Darkened Glass Reflections

Category: Bible meditations

  • Shining the Light—John 9:1–5

    Shining the Light—John 9:1–5

    Whenever disaster or tragedy strikes, the instinctive response for people of faith is to ask, “Where is God in all of this?” Unfortunately, many approach the question from the wrong angle. We may view the world through the eyes of justice and judgment instead of mercy and grace.

  • Reflection on Mark 9:38-41 (Revisited)

    Reflection on Mark 9:38-41 (Revisited)

    John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” But Jesus said,“Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. For the…

  • In the World, Not of It (Revisited)

    In the World, Not of It (Revisited)

    Christians should not really be surprised that society is growing increasingly hostile towards us. We should be surprised that we have enjoyed a somewhat favorable status in American society for so long. Jesus warned His disciples that the world would hate them.

  • Through a Glass Darkly (Revisited)

    Through a Glass Darkly (Revisited)

    The concept that believers see “through a glass darkly” should encourage us. Questions often assault our faith: “Why? What are you doing to me, God? When will you do what I thought You would?” These are the questions that shake our faith, perhaps more so than the intellectual or philosophical challenges to our faith. The…

  • Sabbaths, Sabbaticals, and Seasons of Refreshing

    Sabbaths, Sabbaticals, and Seasons of Refreshing

    A few thoughts about Sabbaths and sabbaticals. I will take the month of August off from writing; will be back in September.

  • Dressed for Success

    Dressed for Success

    According to Romans 8:37, we should be “overwhelming conquerors.” Yet, many Christians suffer defeat in some area of their lives. This is not God’s will for you. God declared that He wants you to be more than a conqueror.

  • Keeping the Trolls Under the Bridge

    Internet trolling has no place in the Kingdom of God. In his pastoral epistles, Paul warned Timothy and Titus to avoid arguments and controversies.

  • Remaining Alert—Luke 21:34–36

    Remaining Alert—Luke 21:34–36

    Conjecture about the future distracts believers from the here-and-now. We can be overly concerned about living through the Great Tribulation, but first we need to survive the temptations of today. If we cannot overcome sin and Satan in today’s small conflicts, how can we overcome if full-blown persecution comes to our country?

  • Imitating the Father

    Imitating the Father

    God the Father gave us His best self-portrait when He sent His Son to show us who He is and what He is like.

  • A Few Thoughts About the Trinity

    A Few Thoughts About the Trinity

    This is part of walking by faith: We trust God and believe Him to be Who He says He is, even when we do not fully understand it. When I was a small child, I had faith that my mother and father were my parents, long before I learned what that meant or how we…