the Gospel. The gold starts around the 12 minute mark so stay with it as its very enlightening. Read more

Delivered Twice from Death in Lebanon

Posted by Frank on 27 May 2021 Thots 1

Delivered Twice from Death in Lebanon, Retiree Keeps Serving After Explosion
From an orphanage to Beirut’s fanciest hotel to World Vision’s top ranks, Jean Bouchebel has seen how God does not forsake his church.
Donald E. Miller, Christianity Today, May 28, 2021 Read more

The Cross and The Machine

Posted by Jon on 18 May 2021 Thots 2

Fascinating testimony and well written article by Paul Kingsworth, an English writer, thinker, novelist, poet, environmentalist and former Wiccan priest. In this article he shares his long, long road to find faith in Jesus after decades of searching for the truth. It is a very enjoyable read. Paul Kingsworth is quite gifted with words and his journey keeps you captivated as he tries one thing after another in his honest quest to fill the abyss that he felt inside of him. Read more

Overfocus on the Endtime?

Posted by Jon on 17 May 2021 Thots 3

Here are some parts from a recent book I published questioning the theory of the theory of Pre-Tribulation rapture. This book came about during a visit to Africa. Many churches requested teaching on this subject, as there were so many confusing theories flying around. This resulted in some church members making unwise decisions, financial and otherwise, based on the idea that Jesus could return at any minute. Thus came the idea for this publication, a collection of Bible verses on the subject from both the Old and New Testaments. Read more

Once Saved, Always Saved

Posted by ForeverSailing on 10 May 2021 Thots 12

by Michael Heiser. Very insightful about the salvation question. It answers some of the questions concerning verses that sorta seem to indicate that one can "lose their salvation". Read more

God's Purposes

Posted by ForeverSailing on 26 April 2021 Thots 3

An Open Table Conference with Paul Young telling some testimonies of how the Lord engineers things for good. Read more

Brad Jersak Q&A

Posted by ForeverSailing on 29 March 2021 Thots 2

(From Dina) A Q&A with Brad Jersak.--It's long (80 min), but there's a lot to digest. I liked the discussion of our journeys through life and ongoing growth in faith and knowledge of the Lord. Read more

Christian Perspective of Wealth Creation

Posted by ForeverSailing on 10 February 2021 Thots 7

A 13 part(2-5 min each) series of short interview clips based around wealth creation from a Christian perspective by the Lusanne Movement and BAM (Business as Mission) Global.

I'll also attach their WealthCreationUserGuide, FYI.

Here's the blurb about the clips: This series is on Wealth Creation for Holistic Transformation, a critically important aspect for mission. The goals of this episode are to explain wealth creation, to highlight the importance of wealth creation for global Christianity and the church, and to inspire young leaders, established leaders, churches, organizations, and individuals so they understand the importance of wealth creation in their context. Read more

The Godly Influence of Jordan Peterson on Dave Rubin

Posted by Jon on 4 February 2021 Thots 2

Ten minute video clip: Outspoken podcaster Dave Rubin participates in a conversation with Christian thinker Prof John Lennox and Justin Brierley, for Unbelievable’s The Big Conversation interview series. Dave Rubin brings out how touring with Jordan Peterson changed his views on life, and now realizes that "there has to be a bedrock of truth outside of ourselves." He received a lot of hate when he came out and said he is not an athiest. He calls Peterson "the world's most important public philosopher." Wonderful to get John Lennox's input on the subject at the end of the clip. Read more

Whom the gods would destroy, they first make mad

Posted by GM on 16 January 2021 Thots 1

A famous phrase from ancient Rome translates as, “Whom the gods would destroy, they first make mad”.

Does it apply to now? Is God preparing to destroy parts of the world and so is allowing them to descend into madness so that they bring on their own destruction?

To say the least, it’s happened before. The Latin rendition was, “Quos Deus vult perdere prius dementat,” an opinion that’s been around for centuries. Read more

Practical Tips on Living Life to the Full

Posted by MikeB on 16 January 2021 Thots 2

Although these tips are not supported by scripture, they are practical tips on loving people, manifesting humility, faithfulness in your personal life and work, forgiveness, who to fellowship with etc. Read more

Digital Minimalism

Posted by Jon on 15 January 2021 Thots

Excellent advice on keeping social media in its place! "Focus" is the new skill in the work place as so many people are distracted. Great points on the value of solitude. I found this videocast quite helpful and with many needed reminders. Read more

The 13 Truths

Posted by ForeverSailing on 16 October 2020 Thots

Some folks may have seen this 35 minute Jordan Peterson comp; worth watching, in my opinion. Read more

Rebel Educators

Posted by ForeverSailing on 17 September 2020 Thots

Many take it for granted that the State (i.e. the Government) is in charge of educating children. It's not. And it shouldn't have near as much control as it does, either. [The following is] a great list (from 1929!) on the proper role of government in Education (this applies whether you homeschool, covid-virtual-school, private school, public school, charter, etc.). -- Matthew Warner Read more

Why Am I a Christian

Posted by ForeverSailing on 31 August 2020 Thots

From David Wood. "Lots of people have been asking me how I became a Christian, because I sometimes mention that I'm a former atheist. This video discusses my conversion and explains why I left atheism and became convinced that Jesus is Lord and that he died on the cross for sins and rose from the dead (just as the Bible declares)." Read more

How Will You Measure Your Life?

Posted by Frank on 5 August 2020 Thots 1

A four-page excerpt of a book that I found thought provoking, dealing with purpose in this excerpt. The author is a Christian. Don't be put off by the occasional business speak. Read more

Thoughts on Psalm 42

Posted by ForeverSailing on 28 July 2020 Thots

Since the clips or articles on the Devotions and Appeals tabs are pulled from GP sources those two tabs are now classified as GP (no longer Members Only) on this OEG site. With that in mind, some folks thought that the comment thread originally posted under Tim Keller's "Meditation: Talking to Yourself, Not Listening to Yourself" under the Devotions tab would be better served as a Forum discussion. Read more

Surviving COVID

Posted by ForeverSailing on 26 July 2020 Thots

Outstanding, faith encouraging interview by Andy Stanley packed with some life changing lessons on faith and healing. Read more

Review: The Unseen Realm

Posted by ForeverSailing on 19 July 2020 Thots

An interview with Dr Heiser about his book "The Unseen Realm" was posted before, but I thought this short thumbnail gave an interesting overview. Read more

The US riots and Jesus's Solution

Posted by Jon on 19 June 2020 Thots 2

The solution to today's increasing polarization in society is to "turn the other cheek" and "resist not evil." In 2017, Peterson warned how "things can get aout of hand very rapidly," unless we truly strive for peace. I think his lectures do a lot to get the Lord's sheep to look in the Gospel for answers. I remember I had a professor who sometimes quoted the Bible and it caused me to want to read it for myself. His talks give credence to Gospel truths! Read more

Out in the Fields

Posted by Frank on 17 June 2020 Thots 3

Here's a poem by Elizabeth Barrett Browning on the beauty and power of nature. Don't know why, but I found this moving when I came across it yesterday.

The little cares which fretted me
I lost them yesterday,
Among the fields, above the sea,
Among the winds at play,
Among the lowing of the herds,
The rustling of the trees,
Among the singing of the birds,
The humming of the bees.
The foolish fear of what might happen,
I cast them all away
Among the clover-scented grass,
Among the husking of the corn,
Where drowsy poppies nod
Where ill thoughts die and good are born—
Out in the fields with God. Read more

The Call to Create

Posted by ForeverSailing on 16 June 2020 Thots 6

This is more along the lines of an earlier Forum post discussing C.S. Lewis' group of friends, the Inklings, and the creative fellowship they experienced together--excerpts of a devotional on Bible.com: Read more

12 Rules For Life

Posted by ForeverSailing on 1 June 2020 Thots 1

A lot of folks have heard of or read Jordan Peterson's book "12 Rules For Life". It's thick reading. JP succinctly summarizes and personalizes the book here ... in 1 1/2 hours. Read more

Living Simply

Posted by ForeverSailing on 27 May 2020 Thots 1

-- Matthew Warner

“We sense, somehow, that most of the madness of our modern lives is unnecessary, our stresses and rushing about all faintly superfluous.” — David Williams

We have too much stuff, too many plans, and too many things to do. Which makes us too busy, too stressed, too distracted, and too tired. We worry too much about the wrong things and never get around to the things that matter — constantly tied up with the urgent and never quite getting to the important. Rather than living our lives, our lives seem to just be happening to us. We often feel overwhelmed and helpless.

The truth is that 90% of the things we spend our time doing, worrying about, buying, maintaining, working toward are not going to give us what we really need. In fact, they keep us from what we need.

Yet, we do them anyway. Why? Two main reasons:

1) Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO)

We’re scared of missing out on something. We’re afraid that if we dare to dive deep that we’ll miss out on something up at the busy surface. The irony, of course, is that staying on the busy surface, so we don’t miss out on anything, simply means we have chosen to miss out on the far more plentiful and fulfilling experiences of the depths below. In an age of virtually endless opportunities and information, you will always be missing out on most of it. If you approach your life in terms of what you are missing out on you will always be anxious and never happy.

Let it go. Instead, do less, and that which you do, do better. Explore its depths, its richness, and savor every drop. Don’t be afraid to dive deep into what’s right in front of you.

2) We’re not intentional enough

In our noisy marketplace of a world, if you don’t intentionally protect your silence, time, and attention, you’ll quickly find yourself without any. It’s not enough to merely want to live simply. You must actively choose a simple life and then defend it fiercely.

You will not stumble into a simple life anymore than the weeds will walk themselves from your garden. You must continually and ruthlessly cultivate your life if you want it to remain simple. Otherwise it will devolve into chaos and complexity and the weeds will consume it. Read more

The Tapestry

Posted by ForeverSailing on 27 May 2020 Thots

Corrie ten Boom first included this poem in her book, "The Hiding Place." Read more

Do It Anyway

Posted by ForeverSailing on 21 May 2020 Thots

People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway.
What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
The good you do today will often be forgotten. Do good anyway.
Give the best you have ... and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway.
In the final analysis, it’s between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway. Read more

Prayer For My Son

Posted by ForeverSailing on 21 May 2020 Thots

Build me a son, O Lord, who will be strong enough to know when he is weak, and brave enough to face himself when he is afraid; one who will be proud and unbending in honest defeat, and humble and gentle in victory.

Build me a son whose wishbone will not be where his backbone should be; a son who will know Thee and that to know himself is the foundation stone of knowledge. Lead him, I pray, not in the path of ease and comfort, but under the stress and spur of difficulties and challenge. Here let him learn to stand up in the storm; here let him learn compassion for those who fail.

Build me a son whose heart will be clean, whose goal will be high; a son who will master himself before he seeks to master others; one who will learn to laugh, yet never forget how to weep; one who will reach into the future, yet never forget the past.

And after all these things are his, add, I pray, enough of a sense of humor, so that he may always be serious, yet never take himself too seriously. Give him humility, so that he may always remember the simplicity of greatness, the open mind of true wisdom, the meekness of true strength. Read more

Universal Reconciliation? Purgatory?

Posted by ForeverSailing on 9 May 2020 Thots 2

I listened to something in devotions the other day that suggested the concept of universal reconciliation may not hold water in light of some of Jesus' pretty strong statements about some folks' life trajectory toward Hell, to put it bluntly. Personally, I don't feel strongly one way or the other, mainly because I don't know. It'd be nice, but how does it mesh with the Word and reality? It doesn't affect me and my sample or statement to others because I figure the Lord will sort stuff like that out with each individual when the time comes ... that said it's sort of a personal gray area belief-wise for me. Read more

Some Thoughts on Immigrants

Posted by DavidJB on 3 May 2020 Thots

I enjoyed the post from Dallas Willard's site “Blessed are the Undocumented?” (https://www.elca.org/JLE/Articles/240 included in the comment below) and the whole topic of immigration in general. It’s something that affects us all, a thread that runs through our whole life at a deep level, even though it’s not always apparent. As has been pointed out, the children of Israel were instructed to be kind to the stranger within their gate very early on in their nationhood, and the point was driven home by reminding them that they had been strangers themselves in Egypt. (Exo_23:9 Also thou shalt not oppress a stranger: for ye know the heart of a stranger, seeing ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.) Even the most well-rooted and established among us, if they look far enough back in their history, will probably find that they too were newcomers at one time. Ever since Adam and Eve had to leave Paradise (the one place where they were truly at home), men and women have had to carve their place in the sun out of an environment that was hostile in one way or another. The Church was addressed as pilgrims and strangers (1Pe_1:1, 2:11), believers encouraged not to be dismayed if the world hated them (Joh_15:19), reminded that the Lord Himself was treated despitefully by His own (Joh_1:11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.) and He even said in so many words “I was a stranger” (Mat_25:35). Read more

On Claiming Belief in God

Posted by ForeverSailing on 1 May 2020 Thots 3

Discussing, among other questions, about how you can claim to believe in God when you don't follow all He says, with Jordan Peterson and Dennis Prager. Though this is the third in a three part series it can easily be watched as a standalone. Read more

A Place for Fellowship with Like-Minded People

Posted by ForeverSailing on 11 April 2020 Thots 3

I was thinking about this site's Mission Statement, specifically about a place to go for spiritual input and fellowship with like-minded people. A couple of us were talking about the atmosphere when sitting with friends enjoying a nice glass of wine, a cold beer, or a dram of nice Scotch and talking about the thoughts, wonderments, joys, victories and blessings we have in this life. and I thought about something I also read about C.S. Lewis and his close friends. It's the same and it's different ... Read more

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