The Rev. Alexander Whyte was a Scottish minister and author of the 19th century known by his congregation as a man of an unwavering grateful spirit. Regardless of the circumstances, he seemed always to find something for which to be thankful. One of his parishioners told a story about a gloomy Sunday morning when a friend commented, just before the service started: “Certainly the preacher won’t think of anything for which to thank the Lord on a wretched day like this.” However, no sooner had the Continue Reading
LINKUP! Kingdoms, Rulers… and God’s Sovereignty {The Atlanta Journal-Constitution}
The “Histomap,” originally published by Rand McNally in 1931, is an impressive chart fitting 4,000 years of historical information onto a 5-foot-long poster. It provides a reasonably accurate view of what was happening throughout the world while certain world powers prevailed. For example, while it shows the Roman Empire dominance during the Golden Age, it also displays the growth and decline of other contemporary regional powers, such as the Persians, the Gupta Dynasty (Hindus) and the Teutons, Continue Reading
Will Your Convictions Crack Under Pressure {The Atlanta Journal-Constitution}
“Your convictions are only as strong as they hold up under pressure.” — Streams in the Desert devotional Several years ago, our pastor presented the acronym “H.A.L.T.” while preaching about the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle and sound mind, especially before making important decisions. The sermon stressed the importance of thinking before acting, especially when people experience extreme Hunger, Anger, Loneliness, or when they are Tired. I’ve never forgotten the acronym — Continue Reading
LINKUP! How Anger and Bitterness Affect Your Health {The Atlanta Journal-Constitution}
From the presidential debates to the mood on the streets; from our natural response to the current uncertainties and disruption of life, to the stock market’s volatility, it’s easy to see how fear, anxiety and anger threaten to steal our peace and joy these days. Personally, I have chosen to remove myself from social media and TV news shows, making the “headlines” channels on my satellite radio my only source of news during the months preceding the presidential election. Not that I’m not Continue Reading
Who Is In Control of This Election? {Repost – The Atlanta Journal-Constitution}
Dear reader, I came across this article, published in my column for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on October 6, 2016 - one month before the 2016 presidential election. While reading it, I realized how relevant it is, even four years later. While fear and uncertainly plague our society and as Christians across the country get ready to vote, I believe this article is as fresh in 2020 as it was in 2016. Happy reading! Patricia Fear and pessimism seem to be permeating the Continue Reading
Forging Ahead Through Crisis {The Atlanta Journal-Constitution}
“There are no hopeless situations; there are only people who have grown hopeless about them.” — Clare Boothe Luce On the 29th chapter of the book of the prophet Jeremiah, a famous verse stands out as one of the most quoted passages in the Old Testament: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” This verse is often highlighted during religious schools' commencement ceremonies. It serves as a Continue Reading
