Darkened Glass Reflections
Living today with an eye on eternity
-
Walking Through the Valleys. II: To the Other Side
A valley is merely a low point between two high places. You can climb the mountain out of the valley to the glorious summit where the light of the Son dispels all darkness. If you are in the valley, continue to follow God. Praise Him that He wants you to abide on the mountaintop, not…
-
Walking Through the Valleys. I: Entering the Valley
Psalm 23 reminds us that we may wander into the valley even while we are obeying God. This sheep could say, with all honesty, that the Lord was his shepherd. He was following his shepherd, but he still found himself in a valley. You do not need to sin or lack faith in God to…
-
The Annunciation: Saying “Yes” to God
In speaking to the angel, Mary speaks FOR all true disciples of Jesus: “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” Let this be our prayer: That we can be faithful to God, obeying Him and doing His will regardless the circumstances and risk, trusting Him…
-
Storing Up God’s Word—Psalm 119:9–11
Although Psalm 119:9 refers to “young men,” this passage is not reserved for a certain age group. All can benefit from this wisdom. Young men, young women, old men, and old women all need to keep our ways pure, and the answer is true for all of us.
-
Children of God and Siblings of Jesus
This Easter, as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, let us gain a greater vision of our identity as members of Jesus’ family.
-
Thank God It’s (Good) Friday
Good Friday reminds us that the world’s idea of good conflicts with God’s idea of good. The world views Friday as the victory of leisure and pleasure over labor and drudgery. Good Friday reminds us that the true victory is Christ’s victory over hell and Satan, of life’s victory over death, and the victory of…
-
Triumphal Entry, Worship, Betrayal, and Abandonment
Christians know the triumphal entry story so well that we can miss the point. We can learn a lot from the disciples because they are terribly human. They are a lot like us. Sometimes, they show us heroic faith that we hope to imitate. At other times, they show us just how badly we can…
-
Joseph in God’s Leadership Training Program
Genesis depicts Joseph as the first Israelite to emerge as a world leader. As a youth, he dreamed that his brothers and parents would one day bow before him (Genesis 37:5–11). By the time that actually happened, he was a changed man, equipped by God to lead. He started with dreams and ambition. He developed…
-
Judging Others or Examining Ourselves
“Judge not” is not something Jesus tells us to say to others. It is something He tells us to say to ourselves when we interact with other people.
-
Of Trees and Tumbleweeds: Rooted in and Nourished by God’s Word
A plant that remains grounded with its roots can produce its life-imparting fruit while providing beauty and security. It is no accident that Psalms 1 and Jeremiah 17 compares blessed godly people with trees planted by the water. Securely rooted and grounded in a life-giving source, they impart life and fruit to others. Separated from…
Darkened Glass Reflections 