-
Guard Your Memory
Oscar Wilde wrote, “Memory is the diary we all carry about with us.” The chorus who concur with Wilde have written the same. However, memory can be easily distorted. At times we remember what we want to be true, even though it is not. Some recall partial events from a perspective that doesn’t tell the real story. In more recent days we have seen historical revisionists. These are people who twist the annals of history to fit into their preconceived narrative or political opinion. Historians, which was once a noble profession, has become a cloudy mix of motivated activists. This…
-
The failure of “seeking”
A research team was commissioned to report on the transition of college graduates into the workforce. One of the findings disturbed the administration and it was buried in the back of the document. It appears that job placement, though generous in nature, has caused a lack of pursuit among the graduates. They are told that it is the university’s responsibility to help them find the right career path, i.e., a job. Ultimately, the failure of “seeking” or searching has caused a stir, especially when the transition does not occur. I submit that there is a value in the search, all…
-
Focus
Photography John Watson wrote, “focus is more than simply sharpness or being able to see what you are looking at. Focus is enhancing the subject by making it stand out from its surroundings.” The famed Caravaggio thought the same. Caravaggio used dark shades of color to pull his subjects to the forefront. Some artists/photographers forget this principle, leaving the viewer with no central figure. Watson noted that without focus, the picture or scene is devalued. Consider the environment around the birth of Jesus. A virgin brings forth a child; a guiding star and a choir of angels are present. Bethlehem…
-
“Heart Transplant”
Truth be told, the prophet Jeremiah cried more than he preached for the majority of his ministry. The people of Israel had abandoned their faith in God which activated the prophet’s burden. Israel had devolved into a backslidden nation and Jeremiah became the weeping prophet. He preached and prayed for 40 years without a single convert. The pleasures of life had consumed the people, along with the trappings of carnal living – too much to relate in this small communique. The problem was the heart of the people. Israel had a heart problem. Even still, the Lord’s intent was this:…
-
Seasons
Genesis 8:22 “While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.” As long as the earth exists there will always be seasons. Seasons are ordained by God. They are without rebuttal. Daniel said that God alone changes the times and seasons. He removes kings and sets up new ones. God has the sole authority over all times. At His Will, He can change their length or breadth. He casts them into form. Harvest is a wonderful time. However, a season denotes an expiration date. Contrary to some,…
-
A Little Leaven
Galatians 5:7-9 “Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you. A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.” Notice the words in the text. Things were going so well for those believers in Galatia. However, someone added something detrimental to their “run” and it hindered their relationship with God. Paul emphatically denounced the change. Paul’s persuasion was that of perseverance and faithfulness. Regardless of life’s circumstances, Paul believed that nothing and no one should be allowed to hinder the path of the believer. And then…
-
Sin
Perhaps someone will read this in years to come and wonder what the coronavirus was all about. The virus seems to have originated in Wuhan, China, basically the middle of the country. The WHO has reported that nothing has come close to the casualties and infections since the SARS outbreak 18 years ago. Several countries are taking steps to deter the spread as 30 airlines have suspended flights to China. The problem is that there is no fixed quarantine that will suffice. The interaction of people, through degrees of separation, cannot be managed. In plain terms, it’s too late. Too…
-
Anchor
Hebrews 2:1-3 “Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;” The search for a missing boat along the Florida coastline came to a conclusion when it was discovered stranded against a rocky…
-
… warm thoughts …
What do you do in times of crisis? That question was posed to the attendees at a corporate training conference. Everyone had an answer. Depending on the moment, some replied that 911 was the most appropriate call. Others talked about technical support staff. Managers said they would seek out senior staff members or those with experience. In all, human interactive dependency dominated the conversation. The conference leader then probed the subject of sickness or death. He asked, “Where do you turn in times of physical loss?” The crowd became silent. Few, if any, knew what to say. A handful spoke…
-
“Nothing”
“Something” is an interesting term. It normally denotes a thing of substance; perhaps a fixed item. Something has a realness to it. There is matter in something. When I am asked to give, it feels good to know that I have something to offer. When I am asked to meet with someone, I am happy to report to them that I have some time to be together. Something might also represent a position to defend; a debate with content. There are so many things that attend to this “Something” subject. But “Nothing” is not “Something.” Nothing has no foundation or…