John Woodward
The Doctor is IN
When I was doing some serious research at the library, I came across this comic strip from the “Peanuts” series by Charles Shulz. It features Lucy in her make-shift stand with its posted sign: “Psychiatric help 5 cents. The doctor is IN.” Charlie Brown has once again visited Lucy’s booth for some counseling: Lucy :…
Read MoreAn Instrument of God’s Peace
One of the classic hymns contains the prayer, “Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace.”[1] That petition expresses a loving concern for others. The outcome of love is abiding peace. The Lord Jesus promised His people, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I…
Read MoreLiving in Providence
A city on the northeastern coast of the U.S.A. bears the name “Providence.” Wondering how this capitol city of Rhode Island got such a good name, I looked up a bit of history concerning its founder: “Roger Williams (1603- 1683) was a radical Puritan thinker and founder of the colony of Rhode Island… His developing…
Read MoreFrom Faith to Faith, Part 2
The writer of Hebrews declares, “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us … But without faith it is impossible to please…
Read MoreBouquets and Brickbats
Some newspapers have a column that gives readers a chance to anonymously comment on local events and people. Sometimes the notes are positive commendations and other times they are negative criticisms. One such column was titled “Bouquets and Brickbats.” We would all appreciate getting a bouquet of compliments (or you might be glad for a…
Read MoreProof of I.D.
When I went for early voting, I was required to show my proof of identification. The photo driver’s license is standard for most governmental matters. When you conduct important business, apply for a passport, etc., proof of your ID is required. Being able to verify one’s identity was also important in Bible times also. For…
Read MoreHow Did Jesus Do What He Did?
In North America, the letters W.W.J.D.? have become recognized as a popular Christian slogan. These initials appear on things such as jewelry and clothing to prompt the question, “What would Jesus do?” This question stems from the classic novel by Charles Sheldon, In His Steps. Written a century ago, the book used this question to…
Read MoreFreedom From Addiction, Part 4
In the journey to freedom from addiction, we have looked at the adequacy of knowing Christ as our Life. Since He is the true Vine, and we are the branches (John 15:5), we can look to Him for the strength and virtue that is necessary for all of life’s demands–including freedom from a stubborn habit.…
Read MoreFreedom From Addiction, Part 3
When we lived in Pennsylvania, USA, our first apartment was on a rural road. One winter’s day we needed to drive to another state, but it had snowed the night before. A blanket of snow more than a deep covered the ground everywhere. Our car then was a Ford sedan that didn’t have much ground…
Read MoreFreedom From Addiction, Part 2
We have been looking into the subject of compulsive behaviors, stubborn habits, and besetting sins. A more contemporary term for such problems is “addiction.” When a believer in Christ remains shackled in this way, he/she is missing out on a major benefit of his/her spiritual birthright. Our Lord Jesus stated, “Most assuredly, I say to…
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