Darkened Glass Reflections

Category: Christian Life

  • Lent: A Time of Renewal

    Lent is not just about fasting. It should not be a season for meaningless ritualized self-denial, but a time when we renew our dedication to Christ. This is a prime time for strengthening our devotion to Christ so that we can walk with him throughout the year.

  • Scripture Sabbath Challenge—Genesis 17:1–6

    By establishing a covenant with Abram (or Abraham), God took a “nobody” and transformed him into a “somebody” whose life and faith still impact our world.

  • Modern-Day Elijahs III: Healing and Hope

    Modern-Day Elijahs III: Healing and Hope

    We may never have the privilege of bringing a dead child back to life, but Christians are always called to minister as intercessors. Especially when others blame us or question our faith, we should stand as mediators between God and others. It is not our job to prove that we are right; it is our…

  • Scripture Sabbath Challenge—Matthew 16:13–19

    Scripture Sabbath Challenge—Matthew 16:13–19

    This is the believer’s authority: To offer God’s forgiveness to a lost and dying world. To proclaim to sinners that Jesus died for them and offers eternal life to all who will come to Him. We are not called to proclaim condemnation, but to offer life and hope.

  • God With Us, and Us With God

    Jesus is “God-with-us.” My mission in 2016 is to be “Mike-with-God.”

  • Robin Williams, Suicide, and Hope

    “If the LORD had not been my help, my soul would soon have lived in the land of silence. When I thought, “My foot slips,” your steadfast love, O LORD, held me up. When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.” (Psalms 94:17-19) Over the last 27 hours, I have…

  • Reflection on Mark 9:38-41

    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…

  • Teaching, Reproof, Correction, and Training in Righteousness

    As we read the Bible, we should look at it from this perspective. What is God trying to tell me? What is He trying to teach me about Himself, or myself, or the world He created? What sinful behaviors or bad habits is He pointing out in my life? What false beliefs is He seeking…

  • Getting Ready

    While the world calls us to stores and sales, Christians need to focus more on the coming of the Lord, and His current abiding presence in our lives. That is the message of Advent, as we await the joyous celebration of Christmas. Let us not be swept away by the storm of secularism and materialism…