Do you find yourself having unexpected and inexplicable hostile responses to certain people or situations? In his book A Better Way to Think, author H. Norman Wright says that some people refer to this phenomenon as “emotional ghosts”. These ghosts cause us to hear remembered toxic statements over and over again. The author continues, “When […]
(Zondervan, 2008) John Ortberg introduces Know Doubt (previously titled Faith and Doubt) by emphasizing that “when we take seriously the reality of faith and doubt, the most important word in the phrase is the one in the middle. While faith and doubt often are considered mutually exclusive terms, philosopher Michael Novak suggests that doubt is […]
We often associate the New Year with a fresh start, carrying the hope that things will be prosperous or improved in the coming year. What are you hoping for this year- winning the lottery, finding that special someone, better health, a return to church work? In 1 Samuel 4 and 5, Israel goes into battle […]
In Hamlet Shakespeare writes: “When sorrows come- they come not single spies- but in battalions.” He might well have added “especially at Christmas”! Christmas intensifies the impact of our adversities, much like a magnifying glass igniting a leaf by concentrating the sun’s rays on a vulnerable spot. Bombarded by messages of ‘peace’ and ‘joy’, there […]
The attached document was prepared by the School Ministry Team specifically to enable congregations in the LC-MS handle potention or actual reduction in force situations on their staffs. However, it also is extremely useful for church workers facing the loss of their positions to understand the recommended procedures that are consistent with Synodical doctrine and practice. […]
How to Handle Adversity (Thomas Nelson, 1989) In his introduction to this book, Dr. Charles Stanley tells us that adversity is handled in one of two ways- either people are committed to the process of spiritual maturity and growth or they put themselves in what the author calls a “spiritual coma”, unable to change their […]
True Courage (David C. Cook, 2011) Author Steve Farrar bases this book on the Biblical Book of Daniel, specifically the true courage Daniel displayed in every criswis he faced. The bedrock of Daniel’s true courage was that he knew God rather than merely of His existence. True Courage has two unique traits: (1) it enables […]
Many years ago, my mother and I returned from a shopping trip to discover that the side door to our house was unlocked. To my young mind that meant only one thing-burglars had broken in and were hiding in the basement waiting to attack us! I wouldn’t enter the house until my mom descended to […]
Trusting God (Navpress, 2008) Author Jerry Bridges introduces his expository Bible study on the sovereignty of God with one question requiring a two-fold answer from the reader: “Can you trust God?” In other words, is God dependable (worth of trust) during times of adversity and do you have a strong relationship with God so that you […]
We long for a quick exit from our “land between”, an instantaneous miracle that brings closure to our situation on a moment’s notice. With the psalmist David we cry out, “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my […]
Whenever I was preparing my class for a field trip, I would emphatically draw their attention to the fact that complete strangers would be taking notice of their behavior and that the field trip was a magnificent opportunity to be witnesses of God’s love to others. I learned this lesson as a child, although I […]
Second Guessing God (Standard Publishing, 2006) Brian Jones begins his book with a foundational quote from Spanish philosopher Miguel de Unamuno (1864-1936) in which the philosopher states that authentic belief in God consists of a passionate heart mixed with anguish, uncertainty, doubt, and despair. Without those elements, one simply believes in the idea of God. In […]