Darkened Glass Reflections

Category: Bible meditations

  • Modern-Day Elijahs IX: Fathers and Families

    Modern-Day Elijahs IX: Fathers and Families

    Elijah ascended into heaven, but his legacy remains. Few biblical prophets share his prominence. Although he did not write any of the books of the Bible, he is considered one of the greatest prophets in Judaism. Only Moses holds higher esteem. When Jesus was transfigured, Moses and Elijah appeared with Him (Matthew 17:1–8).

  • Modern-Day Elijahs VIII: No Turning Back

    Modern-Day Elijahs VIII: No Turning Back

    The relationship between Elijah and Elisha offers numerous lessons. For a few years, Elisha followed his mentor, learning how to be a prophet. Most importantly though, he learned the character of a man of God. He learned to remain faithful, to refuse to give in to discouragement; to ask, watch, persist, and believe that God…

  • Modern-Day Elijahs VII: The Call to Follow

    Modern-Day Elijahs VII: The Call to Follow

    Will we cling to the past and present—to our comfortable existence—or will we sacrifice them to God? Will we surrender our future to Him? God may not call us out of our present physical circumstances. He may call us to serve Him while we continue in the ordinary occupation in which He found us. However,…

  • Modern-Day Elijahs VI: You’re Not Alone

    Modern-Day Elijahs VI: You’re Not Alone

    There is a reason why Jesus chose to assemble a team of apostles. He knew that people will give in to defeat and discouragement if they try to do God’s work alone. We are not made to serve Him as soloists. If you are facing discouragement in your walk with God, make sure you have…

  • 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.