At the Intersection of Theology, Nature, and the Arts
In the book of Acts, Saul—after undergoing his Damascus Road conversion—is encouraged by Ananias to “get up, be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” Well, I was reminded today of an article I penned, some years ago, about the "Wash Away Your Sins" product line manufactured by Blue …
Gratitude. Thankfulness. Focusing on the positives in our lives, rather than—what we might think of as—the negatives. I have a couple of stories to share, but we begin first with Philippians, chapter 4, where we read: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to …
I recently learned that a church I formerly pastored has issued a new policy statement wherein the body said its unity was not based on an "adherence to a particular set of doctrinal beliefs." They've chosen, instead, to embrace "a broad diversity" of opinions on scriptural interpretation and have expunged their Statement of Beliefs from …
Continue reading "Falling Away from the Faith Once Received"
Matthew 4:1-11 and 2 Timothy 4:1-5 When, at the end of 2021, I was nearing the end of a pastorate in New Hampshire, I wanted to prepare the congregation for the next chapter in their life together. On one Sunday, I stressed the need for the church to mobilize in ministries of compassion; the following …
A Voice in the Wind: Another Route Audio How does the Lord speak to us? How do we discern the voice of God? Some time ago, an acquaintance suggested I read, A Voice in the Wind, by Francine Rivers. I located a copy and dug in. Now I’m not usually attracted to much Christian fiction, …
Here is a devotional message from Streams in the Desert that speaks to how the Lord may "shut us up to something divine" wherein He can show us the "utterly new and unexpected." Praying, as you look to Him, you may be opened on to the miraculous! “Then go inside and shut the door”—2 Kings …
A couple of days ago, I was so incensed over the barbaric conduct of some Philadelphia Eagles' fans that I posted an article I have since taken down. I regret having shared it. The team shouldn't be smeared by the brutish and boorish behavior of the few. Far better to focus on the gentlemen who …
The following was originally published on September 7, 2012 on my website, The Rockery (www.the-rockery.com). On August 29, 2005 at 6:10 a.m. Central Daylight Time, Katrina made landfall on the Gulf Coast of the United States as a Category 3 hurricane bringing with it devastating floods, battering winds . . . catastrophic destruction. More than …
Continue reading "How Could a Loving and All-Powerful God Allow the Catastrophic to Occur?"
“Ask for a confirming sign from the Lord your God. You can even ask for something miraculous”--Isaiah 7:11 (NIV) Ahab went out to meet Elijah. The moment Ahab saw Elijah he said, “So it’s you, old troublemaker!” “It’s not I who has caused trouble in Israel,” said Elijah, “but you and your government—you’ve dumped God’s ways and …
I am a staunch advocate for free speech and the free exercise of religion and am appalled at the steady erosion of these long-in-place and long-cherished rights in the United States. Phil Robertson, of Duck Dynasty, recently responded to a question about sin, paraphrasing--what he believes to be--the Word of God. He has been threatened with …
Continue reading "Forcing Conformity While Calling It Tolerance"
DFG Hailson 