The Church in Thessalonica Paul writes to the church in Thessalonica. 3 Goals He tells them to do three things. I think we should all follow his instructions. Paul teaches them, and us, that: 2 Outcomes Then Paul shares two reasons for doing these things, the two expected results. When we do as he instructed: […]
Featuring Writers Across the Nation In 2013, art enthusiasts found an exciting addition to ArtPrize: the literary publication Imagine This! An ArtPrize Anthology. It adds the written word as a new art form to the acclaimed festival. ArtPrize is one of the world’s largest art competitions (by cash awards) and is held each year in […]
The book of Ecclesiastes (in the Bible) is an example of wisdom literature, and it makes for an interesting read. At one point the author says, “Do not be overrighteous.” Over-righteous is a curious word. I’m not sure I’ve ever heard it before, and I certainly don’t remember seeing it in the Bible. In fact, […]
I’m fortunate to have many valued friends in my life. Some of us get together once a month for our writers critique group, where we help each other improve as writers. Collectively, we write non-fiction, memoir, poetry, and an array of fiction. Regardless of the genre, the important thing is that we encourage one another […]
Fold Hands, Close Eyes, and Bow Head I’ve blogged about the use and meaning of amen, and shared how amen is used in the Bible: primarily as a way to end a prayer. Three more prayer conventions perplex me as well. The first is to fold our hands while praying, the second is to close […]
Say, “Amen” I recently blogged about the use and meaning of amen. Although its use in modern circles is a bit perplexing—especially from preachers—amen does occur in the Bible. The NIV uses amen fifty-two times. Scriptural Uses of Amen In forty-nine instances, over 90 percent of the time, the Bible uses “Amen” to conclude a […]
When I think about it, the word “amen” perplexes me. Out of training and convention, I say “amen” at the end of a prayer, as if it means “Goodbye, God” or “I’m done, now.” Not only does saying amen tell God my prayer is over, it also lets others know to open their eyes. It’s […]
Help Me versus Make Me As I read the Psalms in the Amplified Bible this week, a curious phrase jumped out. The writer says to God, “Make me understand the way of your precepts.” Notice, he didn’t ask for assistance by saying, “Help me.” He was direct; he implored God to “Make me.” The NIV […]
Sometimes words and phrases evoke emotions in people beyond what they mean. A friend recently blogged about how the word “worship” has a negative meaning for her. Although understanding what she meant—and empathizing a bit—I didn’t think too much more about her post until a while later when I recalled my own issues with the […]
Jesus says nobody knows when the world will end. Later on Paul confirms no one knows when Jesus will return (therefore signaling the start of the end). It will happen unexpectedly, like a “thief in the night.” So if the Bible says no one knows, why do some preachers make their audacious predictions anyway? Adding […]