Insights From The Rocking Chair

All week I have been praying for the rain to hold off until late today. We need to get the roof on our addition to the house. So far it looks like God will answer that prayer. He has answered the one for those folks on the coast the storm as lessened in strength and will be just a rain make. To God be the Gory!

In one paragraph, Armstrong Williams challenges our faith in a comparison with terrorist. "Radical Islamic terrorists believe that one way or another, Allah is being offended and it is their duty to set things straight. Sadly, the faith of many of these terrorists is stronger than that of many Americans; misguided, though it may be, it is powerful. How many Americans are willing to lose their lives over what they believe? While their methods are despicable, these terrorists’ faith is respectable. We can use this example as a standard for our own religious convictions, to truly examine our faith and belief systems to make sure they are sensible and worthy of devotion. That being said, religious radicals could obviously learn a thing or two from us as well."

Where is God? We have all asked that question in one way or another. Typically it is asked when something tragic occurs that takes the lives of a youngster or someone who is perceived as doing good with their lives. All of us wonder, all of us. We all have dark times. Some last longer than others. I have had to chuckle a little as I listened to the media make a really big deal over the release of portions of Mother Theresa's letters to her confessor. I admit that I had some immediate reactions as an evangelical Christian, but thought I might explore and think on this for awhile. First, let me say that her expressions of emptiness and not feeling the presence of God at times is common with believers. Sometimes it comes from sin that is not confessed to God, sometimes from a tragedy around us, and sometimes when we are seeking for more of God's presence in our lives. I admit that my first reaction was that Mother Theresa had not had a personal experience with Jesus. In other word...