Whispers of Truth

The wrappings of Christmas permeate everything. Trees line hallways at school, wreaths hang from the ceiling tiles and doors, and presents have been placed on and under the tree for distribution. The music is festive. Christmas cheer oozes and anticipation builds as the semester nears its end, yet the pangs of death’s sting have invaded our hallways and classrooms bringing sadness to mix with the joys of Christmas.   Death’s recent invasion makes me think of other wrappings as I pick up and read Romans 6 today. Much of the literature I teach in the upper grades speaks toward the idea that death is inevitable, inescapable. It is inevitable because “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23, NIV), but through Christ’s work to justify men, in Him righteousness and hope (and life) may be found. Paul’s words in Romans 6:11-14 remind that us many people who claim to be in Christ walk around like dead folk trapped inside their graves, choosing to live in rottenness in...

The collecting of words is important , and nothing makes this more evident than God's own son, Jesus, described as the Word present from the beginning (Jn. 1:1). Moses’ collection of words, the inspired writing of Genesis, is a rich historical and inspirational religious record for the Children of Israel wandering in the wilderness for 40 years occurs after God delivers them from Egypt. They struggle with trusting and obeying God and constantly choosing sin over God. Genesis serves to help the Israelites (and other generations to follow) know their origins, understand their relationship to God, and emphasize the importance of keeping His commandments. Genesis 3:1-6 reveals that rhetoric has been employed in our world from its infancy, first used by an envious serpent in the Garden of Eden speaking to Eve about God’ restrictions upon her in a well-designed plot to separate humans from their Creator.  The serpent’s seemingly simple words and carefully crafted logic sow doubt in Eve a...

  The joy of a humble white flower lifting its head to the searing light, The beauty of the subtle coloring of the first rose of the season, The exuberance of birdsong wafting through the air, The satisfaction of seeing a job done well, The fullness of being in His presence Whether working or resting, Knowing always that He alone is enough. The walking out of each day allotted in the beauty Of a world created by God fills my soul with gladness,  My eyes with color, my mind with peace, my feet with purpose. Praise be to God who makes all things new and calls us to Him each day.