Thanksgiving

As we shift into the holiday season, we see many around us counting their blessings, and we too are asked what we have to be thankful for in our lives. Though I often reserve that for “around the table” or “living room talk,” I figured that I would not shirk the responsibility of sharing it outside of that atmosphere and thus, outside of my standard comfort zone.

To begin, I have two wonderful parents who have never failed in the least to somehow express how much they love me. I admire them, look up to them both, and know that how they live their lives will always act as two models in which I will be blessed to emulate. I have an amazing sister, who possesses a strength that I am only beginning to realize. She has faced odds in her life -- mountains in my perspective -- and walked upon them. Although I have many who I count as friends, there are three in particular who I wish to acknowledge: JK for providing me with a place to stay when I needed it....and for the insistence on teaching me in the “ways of manliness,” I think...and Greg and Craig -- more than just podcast associates...brothers in Christ, without whom this ministry would not be possible. With Greg, I have seen a co-worker grow into one of my closest friends, and with Craig -- a mere acquaintance become a dearest friend as well.

I say all of this first to, yes, give acknowledgment to every one of these individuals in my life, but also to show you that even with all of these loved ones and the enrichment that they bring, the One who truly deserves this...my thanks -- without Him, true joy would not be possible. Attending seminary for nearly four years now, studying religion and religions has more and more made me take weight of what mankind attempts to do and yet what Christ has accomplished. While every worldly religion calls for works, loads us with baggage, and makes false, unfulfilled promises, Jesus rescues the soul, relieves the heart, and renews the mind -- to Him, I am forever grateful, wonderfully indebted, and dedicate this life, not season, of Thanksgiving.

May God richly bless each and every one of you.

Update on Wednesday, December 4, 2013 at 1:05PM by Still Ripples

What blessings can you count in your life?

Either comment below or join us in this Discussion Forum (free registration required).

Is Jesus really God?

We recently discussed the Divinity of Christ on our latest episode of Skipping Stones. That same day, Todd Friel of Wretched discussed the accusation of some atheists that Jesus was not believed to be God until the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. This serves as an excellent complement to our lesson.

We are pleased to share this presentation with you, courtesy of Wretched.tv

You can find more clips from their program on the Wretched Network YouTube channel.

Update on Friday, December 20, 2013 at 9:41AM by Still Ripples

Interested in seeing some of the actual documents that prove Jesus Christ was regarded as God by the early church? Check out (yet another) video from Wretched.tv:

Should Not Hearts Burn to Witness

Updated on Tuesday, September 10, 2013 at 6:36AM by Still Ripples

Lord, You have both written on and speak to my inner being; how I long to write something that would speak to Yours. Though You have no need for men's words, You delight Yourself in those who keep Your commandments, offering them friendship and testifying to their obedience before the enemy and before the world. Pour out Your Spirit, oh Lord, upon Your scribe that I write outside of myself, for if I may pen what touches the heart of God, then surely the stone within men would shatter as their minds engage to the inscription by your finger.

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The Mourner's Release

Nothing would appear to call the sovereignty of God into question more than the presence of death and the suffering it brings, expected and unexpected, especially when it involves a child -- from our perspective the greatest expression of human innocence. A variety of reasons may be provided for the death of an adult, but it is that of a child that shakes the foundation of any worldview holding to ultimate goodness. Every rationality seems to fail both to comfort and relieve the questioner.

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Lamentation for America

Mankind cannot survive without an ideal to follow and an icon to whom to strive. Shall we continue in our state where we have become enslaved by our own ambitions, arrogance, and pleasures, or will we open ourselves to humility, see the parameters of our limitations, and admit to the need we can never fill within humanity?

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