Hopewit

Panama City from the Pacific approach For it is written:     “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;      the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.  (1 Corinthians 1:19-21, NIV) Paul’s primary purpose in the passage quoted above seems to be to reassure the church in Corinth that the message on which they’ve set their hopes is God’s wisdom , that it is not foolishness as unbelieving neighbours may claim. In his letter, Isaiah 29 is referenced, a chapter in which the prophet chastises his people for basing their “wisdom” on earthly, human assumptions while ignoring “the scroll,” the revelations of God apprehen...

All flowers are roses, except these. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4) “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12) It’s not hard to infer from the first chapter of James that a prolonged walk down easy street is bound to leave us juvenile, flabby and—in the Kingdom of God—pretty much weaklings. Conversely, being beset by and overcoming trials that require muscle and stick-to-itiveness lends maturity, strength and fulfillment. Of course, we all know that building physical muscle doesn’t happen in the recliner; to build strength requires exercise, exertion, perseverance. But how ...

Saskatchewan Cacti - Grasslands National Park “If anyone says ‘I love God’ and yet hates his fellow Christian, he is a liar, because the one who does not love his fellow Christian whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And the commandment we have from him is this: that the one who loves God should love his fellow Christian too.” (1 John 4:20-21, NET) “Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.” (1 John 4:20-21, NIV) It seems simple on its surface: You say you love God, then demonstrate it in love for your faith family members. Conversely, mistreatment of your fellow Christians puts your love for God in doubt. Let’s assume for the moment that “love” here doesn’t mean “warm, fuzzy feeling,” but rather the active an...