Think About It

When you think of the World Trade Center bombing, what date comes to mind?  For most of us, it is September 11, 2001; however, that was the second attack.  On this day in 1993, a bomb exploded in the basement of the World Trade Center killing six people, injuring several hundred and causing some $500 million in damage.  Sure, it pales in comparison to what happened a decade later, but for those impacted on that day, it was a catastrophe. I am sure there are several lessons that can be learned from these two incidences but I think one important one is that we must remain vigilant.  Just because something happens once doesn’t mean that we are immune from it happening again.  While this might be a lesson for us in our geopolitical world, I think it is also a spiritual lesson.  If satan attacks us through temptation, don’t believe that it is just one-and-done.  In fact, if he has success in derailing us once, he might come back and try again – this time ho...

Have you noticed how our language has tended to deteriorate?  The other day, Jeane and I started watching a show and couldn’t make it though the first few minutes because of the coarse language.  It seems like famous people like to be on the cutting edge with the words they use – even to the point where the news is remarking at their vulgar language.  When I was younger, I was taught that it was people with a limited vocabulary who cussed – now, I think it is more trying to make an impression than it is from ignorance.  Even though swearing is becoming more commonplace, that doesn’t make it any more appropriate – especially for people who claim to be spiritual.  While this might be a modern problem, I get the impression it isn’t a new problem.  As far back as the first generation of Christians believers were warned, “But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints; and there must b...

Have you ever heard death referred to as having lost someone?   Well, the other day, I heard a song by Bradley Walker that struck quite a chord with me.   In the song, “We Know Where He Is”, the singer recounts the death of his grandfather.   The old man had been faithful in his spiritual walk, so at the end of his life he observed, “We haven’t lost him, we know where he is.”.   While it might be a common expression to say that we “have lost someone” when they pass, but when they have been faithful, they are anything but lost, they are safe and secure in the hereafter. Some of us might have been raised not to take our salvation for granted, but does that mean we have to live in doubt?   Interestingly, the writer of I John seems to tell us we don’t have to live in fear.   We are encouraged, “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.” (I John 5:13).   Wouldn’...

I think I have a new favorite Winter Olympic sport.   I would say that curling is tough to beat, but Ski Mountaineering (aka skimo) is pretty compelling.   I had never heard of the sport until I learned there was a participant from where we used to live in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.   Even that connection wasn’t enough to make me do too much research, but as soon as I started watching, I was hooked.   I believe it is one of the toughest events in the games.   First of all, skiing uphill is bad enough, but having to do that AND run up steps in ski boots is brutal.   You would think that the downhill portion might be a break, but by that time in the race I assume your legs are on fire to the point that just staying erect would be challenging.   The sport requires training, commitment and developing muscle memory!   Yep – it is cool to watch … Nope – I am not going to sign-up to try it!   As I reflected on it, these are some of the same requiremen...

             When you open your social media accounts, what do you expect to see?   When you turn on the news, what do you expect to hear?             The other day, after opening up my Facebook page, I caught myself scrolling down to the posts that tended to make me irritated.   If I was being honest, I probably am more apt to read a news article that I know will get me fired up.   Doesn’t that seem odd to you that I would linger more on things that aggravates me more than find something that will bring me peace and comfort?   I don’t know that I used to be that way, but I think that it just goes to show how easy it is to choose the slide that leads to a pit of muck and mire.   I don’t necessarily “like” it, but I do find myself doing it.             So, what can I do about it?   First, I need to make a conscious effort...

I’ve got an interesting factoid for you:  on this date in 356 A.D. Constantius II ordered the closure of pagan temples and, thus, prohibited public access to them.  What a change from a Roman world that just a few centuries before this had embraced paganism to the point that it felt justified in persecuting Christians.  When you think about it within a modern context, it seems that distancing itself from paganism sounds pretty good doesn’t it – or does it?  Now, before we move forward, I must admit that I am happy that I live in a pro-Christian society.  Are there times when people treat us less than pleasant because of our beliefs?  Sure; but all-in-all, we are free to worship as we see fit and openly live our lives based on a belief in God.  However, we must be careful not to rely on a government’s backing to practice our faith.  I am sure that the Christians under Constantius II were happy for the change in policy, but righteousness cannot mere...