The Fellowship of the Ring on Judgment

Gandalf: Many that live deserve death. Some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them, Frodo? Do not bee too eager to deal out death and judgment. Even the very wise cannot see all ends.

Philosophy of Education

"Part of our role as Christians involved in education is to help restore the love of truth and the earnest search for it....Indeed, because of our devotion to Christ we should endeavor not merely to know and teach the truth in whatever area it may be found, but to love the truth and inspire others to love it too. After all, people are impelled not so much by what they know as by what they love" (Michael L. Peterson, With All Your Mind, 202).

Quiet Strength

Proverbs 10:19
When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.

Proverbs 11:12
A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue.

Proverbs 12:23
A prudent man keeps his knowledge to himself, but the heart of fools blurts out folly.

Proverbs 13:3
He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.

Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh words stirs up anger.

Proverbs 15:2
The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.

Proverbs 15:23
A man finds joy in giving an apt reply - and how good is a timely word!

Proverbs 15:28
The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.

Proverbs 17:27
A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered.

The Mystery of Reconciliation

Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

What kind of peace is Jesus telling us to make? Peace between God and man.

“I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me” (Acts 26:17-18).

But that’s impossible! I can’t make peace between God and man.

“The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God” (2 Corinthians 4:4).

You’re called to.

“God reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:18-20).

The Other Beacon Article

Recently one Saturday night in the Hub, I was eating with a friend and fellow senior when we started reminiscing about our time at Northwestern. “Would you do it all over again?” my friend asked, to which I replied, “Yeah, I would.” This may sound strange coming from someone who transferred out after his first semester and was determined to graduate in three years, but it is true. (By the way, I came back a week later, and this is my fourth year at Northwestern.) I would not trade the last 3 ½ years at Northwestern for anything. Granted, they have had their ups and downs, but overall I am genuinely grateful for the education and experiences that Northwestern College has afforded me. (Who would have imagined that I would have been to Taiwan twice and the Middle East once before graduation?) However, what I am not ready to concede is that the college years were “the best years of my life.”

The last 3 ½ years at Northwestern have been great, but God has more in store for me than I could ever think or imagine. How can I say that my time at Northwestern College was best when I have yet to experience the joys and struggles of marriage, children, full-time missions, teaching, and so much more? Who knows what the Lord has for me next and who can possibly say that it will not be as good as or even better than what I am experiencing right now? One thing is for sure. The best years of my life will be spent face to face with Jesus.

A Biblical Understading of Sickness

by Pastor Jim Collingsworth

The benefits of sickness:

1. Sickness helps to remind us of death.
2. Sickness helps us to think seriously about God, our souls, and the world to come.
3. Sickness helps to soften our hearts.
4. Sickness helps to level and humble us.
5. Sickness helps to try men's religion.

I Smile!

I found another song with the name of my blog in it.

This one is by Russ Lee:

Lost and all alone
Looking for a reason for being
In this crazy world
Trying to go on
Looking for the answers
To the questions
And there You were

From the moment You appeared
Everything became so clear
I'm so glad that You're here, Lord

I smile when I think about
The way You've turned my life around
I smile when I think about
The happiness in You I've found
I'm so amazed at what Your love has done
And when I think the best is yet to come
I smile!
I smile!

Wandering the dark
Lost in the confusion
I thought I was losing my mind for sure
I searched with all my heart
Looking for direction
Something to believe in
And there You were
And You were reaching down to me
You were everything I needed
I'm so glad You found me, Lord

'Cause You've turned all my gray skies
To the brightest blue, yes, You did
And my life feels like sunshine
And it's because of You
All because of You...I smile