Category: Uncategorized

by Steven Capps

Let’s discuss plotting. Not the evil, “let’s take over the world” kind, though I guess that does fit. I’m talking about the events that create a story. Specifically, I’m talking about the events that create my stories and how I go about developing them.

by ARHuelsenbeck

When I resigned from my teaching job four years ago, I resolved to do things around the house that I hadn’t had time for while I was working, like tackling our “garage of doom.” Our house, built in 1979, was showing its age, and our heavy wooden garage door looked shabby and decayed. I told my husband the garage had to be cleared out before we could order a new door.

For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.

2 Peter 1:16-18

After the brief transition of the last few verses, Peter is moving on to remind us that he is an eyewitness of Jesus Christ, that he was present when God the Father spoke from heaven on the mountain announcing who Jesus was; Peter knows what he is talking about! Peter is reminding us that he is an authoritative witness to these factual events, and isn’t merely a teller of…

We all know this one, right? It’s one of those short and sweet sentences that sound smart and wise and in time become terrible cliches.

But there’s more to it than meets the eye.

Most people will try to find a passion and do it and do it and so on. As long as they are inspired, as long as they love what they do.

But that’s only half of it.

The other half is “love what to do.”

In other words, develop the discipline to enjoy the parts that no one really likes doing. The hard work, the frustration, the countless failures. The parts that are boring.

Example?

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time,  casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen.

1 Peter 5:6-11

Peter sums up his letter in these few verses, so let’s join in his summation…

We need to humble ourselves in His service, casting off our anxieties, and firm in our hope and faith in His love. Don’t be too concerned about earthly challenges and problems; keep your focus on your relationship with Him. He…

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you;  but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.  For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?

And “if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner?”

Therefore, those also who…