"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." ~Joshua 1:9
Author: J Buchanan
Exercising Godliness requires no special levels of training or expertise. It isn’t reserved for certified spiritual leaders, with degrees from preaching schools and Bible colleges. I can practice it right now, over the course of this day. So can you. Godliness is displayed thru the smallest, daily actions: making my daughter’s bed and breakfast, showing … Continue reading Growing in Godliness
"A Psalm of Life" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow What the Heart of the Young Man Said to the Psalmist Tell me not, in mournful numbers, __Life is but an empty dream! For the soul is dead that slumbers, __And things are not what they seem. Life is real! Life is earnest! __And the … Continue reading Longfellow / “A Psalm of Life”
Christians should have the same mind as Jesus Christ. With that mindset comes both a wider context of spiritual knowledge and practical application for our daily lives. Let’s review two passages from the letters of the Apostle Paul – 1 Corinthians and Philippians. The spiritual knowledge of the “mind of Christ” instructs us in “the … Continue reading Humble Service & The “Mind of Christ”
Lions of the West: Heroes and Villains of the Westward Expansion by Robert Morgan Thorough in detail, Lions of the West is a assembled, untold together take on American westward expansion in the very late 18th and early 19th centuries. Morgan carefully weaves together the over-arching themes of the growing nation with the charismatic personalities, character … Continue reading Book Review: “Lions of the West: Heroes and Villains of the Westward Expansion,” by Robert Morgan
Human nature remains largely unchanged over time. That realization quickly dulls the shiny, temporary appeal of cultural movements. "What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun." ~Ecclesiastes 1:9. As a Christian, the standard I lift in the air should be … Continue reading Dulling the Shiny Appeal of Culture
I'm frightened by the eagerness to jump on cultural bandwagons. They’re driven more by emotions, selfishness, and superficiality, and less by contemplation, altruism, and truthfulness. Don't allow yourself to be boxed-in. Some examples, you ask? Certainly… Gun Control: My choice is not between the second amendment OR children being murdered. Patriotism: My choice is not … Continue reading Cultural Bandwagons
Do I live with Integrity? If so, then my behaviors are aligned with my Identity in each of my life’s roles. My integrity is very much about becoming better day by day, growing and expanding my roles in life. Are you a loving Spouse? Then do those things a loving Husband or Wife does. Nourish … Continue reading The Integrity of Daily Life
A bad choice starts much earlier than the moment of decision. Sin starts small before growing bigger. In the moment, when temptation is before me, my choice relies on what is already inside my heart. Small inputs in the days leading to this moment heavily influence my capability to act with integrity. Small moments of … Continue reading Check Your Inputs
God created the heavens and the earth…”In the beginning.” His breath-taking creation sits right under our nose and some days, it sits largely unnoticed. Evidences of a Creator are numerous. Each day, as we enter a New Year, let’s take a look at facts which confirm the creation of the world. There’s not much “scientific” … Continue reading It takes a lot of faith to believe in Evolution… (“Young Earth” post 2 of 2)
God created the heavens and the earth…”In the beginning.” His breath-taking creation sits right under our nose and some days, it sits largely unnoticed. Evidences of a Creator are numerous. Each day, as we enter a New Year, let’s take a look at facts which confirm the creation of the world. There’s not much “scientific” … Continue reading It takes a lot of faith to believe in Evolution… (“Young Earth” post 1 of 2)
Be Strong & Courageous! 