Article by Dr. Les Hollon, Pastor, Trinity Baptist Church
Doubting Thomas is what most people call him. The nickname “doubting” stuck to the Apostle because three times, at key points in Jesus’ ministry, he asked Jesus to explain himself.
Does asking God to clarify Himself mean that we lack faith? Maybe. It can be our way of stiff-arming God to keep Him at a distance, and our commitments to Him at a minimum. Or, asking questions can be our faithful response of wanting more information, insight, and instruction so our faith in God can be best applied.
Which was it for Thomas? Which is it for you?
Doubt expressed from the lips of Thomas came from his heart of faith. Doubts formed in the mind of Thomas caused him to be more certain in his faith.
Thomas placed his doubts in the hands of God so his own hands would not be unnerved by what the future would demand of him. He knew that the stakes of following Jesus were as high as heaven, and costly as the cross. Thomas shows us how to use doubt in the service of faith.
First, after questioning whether Jesus really wanted to put his life at risk by going near Jerusalem in order to help His friend Lazarus, Thomas said - upon seeing Jesus walking in that direction – “Let us go also, that we may die with him.” (John 11:1-16).
Secondly, after Jesus told the Apostles to not let their hearts be troubled because they would know the way to be with Him after His death, Thomas said, “Lord we do not know where you are going, how can we know the way?” Thomas’ question set up Jesus to give the most powerful response, “I am the way, the truth, and the life, one comes to the Father through me.” (John 14:1-6). Read More »
Article by Mary Bea Sullivan
Nestled in my favorite green chair, warmed by the fire and MIss White’s hand-sewn quilt, I was enjoying an unusually peaceful evening alone.
Suddenly the stillness was shattered by a low, snarling growl from my dog, Daisy…
Hesitantly, I stood up to turn the outside light on when I spotted the object of Daisy’s over-zealous protection - a raccoon swinging from one of the bird feeders on the deck.
My involuntary reaction was disgust. Those stupid raccoons make such a mess! Ugh! What a waste of bird seed!
I was about to shoo the intruder away when I paused for an instant. Instead of a messy pest I noticed a sweet face staring back at me and returned his gaze. Stillness hovered under the moon-lit sky as we silently watched one another. Looking into his eyes, I began to soften…
Where there was repulsion, there was now attraction. Moments before, yelling at the raccoon seemed the most appropriate response; now that I knew him, that felt like a cruel way to treat a fellow creature. Read More »
Article by Kevin L. DeWitt
If we’re not busy, we feel unproductive and lazy …
That’s what we’re taught in this fast-paced, cram as many things into each day as possible world. The modern world where everything is a rush. Moreover, we compete by trying to show how busy we are … and the winner is the person with the most insane schedule, because obviously that means he’s the most popular and successful.
Well, maybe not. Perhaps the modern world is wrong. Perhaps the speed and sheer volume of doing is not as important as what we focus on doing.
Perhaps we need to slow down … so that we don’t miss out on life with our constant rushing. Slow down, stop rushing, and enjoy life. Read More »
Article by Malcolm Marler
For those of us who are of the Christian faith, Matthew 6:19-43 is one of the clearest passages about Christian simplicity in the Bible. Take a moment and read it through (see below).
The words of Jesus are radical as he instructs us to vow, “I trust that God will take care of my basic needs and I do not need to be anxious about anything.” For me, it is an invitation to live radically different than I do.
I am trying to live more simply, and discovering it’s not about simple answers as much as it is about defining my priorities of what is most important. I want to live more simply so that I can live my life with more purpose.
My problem is … I don’t really stop long enough to know what my priorities are for living today. Read More »
Article by Mary Bea Sullivan
“Do you still enjoy what you’re doing?” I asked Theresa as she changed out camera lenses.
“Funny you should ask. I have been re-thinking some things,” she replied.
“Really? How long have you been a photographer?”
“Well, I started when I was 17 and I’m 52. What’s the math on that?” I was intrigued. Theresa seemed so established in her work, why would she be “rethinking some things?”
While Theresa moved adeptly about her photography studio, checking lighting, adjusting backgrounds, she told her story. “This economy, it’s been hard on everybody. I just never thought I would have to worry about my livelihood. But when folks don’t know how they’re going to pay the rent or buy food, they sure aren’t gonna be paying for pictures. It’s been tough.” I shared some of my own experiences with professional challenges and we exchanged that look of mutual misery.
“I told Daddy just the other day, ‘I realize these last few years I’ve been grieving.‘ Mary, it just isn’t like me to be depressed. But I think between the digital age and the economy, this has all hit me real hard.”
We stood silently shaking our heads in agreement. “But you know what, I’m getting ready for a career change.”
My head popped up, “You are? What kind of career change?”
“Well, I’ve decided if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. I’m taking classes on how to design websites. I LOVE it! I LOVE working with the computer! Imagine how great it would be to have someone who could design your website and take professional pictures to put on that site! Also, I’m teaching classes for folks who want to learn how to use their digital cameras better. Some for beginners, some for advanced. I have more energy than I’ve had in years.”
Astounded, I stood watching Theresa, inspired by her ability to listen deeply to what life was offering her. How often do we feel a sense of sadness over things changing, a desire to hold on to “what has been,” and struggle to find a way forward? Read More »
