Faith
Do Aliens Exist?
Sadly, God’s people have a history of trying to straddle the fence between the kingdom of God and the world around us—we long to fit in and belong. Though it was forbidden, the ancient Israelites even paid tribute to the pagan gods to open the door for trade and political power. They didn’t want to…
Time for God
“Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin.” James 4:17 Christian writers have to make time for God – it’s part of the job description. What do you do when you get a story idea while reading Scripture? I know how some would answer…
Interrupted by the End of the World
by Ron Estrada Admit it, it’s okay. As a writer you know your craft requires years of, early mornings over a keyboard, and approximately 6000 gallons of coffee before you even get your first hand written rejection letter. But as a Christian, you know that our tour of duty here on terra firma is temporary…
Writing Interruptions are Not Wasted!
Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore , take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having…
The Eve of Triumph
by Ron Estrada To me, this day before Easter is almost as holy as the day itself. Imagine that day, the Jewish Sabbath, a day set aside for rest and reflection. And what were the followers of Christ reflecting on that day? The death of the man they thought was the Messiah. The end of…
Thoughts on Passion
It’s a popular perception of writers, based at least a bit in reality, that we tend toward the eccentric. Maybe even a little obsessive. We’re known for things like keeping odd hours and stashing pens and paper in the car or on the nightstand; for saying things like “That’d make a great story,” or “I…
Here Comes the Messiah: April Fools!
Are we any different than the followers of Jesus who laid palm branches on the ground for him to pass over into Jerusalem? It was his triumphal entry. The symbolic proclamation that the Messiah had come and would change the course of history by taking his rightful place as king…and set the Jews free from Roman…
Storytelling and Songs Still Pass from Generation to Generation
My grandson and I were working on his homework last week. He is studying the Inuit people. It took us five chapters before I realized that what we now call Inuit is what my old textbooks used to call Eskimos. Once I realized that, things made so much more sense! Another of the very intriguing…
How to Be Outstanding
“Dear brothers and sisters, be firm. Do not be moved! Always be outstanding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. … to the extent that God has blessed you. … because a door of great opportunity stands wide open for me, but there are many opponents.…
Renewing your Mind and Spirit
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10 I’ve been struggling with negative thoughts lately, and I know the only way to combat the ugliness is to fill my mind with God’s thoughts. It’s not easy, but the alternative will never bring about desired change. In fact,…