All in Foundations

Beyond John 3:16

Trip Kimball
God's Word, Foundations, Personal Faith, John Study, IYOW

When we hear something over and over, we tune it out at some level. It becomes too familiar, or we tune it out because we don't want to hear it.

This is what children do with their parents. "Are you listening to what I'm telling you?" Um, that would be no! When we hear an ad or announcement repeated ad nauseam, we tune it out as a means of self-preservation.

Perhaps this is why people are indifferent to the good news of God's redemption. They either tune it out because it's redundant and repetitive, or they just don't want to hear it. Then again, it could be something quite different.

Impossible But Not Unforgivable

Trip Kimball
Hebrews Study, Foundations, Personal Faith, God's Word

American culture thrives on excuses and justifications, rhetoric, misinformation, and spin. Actually, all cultures do. It's called the human condition.

We say we want to know the truth, but do we? Can we handle it when the truth doesn't fit our expectations or preconceived notions?

Perhaps that's why we're so big on "money-back guarantees" in America. I'm pretty sure we're the only country that sells extended warranties, paying twice or three times the cost of the item, just for peace of mind if it breaks.

When this quest for guaranteed guarantees carries over to spiritual truth and theology, it causes problems. The western mind (including Americans) prize logic and legal wording when it comes to theology. We like iron-clad truth!

Towards A Prosperous New Year

Trip Kimball
God's Word, Foundations, Personal Faith

It will soon be the beginning of a new year, and many people look for a new start, set new goals, and make some New Year's resolutions.

What are your expectations for the coming new year? Do you want to be prosperous? 

How do you define prosperity? Perhaps you're hoping for a new job, wealth, new opportunities, or something else for a better life.

What if prosperity was not so measurable, but more to do with values and quality of life?

Is that the kind of improvement you're seeking this year?

Don't Drift Away

Trip Kimball
Devos and Studies, Foundations, God's Word, Hebrews Study, Personal Faith

I've lived near an ocean most of my life—in Southern California, the Visayan region of the Philippines, and now in NE Florida. I'm familiar with the power of currents and tides.

Solid footing, secure moorings, and anchors are needed to prevent a person or a vessel from drifting off. Even where currents are gentle, if a boat isn't tied securely to its mooring it will drift away.

Rivers can be treacherous and even lakes when unexpected squalls kick up. Jesus' disciples knew this from experience. They also learned to not rely upon their own expertise and experience when it came to matters of faith.