Wednesday, July 12, 2017

The Man Who Called Down Fire

One of my favorite parts of playing D&D was facing dragons. When you and your band encountered a dragon this was always an awe-inspiring collective moment, I mean, what can you hope to do against a creature that can breathe fire?

God has used fire throughout history to execute his wrath against sinful people. In fact, the Bible records at least six times where God sent fire from heaven. One of the most famous times was in His judgement of Sodom and Gomorrah. After allowing Lot and his family to be rescued, God sent fire from the heavens to devour these cities. But did you know there is a story in the Bible where a man called down fire from the heavens?

Thursday, July 06, 2017

The Losing Side Who Re-Wrote History

There are few instances in history where the loser of a war ends up writing the legacy of that conflict. The hurdles are almost insurmountable which would allow the romanticizing of the loser but we have one such example right here in the United States.

When I was young we would often play war in the woods behind our house. The opposing forces never changed, it was either Cowboys versus Indians or the North versus the South. If you were assigned to either be a Cowboy or an Indian it wasn't such a big deal. But to have to fight on the side of the North took a lot of convincing and I can't remember how many times when whoever was picked for the north left to go home rather than fight for the Yankees.

Sunday, June 25, 2017

What To Do When You Don't Know What To Do

How's that for a confusing title? Just like that title I have found some of the most confusing teaching in my Christian life has been discerning the will of God. I've never heard God's audible voice but I have had His Spirit confirm with my mind when I spend time in His Word and prayer. Here is the short version of this blog, First, do everything that you already know that God wants you to do. This includes studying the Bible, praying, serving, sharing your faith, being active in His church and being thankful for His blessings in your life. Remember, God will not give you more opportunities until you are faithful in doing the things He has already taught you. He knows that not only will you not be ready for His call, you probably won't even recognize His call. Second, ask God to reveal His will for your life. If you ask, He has promised to answer. "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." (James 1:5) Third, recognize that God is more than capable of blocking doors that He doesn't want you to open. Walk toward your goals, asking God for confirmation and for Him to make clear if you are going in the wrong direction. His Spirit resides in you and is more than able to communicate with you through studying His Word, prayer, other believers and any other divine intersections He chooses.