In The Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis offers us one side of a conversation between two demons as they correspond by sending letters back and forth. We only read the words of Screwtape, a veteran and distinguished human tempter. He writes to his nephew Wormwood, who is a novice in the trade of temptation, attempting to mentor him as Wormwood seeks to capture his first human soul for the purpose of eternal torment.
Things have changed, but that’s the way it was. This time of year came with its own kind of aloneness too. My parents didn’t have a good marriage most of the time, and this time of year brought out those particular dysfunctions related to jealousy, trust, resentments, miscommunication, or no communication, and general but profound separation. These dynamics were real and thick… I felt a sense of aloneness and insecurity. I have no desire to psycho-babel but my world was unstable, and I didn’t know where I would land. I had dreams at that time that my parents were dying, and I would
Obstacles, whether they come from within or without, as temptations or testing’s, the Lord’s love will be there in His presence, to guide and direct, encourage and empower. As the theme implies, a life lived is not without obstacles and there isn’t always victory, sometimes we will experience defeat. However, a life’s journey is comprised of many battles, or, obstacles, and a loss doesn’t define you. We are defined by the death and resurrection of Jesus.
Be Yoked to Jesus: A Journey of Gentleness and Love Dear Church, as you read this letter, I hope that your hearts are filled with deep love for God, and that your mind is set on loving Him more and more. It’s a strange thing, the hearts capacity for love. God is love, and as […]
Honoring Pastor Larry Enriquez: A Legacy of Compassion in Ontario On May 30, 2024, the City of Ontario witnessed the end of an era. The event? Our own Pastor Larry Enriquez stepped away from the Ontario Police Department where he served as a police chaplain for over 28 years. Pastor Larry was one of many […]
The Beatles, a globally iconic band, wrote Mary into one of their hits. Not too sure what they knew about the mother of Christ or their relationship to Christ Himself, but they did at least know that she was important and had significance.
Are We “Open For Business?” I remember that some years ago I traveled nearly across the country, by car, in about fifty hours, including an eight-hour rest stop in Oklahoma. This trip came about because my son-in-law needed to travel from California to New Jersey for a new job, arriving before my daughter and […]
Many, if not most, of us have heard of the mythical Phoenix. A marvelous bird that would burst into fire and flames at the end of its life, to be reborn again from its ashes. I am sure we also have some knowledge of the reincarnation beliefs taught in the Hindu and Buddhist religions: The life cycle of birth, death and rebirth, ever continuing until a soul somehow earns or discovers the way out through some form of enlightenment.
Lent, Love and Relationship Greetings and salutations to God’s holy and beloved ones at CCF. As February rolls around, it reminds me of several things, that I should not forget my daughter’s birthday near the end of the month and that I should plan a date with my wife by Valentine’s day. You […]
In the New Testament book of Philippians, we have the Apostle Paul writing to all the Christians living in the region of Philippi, or rather, the church of Philippi. He wrote the letter we call the Book of Philippians while he was imprisoned by the Romans, probably in Rome. It’s important to know that because […]
