Author Archives: jrcoggins

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About jrcoggins

James R. Coggins is a professional writer and editor based in British Columbia, Canada. He wrote his first novel in high school, but, fortunately for his later reputation as a writer, it was never published. He briefly served as a Christian magazine editor (for just over 20 years). He has written everything from scholarly and encyclopedia articles to jokes in Reader’s Digest (the jokes paid better). His six and a half published books include four John Smyth murder mysteries and one other, stand-alone novel. In his spare time, he operates Mill Lake Books, a small publishing imprint. His website is www.coggins.ca

I Wish I Was an English Lord by James R. Coggins

Three years ago, we moved. It was time. We had been in our previous house for almost thirty years, and we needed a new challenge. It was a time to re-evaluate—our habits, our activities, and our possessions. We gave away … Continue reading

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The People of God by James R. Coggins

In his first letter, the apostle Peter was writing to Christians, probably both Jews and gentiles, in what is now Turkey (1 Peter 1:1). He reminded them that they were “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s … Continue reading

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A Very Important Date by James R. Coggins

Dr. Coggins, you are a trained historian and an amateur theologian. What wisdom do you have for us today? I’m always glad to help. Here is my thought for this week. January 6 is a very important date for me, … Continue reading

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Should “gentiles” Be Capitalized? by James R. Coggins

The Hebrew word translated “gentiles” in the Old Testament is gowy or goy. It literally means a “massing.” The same word is used to describe herds of animals or locusts. It suggests large numbers. In English, we still use terms … Continue reading

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For the Season after Christmas by James R. Coggins

As has been my custom for the past two years, today I am filling the vacant space between Christmas and New Year’s with some of my own poetry, some of it serious and some more fun.              Father Christmas … Continue reading

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It’s My Birthday! By James R. Coggins

This blog is being posted on my birthday. It is noteworthy that I was born so close to the winter solstice. I once asked my sister, “Did you notice that the days kept getting shorter and darker until I was … Continue reading

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Santa Jesus by James R. Coggins

He asked Santa Claus for a puppy. When he didn’t get it, he stopped believing in Santa Claus. She prayed for a bicycle. When she didn’t get it, she stopped believing in God. When the church encourages non-Christians to believe … Continue reading

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The Mountain of Fear and the Mountain of Joy by James R. Coggins

In Hebrews 12:18-29, there is a fascinating contrast between two mountains: “You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm…But you have come to Mount Zion, to … Continue reading

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Give and Receive a Blessing by James R. Coggins

Several years ago, I established Mill Lake Books to help Christian authors get their books published in an affordable way. To date, this imprint has published over 30 books. One of the most recent is Fullness of Time: Devotionals, Poems, … Continue reading

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As Foolish as Esau by James R. Coggins

Hebrews 12:16-17 (NIV) warns: “See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, … Continue reading

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Strays by James R. Coggins

I will not name her, but she is a woman I know well. For most of her life, she has been picking up strays. Not cats. She’s allergic to them. People. The kid in school who had no other friends. … Continue reading

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Facing Opposition by James R. Coggins

Reading Hebrews 12 recently, I was struck by one verse: “Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (verse 3, NIV). Writing to Christians facing persecution in the Roman Empire, … Continue reading

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The Wars of the Maccabees by James R. Coggins

After the Jews returned to Jerusalem from exile in Babylon and rebuilt the temple and the city wall under Ezra and Nehemiah, there is a gap in the biblical record of about four centuries. During this time, the Jews struggled … Continue reading

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Moses’ Courage by James R. Coggins

Commentators have been troubled by this New Testament statement about Moses: “By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger” (Hebrews 11:27). The original Old Testament story says that when it became known that Moses had killed an Egyptian who … Continue reading

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Seeking Peace and Prosperity by James R. Coggins

After living in the same house for 29 years, my wife and I decided it was time to move. The children had grown up and moved out. The big yard with its fruit trees and gardens was becoming too much … Continue reading

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