How to be Happily Sad | John Ortberg

 

The Love of God

Shadows turn to monsters, light retreats from view

No relief from darkness, no matter what we do

Our age is fraught with tension, and peace flees from our minds

For when storms become the norm'

And shelter cannot be found

Our dreams no longer attainable

We escape reality with remotes in hand

Seeking our rescue in the company of playthings,

Governments, celebrities, pursuits, friends and pets

Yet none can provide,

The peace that the world rejects

For Jesus, is our only hope

The true Light in a world bathed in darkness

He is our Savior and Creator

Where else are we supposed to run?

Thoughts On The 2024 Election

In anticipation of our first presidential caucus of the 2024 election year, I would like to make a few declarations, which are my own opinions and not representative of where I work, where I shop, my parents, and any other implied authority anyone might imagine. 

I do not believe that any political party in America has a monopoly on what I consider to be truth. God says, for instance, that all lives are valuable and that all of us are made in His image. Yet, both parties support and deny this basic truth in their respective political platforms. 

The Republican party states that because of their support for the unborn child that they are the party that best represents Christian values. At the same time, this same party rewards the greedy and the powerful, and fails to look for ways to take of those who are less fortunate in our society. (See tax breaks, medical insurance policies, education policies for those attending college, are just a few examples). But the Democrats are no better represented, they tend to land in favor of pro-choice, supporting a policy that whatever future the unborn faces is not the greater issue. They tend to believe in more socialist-type policies that reward all equally, no matter the work put forth by the individuals. They tend to be less bullish on respecting authority in our society to the point that liberal cities and states, led by Democrat leadership, are forcing businesses and individuals to flee to states that do represent their beliefs in justice. 

Five Gospel Truths

What better way to start the new year then with a quick refresher of the wonderful grace of God! But before we explore these five truths, let's first discuss this question, "What is the meaning of the word, Gospel?"

The word, “gospel”, literally means “good news”. The Bible uses “gospel” to refer to the message of salvation offered to all people through Christ. Though the entire Bible is the gospel, the good news of salvation can be summarized into five basic truths:

1. God is the Good and Holy Creator

"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." - Genesis 1:1

There is only one eternal God who created all things. He is the supremely good King of everything and created man to love, serve, and enjoy fellowship with Him. God also gave man good laws that man might know God’s will and God’s glorious character.