Snapshots and Synapses

I don’t like to suffer. I dislike pain. I have no desire to even watch a movie that’s filled with suffering, especially if there’s nothing redemptive coming out of the hardship. I wish that life were easier, but the truth is that life is hard and that the more I think it should be easier, the harder it gets.  Knowing that life is hard, in a strange way helps me appreciate it more. If I expect life to be hard, I can still enjoy what is good and even enjoy the good fruits of labors resulting from endured hardship. I’ve learned to understand that sometimes we know we’re on the right path by the resistance we feel along the way. I still don’t enjoy suffering, but I can be emboldened by it. Paul understood a deep truth that he very matter-of-factly wrote to the Romans:  “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God—those whom he has called according to his plan.” ( Romans 8:28 ) Likewise James wrote:  My brothers and sisters, be very happy when you ...

I’ll repeat my previous encouragements to explore every doctrine and postulation of different Bible teachers as a possibility until proven or rejected by the Bible itself. Maintain a healthy skepticism as well as an openness to some new insights. There are some contradictory beliefs by learned theologians about the Book of Revelations.  Some people believe that true believers will be caught up in sky with Jesus upon His return at the end of the seven year Tribulation period; this commonly referred to as “post-trib”, short for Post-Tribulation Rapture. A very common belief is in the Pre-Tribulation Rapture (Pre-Trib), who point out Bible verses which indicate that the Rapture and Christ’s Return are two separate events and that God has promised to protect His people from the Day of His Wrath. Some references include: Saving church from God’s wrath - 1 Thessalonians 5:9   & Revelation 3:10   Christ comes for His saints - John 14:3   & 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 ...

I’ll repeat my encouragement in Revelation upon Revelation to explore every doctrine and postulation of any Bible teacher as a possibility until proven or rejected by the Bible itself. Maintain a healthy skepticism as well as an openness to some new insights. What are the Four Horsemen? There have been countless movies, stories and myths about the four horsemen of the apocalypse, and they all originate from chapter 6 of Revelation. Do these four horsemen ride out together in cinematic pageantry to unite their powers towards some ominous apocalyptic purpose? We should go directly to the Book of Revelation to understand. The fact is that with all the spectacle of Hollywood and imaginative musings authors often visualize about these symbolic characters, it is almost always a complete re-imagining of who they are as described in the Bible.  Each horseman rides out after a seal to a scroll is opened. (See Revelation upon Revelation  for context) These are the first four seals of a ...

I'm not sure where to begin with this. After all, people historically have gone over the top with their revelations on the Book of Revelation. And let's be clear: John, the author, told us specifically not to add or remove anything from the book. So I will do my best to explain my understanding without any presumptions that my understanding is correct. This is simply my humble conjecture; it is not gospel truth. We see but dimly and even the brightest of all men (someone smarter than myself) can only understand scripture as God chooses to reveal it. I have written before that with every prophecy there is a revelation, an interpretation, and finally an application . The Book of Revelation is filled with revelation upon revelation. The Book of Revelation includes many interpretations as well as references to other symbols found earlier in the Bible. There are many educated theologians with vastly different understandings of this book... because it is prophetic! And as such prophe...

I love the Christmas season! For me, it’s always been a time of peace and goodwill, a time for family gatherings and reconnections, a time of giving and joy. It colors every aspect of my life and fills me with an intense appreciation of all that I’ve been given: the relationships, assets, and circumstances. It also fills me with a longing for Eternity, a knowledge that this is not my home and that the treasures of my Christmas are a but a dim reflection of what is currently unseen and the glory that will be revealed.  There are so many Christmas stories I enjoy: movies, books, and memories. Yet so many of these are a sleight of hand distraction from what Christmas truly is. Some people would rightly point out that many of our Christmas traditions come from pagan practices, and a person could wonder why Christians would have overlaid Saturnalia with a Christian holy day. But consider this: God always has something better for us than what we would choose for ourselves. The joy, peace...

My timing and God’s timing have never quite been in sync: I was ready to graduate from college while still in high school; ready to get married before I had even met my wife or matured enough emotionally and spiritually to stay married; not ready to take ownership of my vocation, finding it easier to blame others; and not ready to write today’s blog. The truth is, I can be both overly eager, not taking the time God gives me to prepare, and slow to move out of my comfort zone. Fortunately, God’s timing is always perfect.  We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God—those whom he has called according to his plan. ~ Romans 8:28 The truth of that Bible verse has been increasingly penetrating my heart since I first put my trust in Jesus, learning to trust Him more and more. It tells me that I don’t need to have it all figured out. I have my part, and God has His. I’m called to take ownership of my actions, to be responsible in doing what I know to be right a...

Years ago, I wrote a Christmas short story that's now available on Amazon. The Kindle ebook will be available for free from 20-DEC to 24-DEC. Although a work of fiction, I believe the story truly explains the real meaning of Christmas. It starts off pretty traditional before taking a quick pivot.  If interested, follow the link to Amazon. The story is called " The Shepherd's Letter ".  I hope you enjoy... Merry Christmas!