In 2 Corinthians 1:8-9, the apostle Paul writes, “For we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises [...]
Archive for the ‘Dark Providence’ Category
Knocking the Props Out
Posted in Bible, Christian life, Dark Providence on April 14, 2011 | Leave a Comment »
“If God is Good” Review
Posted in Book Report, Dark Providence, Problem of Evil on February 12, 2011 | Leave a Comment »
The existence and meaning of evil and suffering is a serious question that deserves careful thought. Randy Alcorn has met that standard in If God is Good. Alcorn provides a thorough and thoughtful treatment of the problem for everyone, not just Christians. If God is Good has some excellent features: It’s user-friendly. Although long [...]
Life is like…
Posted in Christian life, Dark Providence, providence on July 14, 2010 | Leave a Comment »
When meat needs to be softened up, the meat tenderizer is the weapon (or should I say implement) of choice. Take a piece of meat and pound on it for a while with the tenderizer, and it will gradually get more soft and tender. (Side note: I wonder who came up with this unusual kitchen tool?) [...]
It Won’t Always Be Like This
Posted in Bible, Dark Providence, providence on July 5, 2010 | Leave a Comment »
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a [...]
Steeling from Polycarp
Posted in Christian life, Dark Providence, Jesus Christ, Quotes on May 2, 2010 | Leave a Comment »
Missionary stories always have a way of inspiring, encouraging, and steeling us. The true stories of martyrs have the same effect. Consider Polycarp, a late first-century and early second-century Christian. Hearing his captors had arrived one evening, Polycarp left his bed to welcome them, ordered a meal prepared for them, and then asked for [...]
Spiritual Depression
Posted in Dark Providence, encouragement, Quotes on April 8, 2010 | Leave a Comment »
Elyse Fitzpatrick gives this excellent advice regarding the cure for spiritual depression: “All progress in the Christian life depends upon a recapitulation of the original terms of one’s acceptance with God” (John Stott, The Cross of Christ, p. 27). This delightful quote points us to an enduring remedy for all our ills, even that [...]
Good Times
Posted in Dark Providence, sovereignty of God on April 6, 2010 | 3 Comments »
Good times aren’t always good for us. “Take care lest you forget the LORD your God by not keeping his commandments and his rules and his statutes, which I command you today, lest, you when you have eaten and are full and have built good houses and live in them, and when your herds and [...]
Don’t Camp on “Why?”
Posted in Dark Providence, Elisabeth Elliot on March 31, 2010 | Leave a Comment »
Why? Many of us ask that question, especially when we’re suffering. We want to know why something has happened (or hasn’t happened). We yearn to discover the reason God ordained – caused or allowed – something. We want to know why. It’s a good and honest question, but it’s unwise to spend too much [...]
This is a “must-read”
Posted in Dark Providence, John Piper, Recommendations on December 18, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
John Piper published an outstanding article called “Don’t Waste Your Cancer” after he was diagnosed with a form of it several years ago. David Powlinson, a Christian counselor, has added his own comments which make the article even more outstanding. It’s a must-read. The word “cancer” has been heard recently by a number of [...]
Fiery Trials
Posted in Dark Providence, Quick Takes on February 10, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
Last Sunday I preached a sermon on 1 Peter 4:12-19 called “Brace Yourselves” (taking a one-week break from the Gospel of Mark). One of the main points was this: the quicker we realize that suffering and pain are part of the normal Christian life the better. God never promised that we would be immune [...]
