The myth of safety lies shattered at the finish line of the Boston Marathon. Whether we are in a movie theater, an office building, a school room, a college campus, or a sporting event, we are no more safe than if we were on the front lines in Afghanistan. Those on the front lines are constantly aware of the danger. However, in day-to-day life we believe the lie that we are entitled to safety. The truth is that we are only as safe as God has purposed for us to be. It is the lie of the Enemy that laws, regulations, police protection, armies, and air bags will keep us safe. All of these things have a place. But […]
Current Events
156 posts
Speculation about the actions of North Korea have become a little more interesting. Of particular note is the announcement that the North Koreans have approved a “merciless nuclear attack” on the United States. In some form or fashion you children will hear of the growing tension. They will have questions or concerns or in some cases, fears that need to be addressed. I am on safe ground in saying that not once in the national media will you hear a newscaster urge that the Living God of the Bible be called upon for protection. If God is mentioned at all it will be only after something horrific has happened. So what do you tell your children? First tell […]
Here is the latest entry of Dr. Charles Hodges’s blog. Dr. Hodges is the author of Good Mood, Bad Mood: Help and Hope for Depression and Bipolar Disorder. In this blog post, he cites a leading British Professor, Peter Kinderman, who comments about new findings in the psychological community regarding grief and anxiety. Since these issues touch so many, these are important matters to consider. Dr. Hodges has done a tremendous service in bringing the light of Scripture to bear on a problem where the secular medical community is finding more problems than solutions. [hr] Grief and Anxiety: Diseases or Not? by Dr. Charles Hodges A little more than two months ago, Peter Kinderman wrote an editorial for BBC News Health […]
Oscar Pistorious and Reeva Steenkamp appeared to have it all. Mr. Pistorious was lauded as a remarkable story of courage and the will to overcome adversity. He was the “Bladerunner.” Despite being a double amputee he was able to compete in the 2012 Olympic games in the men’s 400 meters. He finished last in his semi-final heat, but he received universal acclaim as an athlete and role model. Also last summer, fellow South African, Reeva Steenkamp, was competing in a reality TV show. Ms. Steenkamp, was a model, lawyer, and social advocate. She too was well-respected. At the close of the reality series she had this to say: “I think the way that you go out, not just […]
Instead of ascribing to God what is rightfully his due, Nemo is being blamed for the massive snowstorm that struck the Northeast this past weekend. No one will pay much attention to weather attributed to Nemo, other than grumbling and complaining about shoveling snow. However, the Bible teaches us that large storms like this Northeaster are sent by God to gain our attention. Weather that stops us from our daily routine is designed by God to make us acknowledge him for who he is: God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding. He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’ and to the rain shower, ‘Be a mighty downpour.’ So that […]
The Super Bowl is a spectacle. Over 100 million people will see the game on television. Advertisers will pay 3.5 to 4 million dollars for a 30 second commercial. In fact, for many, the commercials are more interesting than the game. The half-time show includes iconic entertainers. Millions upon millions of dollars are bet on the event. The media coverage is non-stop. The popularity of the Super Bowl tells us much about ourselves. It is an event where we come together in a common interest. Coming together, however, is not always a good thing. In the ancient city of Babel it’s citizens came together to make a name for themselves. God instructed both Adam and Noah, and by implication […]
We still face the same problem that doctors did in Luke’s Gospel. We encounter diseases that we struggle to accurately diagnose and effectively treat. And patients endure much. The purpose of this book is to look at another area of medicine in which patients face the kind of problems this woman faced. The diagnosis and treatment of the disease do not result in a rapid and complete cure. The cost of treatment and the lost wages are a significant burden to those affected. Yet in a significant number of cases, the real solution may be found in a meaningful encounter with the “Great Physician.” Recent research would indicate that the current medical treatments do not seem to work well for […]
On first impression flat tires appear to offer little evidence of God’s love and care. But that is just unbelief spinning events in way that seeks to discredit God’s providential care. Yes, a flat tire is an inconvenient addition to an already busy day. But that is just from your perspective. Suppose you knew that having a flat tire would mean that you avoided a situation that would have resulted in harm to you or your family that otherwise would have occurred if you had been on schedule. From this vantage point the flat tire that was a curse now becomes a blessing! The point is that we don’t know what would have happened if… We are just left to […]
What hope does a country have that has no fear of God? There is only one – repentance. Over time, unrepentant sin may lead to arrogance and self-importance. Ancient Nineveh was considered an important city. It was large and proud. And like today, bringing honor to God was not a priority. Honoring man was the priority. In other words the city was evil. Yet, when the King of Nineveh was confronted by God’s prophet, he did something extraordinary – he repented! When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust. Then he issued a proclamation in Nineveh: […]
The Holiday Season is a season of moods. Thoughts of depression, discontent, and sadness mix together with the parties, presents, and promises of a better new year. Moods, good or bad, are challenging to understand. Help is on the way! Dr. Charles Hodges has written a compassionate and information packed resource that sheds biblical light on our moods. Shepherd Press is pleased to announce the publication of Good Mood, Bad Mood. Next week we will provide you with details on how you can take advantage of a special pre-publication offer as well as receive a free ebook copy of the book. Until then here are some endorsements for Good Mood, Bad Mood, that should peak your interest: Dr. Hodges has […]