life lessons

Did Michelle Obama and Donald Trump Voluntarily Damn Themselves?

When people don't forgive, what consequences do they suffer?

Mrs. Obama: “I’d never forgive him” (speaking of Mr. Trump).
Mr. Trump’s response: “I’ll never forgive him” (speaking of Mrs. Obama’s husband).HT: https://www.mediaite.com/tv/trump-fires-back-after-michelle-obama-says-she-wont-forgive-his-birtherism-i-wont-forgive-barack/

Last I read, both the current President and the former first lady say they are Christians.

Then they need to forgive anyone they are refusing to forgive. The Lord Jesus (the Christ in Christians, you know) commands it plainly:

“And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses” (Mark 11:25,26).

I’m sure Michelle Obama and Donald Trump have read or quoted the Lord’s Prayer. Here’s a part that’s easy to coast over glibly, even unwittingly: Read it all

How to Write a Hard Letter

Tips and illustrations for composing a difficult email, SMS, blog, tweet, or status update...

The current issue of World magazine arrived in our mail today. I looked at the photos on the table of contents page, matching them up to their articles. Then I looked at the two-page spread with photos and quotes and stuff. Then I looked at the two articles in the back.

The last article didn’t interest me enough to read it. (Sorry, Marvin!)

But the next-to-the-last article (yes, I’m a Seu fan, I confess), I read. Until I got to this line: Read it all

A Quiet and Peaceable Life

In all godliness and honesty -- but to what purpose?

“Lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:2-4).

Quiet, peaceable, godly, honest — does that describe the life I’ve chosen for myself?

For what purposes do I want such a life?

Serving the Lord Acceptably
(1 Timothy 2)

Serving the Lord acceptably with prayer and thankfulness.
Gender roles in church. Christian dress and adornment.
How to pray for political leaders.

(PS: Posted via email instead of the Web, so this might not be formatted properly or exquisitely.)

New at Panting Hart

A resumption of observations from my personal Bible reading

Last month I decided I would try restarting Panting Hart.

Well, not really restarting it, but refreshing it with new content by getting back to my original plan for that devotional blog.

I started this morning. Now I’m not so sure it’s a good idea. It’s all so time consuming! So I don’t know if I’ll do it again tomorrow.

Meanwhile, I invite you over to read what I posted this morning from my reading in 2 Peter 1:1-4 Read it all

Seven Things You Can Do to Cast Down Gentile Power in the Church

How to rein in an unbiblical reign in your congregation

“Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them” (Mark 10:42).

That’s what I call Gentile Power.

“Power. Authority. That’s pretty heady stuff! Too often, those who have it want to preserve it, and those who don’t have it want to acquire it.” (Mark Roth, c. 1994)

Gentile Power infects churches, church committees, and church boards. That’s because it infects disciples. Even disciples of Jesus. Read the context and background of the verse above if you doubt me.

Over the weekend I finally posted an article I wrote on this subject. In it I mention five categories of people according to their response to or perception of this evil. I also offer seven options for the consideration of those weighing their response to such use of church authority.

Along the way, I ask:

You have… You have… You have… But that person — minister, chairman, whoever — continues to use his position as license to exercise Gentile Power.

What are you supposed to do?

Jesus' disciples, watching Him closely

I eventually offer the challenge to choose between two other options. Then I advise:

Choose well.
You’ll pay dearly for either one.
But only one will reward you handsomely.

I invite you to read my full article (Gentile Power in the Church) then come back here and extend the discussion below.

How to Disagree With Anyone

Why I disagree (and why you shouldn't take it personally)

The young man asked to talk to me privately about church matters. He seemed to have two main things on his mind:

  • Why didn’t I go along or fall in line or be agreeable in certain matters?
  • I underestimate the influence (on some people) of the opinions and perspectives of “Brother Mark.”

I assured him that when I disagree, it’s on principle. I told him I don’t make such things personal. He seemed surprised. I was surprised and dismayed at his surprise. And I wondered what he had been “fed” about me.

That was several years ago. As I recall, it was during a recess from an all-day, heavy-duty men’s meeting of our church. It may have been in that time period that I posted this on Facebook on January 26, 2014:

Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth? (Galatians 4:16)

“Am I therefore become your enemy,
because I tell you the truth?”
(Galatians 4:16)

More recently I posted this on FacebookRead it all

Above all, love God!