Darkened Glass Reflections

Category: Spiritual reflections

  • Repentance: The Flip Side of Faith

    Spiritually, many Christians try to walk with a faith that lacks its flip side. When I became a Christian, I was told how I could be born again if I simply believe in Jesus Christ and accept his free gift of salvation. I could simply say a quick prayer and be guaranteed eternal life. Yet,…

  • Salvation Page Added

    I have recently added a page to my website explaining how one can come into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

  • Japan Tsunami: A Lesson in Being Ready

    Since the tsunami devastated Japan last week, the news has been at times unimaginable. The last death toll I read was around 10,000. As I am writing this blog, breaking news on Yahoo! reports that there are fears of yet another tidal wave hitting the nation. Yet another Yahoo! article reports that the tsunami had…

  • 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.

  • Unceasing Devotion

    First Thessalonians 5:16–18 provides some insight into how Christians can have God’s peace in hard times: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

  • Your Way AND His Way

    As He healed him, Jesus said, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” Jesus encouraged him to go home with his healing. Instead, Bartimaeus “followed him on the way.”

  • Setting Goals

    The new year is now a little less shiny. The sparkly sheen has now worn off one week in. People are no longer saying “Happy New Year” (well, one person said that to me today, but she did not see me last week). Many people have already broken their New Year’s resolutions. I have kept…

  • Birthdays, Anniversaries, and Looking Ahead: New Article

    I just posted a new article on this site, entitled “Birthdays, Anniversaries, and Looking Ahead.“ This is the text of the sermon that I preached this morning at Half Hollow Community Church in Dix Hills, NY. The nondenominational church was celebrating its 134th anniversary, and I was asked to fill the pulpit. The minister, Rev.…

  • Through a Glass Darkly

    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…

  • Passion and Passivity

    “Passivity” starts with the same five letters as does “passion.” Yet, these words are virtual opposites. Someone who is passionate cannot be passive at the same time, about the same thing.