A Fair View of History

I'm not sure, at our young ages in 1964, whether we knew what we were getting into. We thought we were more mature and ready than we probably actually were. Looking today at kids who are 18 and 19 years old, I certainly wonder, were we actually that immature? Or, are kids today so much more pampered and focused on self, while we learned early the responsibilities of growing up? Would I, today, recommend or encourage any 18/19 year old couples to marry that young? NO! Obviously, it can work. It has for Sandy and me for 46 years. And, we really are not that unique,coming from a childhood in the fifties and coming of age in the 60's. We can point out many of our high school friends who married just as early and are still together, enjoying a relationship that grows stronger each year. One factor, I believe, that solidified our intention to make our marriage a lasting journey, is that we had excellent examples in our homes. Our parents were committed to their marriages and taught...

This article was recently published in the Master' Journal. While not particularly history oriented, I hope it is a blessing to you. Paul writes in 2 Timothy 1:13-14, “Follow the pattern of the sound works that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you” (ESV). He seems to return to this theme frequently throughout this second letter to his son in the faith, Timothy, even in the midst of focusing on other issues. He emphasizes the essential boldness Timothy must develop shunning timidity and fear, reminding him of the gift of God is in him because of the laying on of Paul’s hands. He encourages him to testify unashamedly of his relationship with the Lord, fully convinced that He will “guard the good deposit entrusted” to him. The impending end of Paul’s earthly ministry spurred him on to make every effort to heed his calling to take the Gospel to those without Jesus C...

In 1968 Presbyterian apologist Francis Schaeffer wrote in a letter: "We live in an abnormal world and all kinds of things do exist, but this does not make them right." Thousands of years of history will most assuredly bear witness to the truth of this statement. The world, except in the very early days of its creation, has existed in an abnormal state. And why is it abnormal? Simply because while God Almighty, its Creator, formed perfection, man has turned that perfection into a state of abnormality. And while mankind, since the beginning, has looked upon his abnormal world and pronounced it right, has there ever been a period of history in which so many abnormal elements have been declared and "deemed" o k. Schaeffer spoke the truth. Acceptance of what is abnormal (by God's standards) does not make it right. Look at the issues coming to the forefront in just the past 40 years. Issues which throughout all the centuries of this earth were considered sin, and ...

Recently I began using a new (to me) devotional book for my morning quiet time. In the first week of the readings I was challenged to read a passage in Job dealing with knowing and understanding who God is and the magnitude of His power. Beginning with Chapter 38,and continuing through to chapter 41,God explicitly questions concerning Job's knowledge of, and participation in God's creative power.God first draws Job's attention to the foundation of the earth. Then, the sea, the morning, the depths and death, and finally, light and darkness."Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge? Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me." Job 38:2-3Men speaking words without knowledge is nothing new. Mankind,it seems has always wanted to offer advice and to solve problems or situations a friend or loved one is experiencing. Often that advice and counsel is welcome by the victim. For others, however, the advice giver is ill q...

I find that most people are less than excited when the subject of history is mentioned. The reaction most often is that history is boring. History, they say, is in the past, it's over and can't be changed. Why would I want to know more about something that already happened? My understanding of history is that whatever area of history is considered, that historical event is a learning opportunity. It has been said that if we do not look at history and the mistakes and decisions made in the past, we are doomed to repeat those mistakes. When that happens we simply perpetuate bad decisions and miss opportunities to repeat well made decisions. So, perhaps there are readers out there who may agree with me that history is not something to forget and avoid. Rather, attention to the events of the past is vital to our making wise decisions for our future in this world and for eternity. I hope you will come back to read future posts, and that together we will learn from the past to make a...