Browsed by
Tag: Plan of Salvation

Soul Survivors

Soul Survivors

In the days since the Manhattan Project brought the world the atom bomb and the threat of nuclear annihilation on a planetary scale, dramatists have popularized phrases like, “dystopian future” and, “post-apocalyptic fantasy.” Having no real idea of what “dystopian” means, I looked it up.  The gist of what I found is that it means a really bad place to be.  A “dystopian future,” whether imagined or ultimately experienced, is one in which there is misery and suffering because of prevailing conditions in…

Read More Read More

Awaiting Your Answer

Awaiting Your Answer

We live in perilous times.  If you are a sentient being you know this and do not need it explained to you.  Evil, corruption, violence and chaos swirl around us. The rising tide of darkness, madness and hysteria threatens to overwhelm us, engulf us, drag us down.    The world is changing rapidly and radically, but definitely not for the better. All except those in deepest denial recognize that something supernatural is at work here.  The demons are industrious, laboring incessantly, to steal, kill and…

Read More Read More

Promises, Promises

Promises, Promises

When two parties offer one another assurance that what they expect to happen will actually transpire, a number of time-tested options present themselves.  One such option is to offer something of substantial value as security.  This may take the form of earnest money on deposit with a third party, or a tangible asset, like real property or jewelry, held in trust.  Another alternative is to put up a home, business, boat, or vehicle as collateral.   For some purposes, a surety bond or performance…

Read More Read More

Are You Okay?

Are You Okay?

Those who have taken even a short course in first aid should be familiar with techniques for use when encountering an apparently unconscious person.  One priority is to ascertain whether the individual is responsive to stimuli.  This may be accomplished by gently shaking a shoulder (or tapping the body firmly) and asking, “Are you okay?” or words to that effect.  What to do next is dependent upon the victim.  If there is a reaction, one path is taken; if no reaction is observed, another…

Read More Read More

Standing Watch

Standing Watch

Most anyone who has read war novels or seen films with military themes, is familiar with some version of the following scene.  It features a soldier who has drawn guard duty, and hears a noise while on watch, betraying the approach of another person. Sentry: “Halt!  Who goes there?” [The challenge is answered by the potential intruder.] Sentry: “Are you friend or foe?” Intruder: “Friend.” Sentry: “Approach and be recognized.” [Intruder emerges from the shadows and presents himself/herself to the guard.]  Sentry:…

Read More Read More

Strolling La Strada della Vita

Strolling La Strada della Vita

Advertisers are paid to tout the features and benefits of someone else’s products.  Most folks would concede that their claims are at least occasionally truthful, but even so, their promises are greeted with skepticism.  The lack of trust in marketers stems in part from critics’ and customers’ reviews revealing wide and troubling gaps between what the buyer expected—based on ‘pop-up’ ads, TV commercials and  public relations—and the consumer’s personal experience.  The sales wizards’ more specious claims range in apparent truthfulness from somewhat dubious to clearly…

Read More Read More

The Door Marked, “Christ”

The Door Marked, “Christ”

Doors are everywhere in the modern-day civilized world.  Some are pushed, some pulled, some lifted or lowered, and some are self-operating.  Doors may open (or close) right-to-left, left-to right, upward, downward, inward, outward—they may even revolve.  Some doors open but partway at a time.  Still others slide or pivot and fold.  Some, spring-loaded, pop out of hiding in a wall, with a touch.  Some are equipped with automatic closers. Doors are often fashioned with ‘peepholes,’ in case of a need to know who is on the…

Read More Read More

The Joys Of Small-Mindedness

The Joys Of Small-Mindedness

We live in a world in which credulity (a pre-disposition to believe without substantive evidence) has become a virtue, and uncritical acceptance a sign of intelligence.  It is a world in which naivete is a mark of noble character, and gullibility is morally superior to critical thinking (whatever that was).  Full disclosure: this is not a world in which I feel comfortable or into which I readily fit.  I blame my parents first and foremost. Let’s face it—they were not particularly broad-minded people.  To start with,…

Read More Read More

With And Without Excuse

With And Without Excuse

Human weaknesses, failings and misbehavior are unlikely to remain hidden indefinitely.  When they are in danger of imminent exposure or are actually revealed, excuses are inevitably offered. Excuses have two main purposes.  The first, is to enable us to feel better about ourselves, despite having done what we shouldn’t or having neglected to do what we should.  The second purpose is to induce others to feel better about us, our shortcomings notwithstanding.  We are most comfortable when one excuse serves dual purposes—persuading both ourselves and others…

Read More Read More

Greetings—From God

Greetings—From God

I’m no scholar, but if I were, I might tell you that it was customary in the ancient Near East to begin personal correspondence by stating the letter writer’s identity up front.  The format might begin with the author’s name, add a bit of distinctive information to differentiate the sender from others with similar names, and cap it off with a special greeting to the intended recipient(s).  A brief introduction, summarizing the subject of the missive was not uncommon. The great apostle…

Read More Read More