Top Posts
Archives
Subject Categories
the sanctified muse
Tag Archives: love
Free Will: Myth or Reality?
Sooner or later, every thinking Christian must attempt to reconcile the dilemma — a sovereign, omnipotent Creator who governs a universe filled with free creatures. If God maintains control over the affairs of men, are we truly free? It’s a … Continue reading
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged Arminianism, Calvinism, choice, choose, Christ, determinism, election, free will, gentleness, God, God's sovereignty, goodness, human freedom, Jesus, kindness, love, molinism, patience, relationship
2 Comments
Reflections on Psalm 119
Psalm 119:1-8 (א Aleph) There are potent rewards for obeying God’s law and seeking Him earnestly, which come to all who put off the sinful nature and resolutely submit to God.
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged choose, compassion, disobedience, divine, evil, God, grace, idolatry, Jesus, judge, judgment, law, love, mercy, obedience, patience, rescuing, salvation, Savior, sin, submission, surrender, wandering, waywardness, wrath
Leave a comment
A Thanksgiving Tale
I once ate nothing but rice for three days. It wasn’t a diet or a fast; I was broke. I had managed my money poorly during the previous weeks, and work was scarce to begin with. Finally, I got up … Continue reading
Posted in Giving, Uncategorized
Tagged charity, clothing, feed, food, generosity, giving, God, help, homeless, hungry, Jesus, kindness, love, mercy, ministry, Mother Lawrence, shelter, spiritual food
2 Comments
When Truth Hurts
This article has been building inside me for a long time. I have hesitated to write it, since it will touch directly on a subject that has been debated ad nauseum on social media for many years without any meaningful … Continue reading
Friendship with God
From God to Us Some would argue that not everyone seeks friendship from God. What about atheists? What about people who just want God to leave them alone to live their lives the way they see fit? First, I don’t … Continue reading
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged belief, calling, crucifixion, faith, friend, friendship, gift, giving, God, grace, heaven, identification, Jesus, love, lovesick, partner, relationship, sacrifice, sharing, suffering, trust, truth
Leave a comment
Christians, Please Proceed With Caution
I have been feeling some misgivings lately about my sometimes aggressive discussion of cultural hot-button issues. This was actually pointed out to me by one of my most faithful readers. Am I grateful? Yes. But rather than ceasing to discuss … Continue reading
Posted in Love
Tagged abortion, art, biblical, compassion, culture wars, debate, education, Evangelicalism, family, gentleness, homosexuality, humility, kindness, law, love, morality, political correctness, Progressive Christians, the Bible
4 Comments
The Kindness of God
A close friend sent me an article that posed the question: Does our sin prevent the Holy Spirit from moving in our lives? The question is a difficult one. The answer is bound to lie somewhere between two cultural extremes.
A Pointed Reminder
I just got corrected by God. It wasn’t a harsh correction. To the contrary, my own conscience supplied all the bite. A member of my family came forward to apologize for hurtful things he has done and said. I admit, … Continue reading
Posted in Faith
Tagged anger, apology, blood promise, charity, commitment, contempt, contrition, faith, faithful, Father, forgiveness, gentleness, grace, grieve, Holy Spirit, hope, hostility, indifference, invalidation, kindness, love, patience, secure, tears
2 Comments
Confession
Many of life’s most vital lessons come out of the blue. Conversely, few of them seem to come as a result of focused effort. When I try to apprehend them deliberately, it is as though God says, “That’s my job,” … Continue reading
Posted in Confession
Tagged Catholic, Christ, confess, confession, cry out, embrace, forgiveness, God, lamb, lion, love, Protestant, redemption, repent, repentance, Savior, sin
4 Comments
Happy Birthday, Erica
Erica would have turned 48 today. She probably would have spent a quiet evening at home with her family. There would have been a modest number of gifts and a nice dinner. She might have received a visit from her … Continue reading
Posted in Family
Tagged faith, family, farewell, friendship, happy birthday, love, passing, sister
8 Comments
the sanctified muse 