September 4, 2021, was the 15th anniversary of the death of Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter. Steve Irwin was a fascinating man, but ultimately his life’s passion of interacting with dangerous wildlife led to his demise. I was surprised to learn this week that Irwin was actually not the original Crocodile Hunter. Who was theContinue reading “The surprise identity of the original Crocodile Hunter – Ezekiel 29-32, Part 2”
Tag Archives: ezekiel
Do world events scare you? – Ezekiel 29-32, Part 1
Did you hear the news that China’s military has created full scale outlines of American Naval vessels in their deserts? Satellite images show that one of the models of US warship is on rails so that it can be moved. Why? To practice bombing them? Or maybe you heard that China has developed hyper-sonic missilesContinue reading “Do world events scare you? – Ezekiel 29-32, Part 1”
Which is right (or better), “God Bless America” or “God Bless The Whole World”? – Ezekiel 29-32, Preview
As Americans, I suspect I am in safe territory thinking that most, if not all, of us are familiar with the song, “God Bless America.” Irving Berlin published the song in the fall of 1938 when the world situation was looking very gloomy. Less than twelve months later, Nazi Germany would invade Poland throwing EuropeContinue reading “Which is right (or better), “God Bless America” or “God Bless The Whole World”? – Ezekiel 29-32, Preview”
Why and how we humans need to get smaller – Ezekiel 25-28, Part 5
I can’t say that I always enjoy taking my dog outside in the cold or in the rain. Okay, I almost never enjoy it, especially when it is raining. But when the night sky is clear, and the stars are bright, as my dog is doing his business out in the yard, I will lookContinue reading “Why and how we humans need to get smaller – Ezekiel 25-28, Part 5”
The dangerous ideology of “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” – Ezekiel 25-28, Part 4
“Pull yourself up by your bootstraps!” That phrase is an American anthem of sorts, pointing to an idea embedded in our history and culture, that we are individuals who have the power and ability to survive and thrive if we just work hard enough. But is this principle true? Even the task described in theContinue reading “The dangerous ideology of “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” – Ezekiel 25-28, Part 4″
The difference between healthy and evil pride – Ezekiel 25-28, Part 3
Do an internet search on the word “pride,” and the results will be vast and varied. Think about the ways we use the word “pride.” A group of lions is called a “pride.” There is the phrase, “proud as a peacock.” A famous contemporary usage refers to sexual identity and rights. There is good prideContinue reading “The difference between healthy and evil pride – Ezekiel 25-28, Part 3”
God wants to be known, even by his enemies – Ezekiel 25-28, Part 2
As we learned in the previous post, God has just told Ezekiel to stare. But this stare is different. How is it different? Remember that the Prophetic Stare has no power. It is simply a symbolic gesture through which God shines the light of his truth on something. In that way, this stare is theContinue reading “God wants to be known, even by his enemies – Ezekiel 25-28, Part 2”
The time my new boss made me feel like an arrogant fool – Ezekiel 25-28, Part 1
Before I started pastoral ministry at Faith Church I worked for eight months at my denomination’s seminary in Myerstown. I was the Director of the Annual Fund, meaning that my job was to raise money for the school. On one of my first days on the job, my boss walked me around campus introducing meContinue reading “The time my new boss made me feel like an arrogant fool – Ezekiel 25-28, Part 1”
Why the Seven Deadly Sins are not deadly, but we should still pay attention to them – Ezekiel 25-28, Preview
Have you heard of the Seven Deadly Sins? The title of the list conveys the idea that if you commit those sins, you will die. People believe there is such a list in the Bible called “The Seven Deadly Sins,” but there is no such list in the Bible. While there are numerous lists ofContinue reading “Why the Seven Deadly Sins are not deadly, but we should still pay attention to them – Ezekiel 25-28, Preview”
Sex and death: Is God’s way best? – Ezekiel 24, Part 5
This week in Ezekiel chapter 24, we’ve learned at least two important things about God’s heart. First, his desire for holiness, and in particular, how that relates to human sexuality. Second, his desire for us to trust him when it seems he has allowed something terribly unfair in our lives, in particular the death ofContinue reading “Sex and death: Is God’s way best? – Ezekiel 24, Part 5”
Engaging Scripture 