Coram Deo ~

Looking at contemporary culture from a Christian worldview

Monthly Archives: September 2024


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COVID AND SIN

MY STORY…(Tammy Pence)

  • My Covid virus started with just a little post nasal drip and clearing my throat. What’s the big deal?
  • Sin creeps in the door, cracks it a wee bit and we say, ‘no big deal’.

 

  • But then it came on like a freight train, fever with chills and dripping sweat, congestion, coughing, etc.
  • Sin takes advantage of its new temptation entry way and barges in. It promises such big huge things, but in the end sin is overtaking and owning you, and you can’t get rid of it.

 

  • So you take out your arsenal – NyQuil, Metamucil, Advil, Sudafed, thermometer, pulse oximeter and Kleenex.

Please help me O God.

  • With sin you take out your armor – (Ephesians 6:10-18)  the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, your gospel sandals, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit.

Please help me O God.

 

  • But I am sooo tired and anxious. If I blow my nose, will it give me vertigo?  Am I ready to cross the rainbow bridge?  The medicine I was given by a wise physician has nasty side effects – gastric along with and a bad taste in my mouth.
  • In my battle against sin, I am sooo tired, anxious and despairing. I am supposed to be strong and courageous.  Will this besetting sin get the best of me?  What do I have to sacrifice as part of the Great Physician’s healing process?  That sin that I thought was so fun and seductive now leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

BUT GOD…

Has put the lyrics of some songs in my head so I can draw my strength from Him in the power of His boundless might – when I have no strength or courage.

  • “I know someday I will be free
    The weight of sin shall be released
    But for now He covers me.” Steve Camp
  • “Abide with me, fast falls the eventide
    The darkness deepens Lord, with me abide
    When other helpers fail and comforts flee
    Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me”


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The Biblical Value of Work, Part 2

Recently, we looked at the origins of work in The Biblical Value of Work, Part 1. Continuing our look at work, if we were to admit it, many of those we work with, and perhaps some of us, view work as a necessary evil. Most do not look at their work as a vocation, a calling, or even a career. No, it is just a job. They embrace Loverboy’s “Working for the Weekend” philosophy, celebrate reaching a midweek “Hump Day,” ask “Is it Friday yet?” and get the “Sunday Night Blues” as they think about going to work on Monday morning. Continue reading →


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The Biblical Value of Work, Part 1

Let’s face it, “Work” has a bad name. It is not unusual to hear people say, “That’s why they call it work, right”?

Do you believe that the only work that has value in God’s eyes is “full-time Christian work,” such as serving in the ministry as a pastor or missionary? Do you feel that there is “sacred” or “religious” work and everything else is “secular work,” and that secular work is a necessary evil, just to pay the bills and support your family, and contribute to God’s mission, but having no real value in God’s eyes? Do you think this is the way that most feel about their work, whether it is work they do that is paid, or as a stay-at-home Mom, retiree, or volunteer? I do think that is what many Christians think.

But is work just a necessary evil? I would say no.

As we will see, the Bible has a very high view of work. Continue reading →