This world does not reflect the nature of a loving God. The relationship between the Creator and His creation has been broken. However, this condition has a limited allotment of time before God moves to restore all things to Himself. Everything seen and unseen was created for a purpose and existed under the loving care and direction of God. But peace in the creation was destroyed through angelic rebellion which has led to a state of hostility toward God and toward other peoples and … [Read more...] about The Nature of Peace
Mercy and Compassion
Taking God Seriously
Ancient Israel experiences in the 40 years of wilderness wanderings can be a good mirror for us. Their example reveals many aspects of our nature: “Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was … [Read more...] about Taking God Seriously
True Peace
Most people on the planet prefer peace in relationships, in finances and from government interference. Fortunately, peace is especially important to God. From His perspective peace is closely connected to the concept of reconciliation. Something that God has always desired for humanity. God tells us that those who develop the qualities of "peacemaker" will be blessed (Matthew 5:9). Individually we may have little to no power to influence peace between nations; however, we can have power … [Read more...] about True Peace
Being Tenderhearted
Having served in the army during the Vietnam era, each time I see that poignant image of Vietnamese children screaming in panic as they flee from a napalm attack, it transports me back to my own experience in a very visceral way. I feel their anguish and their pain. A few years ago, when I saw a photograph of a little boy named Aylan, killed trying to escape the mayhem that tore apart Syria and looking so similar to my own grandson of the same age, again, I felt that same sense of loss and … [Read more...] about Being Tenderhearted
Expressions of Tribalism
It is difficult to escape the feeling that our world is becoming more divided by the day. For example, we are hearing more about political identity. While it has been quite customary to identify with some political party in terms of general policy, the term has now developed a sharper edge. Amy Chua writing in The Guardian newspaper notes: “When groups feel threatened, they retreat into tribalism. When groups feel mistreated and disrespected, they close ranks and become more insular, more … [Read more...] about Expressions of Tribalism
Blessings Will Come
I told someone once, “God is going to bless you with the opportunity to develop into the best kind of character you can have. He may bless you physically, but mostly He’s going to give you the blessings of learning, and growing, and overcoming.” As man looks to God in faith, He will bless us to accomplish His purpose, and not necessarily our own. Yet, it is tempting to think of the blessings of God as merely physical. The remnant of Judah that returned to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem … [Read more...] about Blessings Will Come
How Do We Use Authority?
When we consider biblical authority and how we should use authority, do we consider it from man’s perspective or God's perspective? The disciples came to Christ and asked Him a basic question, who would have the preeminent position – to sit at his right and left hand (Matthew 20:21-27). Sitting at the King’s right and left hand by its very definition implies position, power and the ability to exercise authority – which in human terms implies the ability to control others. Christ’s response to … [Read more...] about How Do We Use Authority?