While I have needed large effort in believing in some sort of "God", I have never needed help to believe in a devil. The weight of his presence crushes my shoulders and burns in my chest. Days like today appear all too hopeless when I consider his work. It takes little imagination to prove the … Continue reading This Dark Night
Author: mattsimonblog
10 Irreverent Things to be Thankful For
#10 Neil Diamond - Yes, the guy who brought us "Sweet Caroline" is a national treasure and I will fight you if you disagree. #9 Facebook - Is there a better way to find out how that guy you met at that one thing voted? What if you wanted to figure out which Game of … Continue reading 10 Irreverent Things to be Thankful For
6am Judgment
It's early and my head begins to spin. In the quiet brisk morning, while sleepy defenses are powered down, the weight of a fractured mind sets in. Today will be a battle to keep it together. My faith has always been tempered with a layer of self-punishment. The thought is if I can preempt God's … Continue reading 6am Judgment
Does God Speak?
7 God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. - Matthew 5:7 Mercy: noun - Something that gives evidence of divine favor; blessing (dictionary.com) Synonyms: benevolence, charity, blessing, clemency, forgiveness, pity, generosity, goodwill, sympathy, tolerance I have never heard directly from God. At least not in the traditional sense. While many I grew up admiring … Continue reading Does God Speak?
Presence in Triumph and Tragedy
7 The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in Him. - Nahum 1:7 If ever there was a verse to blanket our lives with, it is this. There is a reason the Bible repeats of God's goodness so many times. Simply look around you. The world … Continue reading Presence in Triumph and Tragedy
Winter in Ohio / Sin / God’s Whisper
*This post originally ran on 11/28/2018 5 For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. - Psalms 100:5 Winter in Ohio makes it difficult to believe in the goodness of God. The cold pierces our midwestern exterior in a way that burdens and rarely tarries. It weighs on … Continue reading Winter in Ohio / Sin / God’s Whisper
The End of Summer / The Start of Self-Care
*This post originally was published 8/28/18 The end of summer signifies the start of chaos for many. No matter how far removed we are from the school schedule, we still seem to work under its direction. The summer is for play. Autumn marks the end of all this and the return of business as usual. … Continue reading The End of Summer / The Start of Self-Care
Living Together
5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus (Romans 15:5) The characteristics of our Creator are many. As reflections of His grace, the best of us show remnants as reflections of a Truer nature. It is refreshing to know the … Continue reading Living Together
Writing For You
Sometimes I write things I am unsure of. I do this on purpose. Unbaked thoughts only come full-term when they are examined, drawn out of their slumbered dwelling, and made to lay under dissection. This is difficult when running a public blog. As the writer examines and digs for some greater truth, the audience can … Continue reading Writing For You
Do We Need Another “Church”?
Do we need more churches? This question has been with me throughout my life. Some days, it percolates in the background, while others it blares to me before my morning coffee. Driving considerably for my job, I cruise by many steeples. Many of them within walking distance from each other. Many within a stones throw. … Continue reading Do We Need Another “Church”?