When God Weeps – Scripture Dissection

Alive and Active Life
Alive and Active Life
When God Weeps - Scripture Dissection
Loading
/

Have you ever wondered if God cries? Well, He does. In fact, God weeps! I suppose most people don’t think about it. Nevertheless, it likely happens more often than you or I can imagine. When God weeps, He connects with you and me. Actually, that’s quite comforting. Plus, it gives permission to you to weep when your life overflows with disappointment.

What does God weep about?

Read More …

FacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmailFacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail

Can You Look At God?

Alive and Active Life
Alive and Active Life
Can You Look At God?
Loading
/

I’m sure you’ve heard warnings about looking straight at the sun during an eclipse. Well, what about looking straight at God? Recently, we published “Turn Your Face Toward It.” I recommend this article/podcast which explores a phrase right out of Scripture – “turn your face toward it.” The intent? Well, to turn your face toward God’s face. Especially interesting because Scripture says no one can look at Him and live! So, the question is – can you look at God?

Read More …

FacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmailFacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail

Prepare Your Heart For Christmas – Advent Week 1

Alive and Active Life
Alive and Active Life
Prepare Your Heart For Christmas - Advent Week 1
Loading
/

Most people really like Christmas. There are a few grinches who despise the annual celebration. But many more cherish this annual holiday. They lean into invisible qualities of hope and joy connected to the evergreen tree, lights and decorations, beautiful music, giving and receiving, special goodies, and moments of reflection. Unfortunately, many of these same “Christmas-loving” people feel overwhelmed at the hustle and bustle. So, how do you prepare your heart for this beloved holiday?

Read More …

FacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmailFacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail

Discouragement – When Hope Flickers

Alive and Active Life
Alive and Active Life
Discouragement - When Hope Flickers
Loading
/

Do you remember in Star Wars when Han Solo and Princess Leia barely escape with their lives from the enemy forces of Darth Vader? On their escape journey, Han suggests they go to Cloud City where one of his buddies, Lando Calrissian, lives. They’ll be safe there. So, with new hope, they arrive in Cloud City, and Lando escorts them into a room. As they approach the room, the door opens. Incredibly, Darth Vader is in the room! Do you remember the look on their faces? Disbelief. Even horror. This is discouragement – when hope flickers.

If you’re not a Star Wars fan, you still know what I mean. Think of your own example. Perhaps you only need to look in the mirror to see discouragement – when hope flickers.

Read More …

FacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmailFacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail

Secret Code: A Powerful Message

Alive and Active Life
Alive and Active Life
Secret Code: A Powerful Message
Loading
/

During many wars, including world wars, there are clever, secret codes used to conceal a powerful message intended for an ally. Espionage and undercover work quite literally help nations advance and win wars. The powerful message is coded for transmission. Eventually, it’s decoded – translated – into it’s true meaning. Essentially, this is the method used to deceive those who shouldn’t receive the information, as well as make it plain and simple for the receiver once it’s decoded.

Read More …

FacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmailFacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail

You Are Invited

Alive and Active Life
Alive and Active Life
You Are Invited
Loading
/

You go to the mail box and pull out a crisp white envelope with an official seal. The exquisite handwriting specifies your name and address. Rather than ripping it open – like junk mail – you pull out your letter opener to surgically slide along the top envelope crease. From the open slot, you gingerly slip out a beautiful, heavy-weight card that says, “You Are Invited.” In surprise and wonder, you flip open the card to see – it’s the very event you’ve always wanted to attend! Up till now, you’ve never dreamed you’d have the opportunity.

Read More …

FacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmailFacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail

This Country!

Alive and Active Life
Alive and Active Life
This Country!
Loading
/

Every nation goes through seasons of change. This election year in the United States brings a responsibility to remember who we are. And I, for one, still believe in this country of opportunity. Additionally, I’m thankful for freedom. As complicated and challenging as democracy can become, it’s still quite a worthy experiment. Matter of fact, Winston Churchill once said: “Democracy is the worst form of government – except for all the others that have been tried.” If that is true, then what responsibilities must we faithfully carry forward to preserve this country’s foundation? What is required of us to be worthy citizens, as well as followers of Jesus?

Read More …

FacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmailFacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail

Little gods – Scripture Dissection

Alive and Active Life
Alive and Active Life
Little gods - Scripture Dissection
Loading
/

As we explore “Little gods,” I’m thinking about a superhero movie – The Avengers. There’s an exchange between the Black Widow and Captain America. Oddly, they are discussing whether to go after Thor and Loki. If you’re familiar with the Marvel superhero movies, you’ll remember the conversation –

Natasha Romanoff (Black Widow): I’d sit this one out, Cap!

Steve Rogers (Captain America): I don’t see how I can!

Natasha Romanoff: These guys come from legend. They’re basically gods.

Steve Rogers: There’s only one God, Ma’am, and I’m pretty sure He doesn’t dress like that!

You know, it’s one thing to talk about make-belief superheroes as “gods.” But to talk about people like you and me being gods? Realistically, that’s a stretch! Interestingly, Scripture does. Consequently, what practical application does “little gods” have for you?

Read More …

FacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmailFacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail

Indignant!

Alive and Active Life
Alive and Active Life
Indignant!
Loading
/

 

Remember Downton Abbey – the television series and movies? If you watched this excellent period drama, I’m sure you’ll remember frequent times the Dowager Countess and Cousin Isobel are completely indignant toward one another. Their continual sparring is a unique dimension of their very unusual friendship. So, what exactly is “indignant?” Let’s look at what it means and who uses it.

Read More …

FacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmailFacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail

One Size For Everybody

Alive and Active Life
Alive and Active Life
One Size For Everybody
Loading
/

Remember when the pandemic was in full swing? Everybody was buying masks and medical gloves. Well, I found some medical gloves for a great price. So I ordered. When they came, I checked the box front. Sure enough – one size fits all. Not true! Those gloves were big enough to fit a professional basketball player who can “palm” the ball! So, I was stuck with these huge gloves. Incidentally, there was so much room in each glove finger, I could have packed snacks in there. So much for one size for everybody!

Read More …

FacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmailFacebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail