We are all prone to idolatry. We may consider ourselves far too advanced to bow before an idol of wood or stone, to bend the knee to the image of an animal or man. But none of us is immune from bowing before the idols of our dreams and desires, before the idols of ourContinue reading “It Is All Futility”
Category Archives: Sin
No Peace for the Wicked
Isaiah 48:22 says, “There is no peace . . . for the wicked.” The statement is repeated in Isaiah 57:21. In both cases, the declaration follows the Lord’s denouncements of evil nations and wicked practices. Isaiah 57:20 explains further: “The wicked are like the tossing sea, which cannot rest, whose waves cast up mire andContinue reading “No Peace for the Wicked”
Can the Devil Make You Sin?
How much of an impact does the devil have on our society today? How do we know whether something is an act of Satan or just our sinful nature? It’s easy to blame the devil when we do wrong. We say, “Oh, man, I was just tempted by the evil one,” when we’re really justContinue reading “Can the Devil Make You Sin?”
When You’re 18, Pregnant and Addicted
I was born in 1989 into a dysfunctional home in Glendale, Arizona. Alcohol and drug abuse had plagued our family for generations. My late father’s addictions earned him a revolving door in and out of prison. My mother got pregnant at 19 after running away from her own father’s abusive behavior. She raised me asContinue reading “When You’re 18, Pregnant and Addicted”
Why Was God So Hard on Nineveh?
The message of Nahum concerns the impending destruction of Nineveh. The Lord’s word to the Assyrians is dire: “I am against you. . . . I will burn up your chariots in smoke, and the sword will devour your young lions. I will leave you no prey on the earth. The voices of your messengersContinue reading “Why Was God So Hard on Nineveh?”
He Does Not Ignore Our Sins
Bernie Madoff ran the most successful Ponzi scheme in history. Over the course of seventeen years, he defrauded investors out of tens of billions of dollars. He was able to get away with this because of his carefully crafted persona as a financial expert. He cultivated potential new investors and was able to win theirContinue reading “He Does Not Ignore Our Sins”
She Did No Wrong!
The Bible tells the truth. The record in 2 Samuel does not whitewash David’s actions. Today’s passage is not easy to read as we learn about the horrific abuse and evil that took place within the king’s palace. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, butContinue reading “She Did No Wrong!”
No Exemption Here
Being powerfully used by God does not mean we are exempt from sin or temptation. It is hard to understand why a servant of God like David would behave so recklessly, engaging in adultery and then murder. Yet, as one theologian phrased it, “Sin is at its root irrational.” Whoever is pregnant with evil conceivesContinue reading “No Exemption Here”
Don’t Try to Figure Out the Evil One
How much of an impact does the devil have on our society today? How do we know whether something is an act of Satan or just our sinful nature? It’s easy to blame the devil when we do wrong. We say, “Oh, man, I was just tempted by the evil one,” when we’re really justContinue reading “Don’t Try to Figure Out the Evil One”
The Wider Battle of Lust
Consider our struggle with sin and suffering this way. Imagine a multiplex theater screening many movies simultaneously. Immorality or violation might be the “feature film” advertised on the marquee. But other significant films are playing in other screening rooms. The war with sin, the experience of affliction, and the triumph of grace take place inContinue reading “The Wider Battle of Lust”
Intentional Faith 