I get what you’re saying, it is a strange paradox; but God is so far above us and I think both are true. If the Bible says it, we do have free will and God does choose us, His Spirit ‘woos’ us. Hard to understand but easy to Trust HIm...
Disabled due to chronic pain I’ve been particularly interested in Scripture regarding pain. There are many verses and even whole chapters relating to pain. Many may be familiar with the “consider it pure joy when you encounter various trials” verses in James chapter 1. But one can gain better understanding...
I’ve been asked, “if I don’t believe in Calvinism, then what am I?” Great question! First, I never said that I don’t believe in the tenants of Calvinism. I do but only with qualifications. As for the question, “What am I?”, I am a disciple of Christ! I am His...
I am completely, utterly amazed at how God preserves us constantly giving us opportunities either to obey him or not. I believe the concept of free as essential to my faith in an almighty God. I cannot argue with the tenants of Calvinism. (Not meaning to offend any of my...
“Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life” is a book that we are reading here. It is by Donald S. Whitney published by Navpress, a ministry of the Navigators. ISBN 0-913367-13-3 “Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness.” 1 Timothy 4:7, NASB Chapter One: The Spiritual Disciplines For the Purpose of...
I was recently asked a question, something to this effect: “What has happened to the younger generation Christians? Why are they not worshiping God seriously?” I wondered if the younger generation wasn’t asking the same question about my generation. It reminded me of the account regarding the church where Matt...
I have had many mentors and influential men in my life. I have not always fully benefited from having mentors due to my own foolishness at the time. Here is a partial list: My dad, Edward J. Rodatus (deceased) Bill Gothard through his Institute of Basic Life Principals Oswald Chambers (deceased)...
It is no secret to those who know me well that the book of Ecclesiastes is one of my favorites. To many people it may seem a depressing book. After all, it starts off, “Vanity, vanity. All is vanity.” But I find the book to be encouraging, even uplifting. It’s...
If I were to pick one verse out of the entire Bible which has encouraged and directed my life more than any other verse, I think it would be Colossians 3:3. “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” There are numerous companion versus such...
I remember what it was like to wake up early in the morning, shower, dress, shave, and begin my long commute to work. I remember working hard at my job, giving it my best, and then the long commute home. Exhausted from my day I was again called upon to...