We are a people looking for peace. One may look at a painting and be transported into a world where nothing can trouble them. Perhaps your peace comes from standing on the banks of a gently flowing river, or sitting in the sand as the ocean tide rolls in and out, or a walk in the woods, or perhaps just listening to soft music. Wherever our search might lead us, we are all seeking peace.
We tend to look for peace in the wrong place though. Travel agencies profit from the search as…
In this world of computer technology and artificial intelligence, you have most likely heard of the word “algorithm.” An algorithm is defined as a set of rules or step-by-step procedure used to solve a problem or perform a computation, especially by a computer. It is a process that involves a sequence of actions or operations that lead to a desired outcome. Computer programmers have designed algorithms for social media platforms as well as a whole host of other applications in order to persuade individuals to devote large amounts of their time on those platforms or apps. When data can show…
When king Solomon died, his son Rehoboam was set to take the throne of Israel. The people, even under wise Solomon’s rule, had endured the burdens of living in a monarchy (just as God had warned— see 1 Samuel 8:11ff). But now, sensing an opportunity for change, they asked Rehoboam to lighten those burdens (1 Kings 12).
Before answering the people, Rehoboam consulted the older men who had served his father. Their good counsel was this: “If you will be a servant to this people today, and will serve them and grant…
At some point in each of our lives we will face a point of uncertainty, a point of confusion and a point in which we’re not sure that things will get better. It is at this point in time I have been reminded of Isaiah 40 verses 30 through 31 which says, “Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be…
Steps are interesting things. Often, the process of how things work in our lives are divided into steps, steps we have to follow in order to succeed. All of us have stories of past experiences that demonstrate to us that missing a step, even a small one, can ruin a project. Maybe we didn't follow the step of stirring our paint thoroughly before applying it to our walls, and therefore the color didn't spread evenly. Perhaps missing a step while building our Ikea bookcase eventually caused those shelves to collapse and books to fall to the floor. In building a…
One of my favorites among the Psalms is Psalm 139. In it, David wrote: “Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I get up; You understand my thought from far away. You scrutinize my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before there is a word on my tongue, Behold, Lord, You know it all. You have encircled me behind and in front, And placed Your hand upon me.” (Psalm 139: 1-5). To some, this might seem…
Jesus' disciples were on the sea, being tossed about by a violent storm, and Jesus rebukes them for being afraid, saying "O you of little faith." The disciples find themselves unable to cast out a demon, and Jesus attributes their ineffectiveness to their "little" faith. The disciples fail to understand Jesus' teachings and again he says "O you of little faith." Even though these disciples were often criticized for their little faith, it's hard to see men like Peter, James, and John in that light. Didn't they leave everything behind to follow Jesus? Didn't…
