The Biosphere II project was an innovative research tool for scientists to study earth’s living systems. It provided a controlled environment for scientists to experiment with farming and innovation without damaging the planet. One of the most surprising findings from the project was the role wind and rain played in the growth of trees. Scientists observed that trees inside the dome grew more rapidly than those outside. They also fell over before reaching … [Read more...] about The Necessity of Stress
Holy Spirit
Conquering the Struggle
Is there a more maligned name than the name of Jesus Christ? I just recently read something written by Jim Wallis who’s known as an evangelical pastor, a social activist, and a voice of the left-wing of the religious party, the religious left. He says: “It is essential that we understand the religious nature of our present crisis. At this point, “Jesus” is still a very useful tool in the hands of tyrants. The liberationists, socialists, barbarians, and Scythians can … [Read more...] about Conquering the Struggle
The Book Of Life
According to those who take the pulse of societal trends, many people admit to having no meaning in their lives. That seems to be a big factor behind a lot of the anti-social activity we see. They don’t know what their life is about. Religion, politics, and the culture at large fail to give any essential meaning to life. However, understanding the Book of Life mentioned throughout the Bible does enhance the relevance of our Christian lives. King David is one who … [Read more...] about The Book Of Life
Emotions, + or -?
We all have emotions. God has emotions. Christ had emotions while on the earth as a human. Emotions are a natural part of the human psyche. A dictionary definition is a good place to begin in taking a look at the role emotions play in our lives – or put it another way, the place they should play in our lives. Emotions are “a complex experience of consciousness, bodily sensation, and behavior that reflects the personal significance of a thing, an event, or a state of affairs.” Of all the … [Read more...] about Emotions, + or -?
When Pentecost Arrived
A miracle is a surprising and welcome event that is not explained by natural or scientific laws and therefore attributed to the work of a divine agency, a work of God. After His resurrection, Christ commanded His disciples to stay in Jerusalem “until you are clothed with power from on high” (Luke 24:49 ESV). Interestingly, several miracles "from power on high" took place on that Day of Pentecost. The first miracle was a sound like a “mighty rushing wind” (Acts 2:1-2). It was startling. … [Read more...] about When Pentecost Arrived
Our Job
We all have a job. At some stage in life, day after day, we work. Yet sometimes the daily repetition can turn into a blur of years in or outside the home. For 18 long years, I sat in the basement of a hospital, all alone, and programmed a computer to run the air conditioning. I wondered, how did my repetitious work fit into our calling? "But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of … [Read more...] about Our Job
The Holy Spirit Versus “I”
How many times a day do we use the words “me,” “myself,” or “I”? I tried keeping track once and finally gave up because I lost count. Have we considered just how powerful that “I” is? Our mind’s eye, personalities, and core existence. Let’s look at exactly what we’re up against when we pit our human mind against the power of the Holy Spirit. Christ and the apostles were on a boat after He delivered the Sermon on the Mount. As they crossed the Sea of Galilee, a great windstorm blew in. The … [Read more...] about The Holy Spirit Versus “I”