The latest blogs in search of correct faith in Christ
Subscribe to receive email notifications of new posts.
Christian Reflections on Muslim Hospitality
Christians can learn about the hospitality demonstrated in Muslim cultures to better understand how to follow Jesus. The article compares Muslim and Christian teachings that emphasize hospitality as a spiritual duty and an act of charity. Christians should treat others generously and respond to unkindness with kindness, showcasing the transformative power of hospitality.
Memorial Message for Myrtle Lou Brown Givens
Message I gave during the memorial service for my mother, Myrtle Lou Brown Givens
Surrender to the God of the Possible
What hath Tim Allen to do with Mary? A Christmas reflection on Advent 2024.
Whose Land Is It, Anyway?
The claim that Israel owns the land based on biblical promises is flawed. The Bible says God owns the land and set conditions for Israel’s residence: justice, care for the marginalized, and adherence to God’s commands, contradicting unwavering support for Israel at the expense of Palestinians.
When the Prodigal Son Met Esau and Cain
The prodigal son in Luke 15 is one of the best-known stories of Jesus. Jesus frames this story of a father and 2 sons to make us think of two earlier sets of brothers: Cain and Abel and Esau and Jacob. What happens when the prodigal meets Esau and Cain?
The Light Has Come
Advent 2023 devotional
Wildflowers in the Field (Earth Day 2023)
Wildflowers along the highway help us think about the small ways we can care for creation. They also remind us of the teachings of Jesus.
Reflections on a Donkey, Crying Stones, and Jesus’ Tears
What was Jesus’ message when he rode a donkey? Why did he say the stones would cry out? What led him to shed tears? Many see Palm Sunday as a triumphal event but was Jesus rebuking his disciples through a prophetic act that still speaks to us today?
The Peace of Divine Purpose (Advent 2022)
How do we find peace in the midst of difficult times and periods of suffering? Can we trust God that he has a plan in uncertain times? This is the story of Jesus’ birth and childhood. (A reflection written for WBU’s 2022 Advent devotional.)
Christian Reflections on the Taoist Way of Water
For the Taoist, we should strive to live in line with the Tao, the Way of the universe. For the Taoist, the power of yielding water is the way we should structure our lives. What is the Taoist concept of power as yielding water? For Christians, is this not a description of the way of…
Marking the Trail
We are set apart for a special purpose, to live a life that leads others to glorify God and to point the way toward the one who is the Way. Quick observations from a hike.
Creation Cries Out
As wars ravage the land, creation groans awaiting liberation by the Sons of God. Who are these Sons of God? What should their occupation be and how does that relate to creation?
When All Is Lost, Look to the Cross!
Ever thought about how Jesus is a snake? While John 3:16 is one of the best-known verses in the Bible, we don’t always consider how it is preceded by telling us that Jesus is like the snake Moses lifted in the wilderness. If we want to understand the love of God who would send his…
When Life Comes Crashing Down
The book of Jeremiah tells the story of two pots. Both are smashed. One is reformed while the other is irreparably damaged. What will happen to you when life comes crashing down?
Christian Reflections on Kabbalah and the Hasidim
What can a Christian learn from the Jewish Kabbalah or Hasidism? Does Isaac Luria’s teaching on the light of creation connect to the Logos? Does the Baal Shem Tov’s teaching on community relate to the teachings of Jesus and Paul?
Christian Reflections on the Tirthankara
Jains believe there were some who found a way across the river of death and rebirth. These Tirthankara (ford-makers) should be imitated by those seeking liberation. How does Jesus relate to this idea? Is he not only the true Tirthankara but the Tirtha (the Ford) itself?
Christian Reflections on the Zen Oxherder
What can a Christian learn from Zen Buddhism? Take a quick look at the Ten Oxherder pictures and consider the empty circle.
Christian Reflections on 330 Million Gods
When the land of 330 million gods is not large enough. What Christians can learn from Hinduism’s view of idols since we are each made in the image of God.
Mahatma Gandhi’s Sage Advice to Make America More Christian
When asked how to naturalize Christianity in India, Gandhi named four things that Christians should do. These profound statements are just as significant today. If enacted, they would help Christians reach a post-Christian America in the twenty-first century.
What about Phoebe? When Scripture “Contradicts” Scripture
J.D. Greear, Al Mohler, Mike Stone, and others have criticized Rick Warren’s church in its decision to ordain three women pastors. They cite 1 Cor 14 and 1 Tim 2, but what do we do with Phoebe and her role in the reception of the letter to the Romans?
Flourishing like a Palm and a Cedar
Psalm 92 tells us the righteous flourish like the palm and cedar. Creation care not only calls us to be stewards of the earth and its resources but also to learn from these beautiful creations of God. A creation care week devotional.
Why Some Christians Could Support the Assault on the Capitol
Twelve brief observations about why some Christians could support the assault on the Capitol building this Wednesday.
Red Sea Diving Resort (Movie Reflections)
Some thought about the movie Red Sea Diving Resort and the history of the Ethiopian Jews.
The Stories We Tell . . . Part 1
We all tell ourselves stories. It is how we make sense of life. The question is, what stories do we tell ourselves? Are they stories that unite or divide? Do they bring us closer to love of God and love of others or reinforce our self-interests?
Watching and Waiting (WBU Advent Chapel 2017)
Advent means “coming,” as in the coming of Jesus. It is a time of waiting and anticipation. Do you realize how hard it is to slow down and wait in our culture? We’re a Netflix generation. On Friday, Boom! A whole season of some show drops. Don’t lie to me—you binge watch the season in…
Revising the World Religions Course
Can we teach world religions differently? Not side by side but in context?
Young Messiah (Movie Reflections)
I love movies, the larger than life stories it can create (e.g., the Star Wars mythos), the liberties it can take at times with alternative realities (e.g., superhero movies) or creating new twists for old stories (e.g., flipping the climatic scene from Wrath of Khan in the Star Trek reboot Into Darkness). There certainly are new…
Reflections on courage: Observations from Benedict’s resignation
Courageous. I have read and heard this term numerous times on television and in print during the past week to describe the decision of Benedict XVI to resign as pope of the Roman Catholic Church at the end of February. Perhaps they are viewing the decision from the perspective of the world’s definition of power.…
Monovision and Single Vision
Reflections on a recent visit to the eye doctor and how this relates to the Christian life.
Follow My Blog
Get new content delivered directly to your inbox.
Orthopistis 