Serving Southern Jefferson County in the Great State of Montana
Serving Southern Jefferson County in the Great State of Montana
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Blame is something that gets tossed around. Truthfully, we don’t like to admit we are wrong. In opinion shaped by studying the Book of Lamentations, a very great lie clouding humanity’s judgment is the foolhardy notion that sin is no big deal. Why do we believe that we can ignore the standards that God has established? In part, we develop false security. But, does this account for all of it? Taking lessons from history is always worthwhile. For example, Jerusalem prior to its destruction in 587 B.C. was a highly fortified city. Under the rei...
“The pursuit of happiness,” Thomas Jefferson equated with “Life and Liberty,” when he wrote the Declaration of Independence. More than a century later, from 1930 until 1940, America and the world strained under the greatest decade of economic disaster in history. Then, WWII brought the plight of war across the globe. Since then, Americans have experienced wealth untold from that generation to this. But, does the accumulation of possessions or its allure set us up for a great fall? I believe so. It is true that the recent decade has witness...
“Great is your faithfulness…Lord,” is the most known verse in the book of Lamentations. Throughout church history hymns and choruses have been born out of it. I suspect you’ve sung along with one recently. The background, its context, is unbeknown to many. Great is your faithfulness was born out of much pain and anguish. Following the destruction of Jerusalem in 587 B.C., Jeremiah reveals the hardships among the people of Israel. However, he emphasizes an extremely valuable principle; it’s when you have nothing left that God can become your tru...
The great poet Dante, sometimes referred to as the “greatest poet and writer of the seventeenth century,” wrote, “There is no greater sorrow than to recall being happy when we grieve the deepest.” Uncertainties plague life, and he also said, “Sorrow you will know like kin.” In life, the pressure is overwhelming, just read a newspaper account of growing “suicide.” Borrowing the phrase from Forest Gump, “My momma says life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get,” my take is, I for one like chocolate but appreci...
The judgment of God, all would agree, is complex. So not making this a “can of worms,” let me be as direct as possible. God’s purpose being to create loving people who love Him back, let us humans leave His judgement large. But, let me put this into the perspective of a country that is unrepentant. Let’s again tackle the Book of Lamentations. When one admits his sinfulness, the process of reconciliation begins. I will not say here that humans can break God’s heart. I will say, God’s overall goal front and center is all about forgiveness...
The Blueprint series will continue next week, with Christmas approaching I wanted to share with you some important thoughts regarding why we celebrate Christmas. Have you noticed that there is some confusion about Christmas? Over time the significance of any holiday or special occasion can change. Sometimes specific events lose their luster or the original meaning is overshadowed by something completely different. In our culture currently what are some of the messages we see regarding Christmas? Marketing, sales, family celebrations, gift...
