I’ve been blogging for four years now. Compared to many writers, four years isn’t a long time. But when I think about where I began, four years feels big.
Colossians
Still Single
“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in [pursuit] of a [seminary education] must be in want of a wife.”
Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice (slightly adjusted)
The Christian at Work
A number of my friends from seminary work in local churches, meaning their coworkers and bosses are fellow believers. A number of other friends, however, work in coffee shops, department stores, or in other non-religious occupations. One such friend recently asked how Christians in such positions can best represent Christ to their coworkers, specifically when lifestyles and ethical frameworks conflict. Today, I want to offer a few thoughts on the subject.
The Psychology of Demons
I watched The Exorcist in high school. While I watched movies often in those days, especially action/adventure movies and comedies, I hadn’t yet explored much in the realm of horror. The movie left an impression on me that remains to this day, though not because the movie itself scared me. No, I remember The Exorcist because, around the viewing of the film, I was told stories of real life events that inspired parts of the story. The story of The Exorcist forced me to recognize the reality of spiritual warfare, the existence of actual demons. The film reminded me that we face a very real, very evil enemy.
An Open Letter To Myself
The Present: Reflections on Instructions from Screwtape
In chapter fifteen of The Screwtape Letters, Screwtape writes to Wormwood that humans must be made to look to the future and must be kept from any focus upon eternity or upon the present. Screwtape, a wiser, older demon than Wormwood, explains that “nearly all vices are rooted in the future. Gratitude looks to the past and love to the present; fear, avarice, lust, and ambition look ahead” (1). By keeping humans focused on the future they will be kept away from the designs of the Enemy, who desires humans to focus upon the present, upon eternity, upon himself, and upon their present work.
Three Challenges from Matthew 25
Art and Easter
I gave more thought to Easter this year than I have in previous years, and I believe that art played a major role in helping me to focus and to feel.
Stress
(Photo cred: Mitchell Martin – Instagram: @mitchellrmartin )
I started to feel stressed this morning. As I realized how many things I need to accomplish this month, I began to feel the weight of all that responsibility weighing down on me. I’m usually fairly laid back, but, when stress hits, I grow overwhelmed quickly. Continue reading
Five Truths for the Newly Single
Although breakups occur often in our culture, we don’t seem to know how to handle them well.
as i learn to walk 