Category Archives: James R. Coggins

How I Write by James R. Coggins

Posted on July 16, 2025 by jrcoggins

I have always written by inspiration. I don’t mean that literally, in the biblical sense. But the thing is, unless I am interested in something, unless I think I have something worth saying, I won’t make the effort to write … Continue reading →

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The Power of Faith by James R. Coggins

Posted on July 9, 2025 by jrcoggins

In Galatians 3:1-5 (NIV), the apostle Paul issued a very strongly worded rebuke to the Galatian Christians: “You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. I would like to learn … Continue reading →

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Mysteries by James R. Coggins

Posted on July 2, 2025 by jrcoggins

I write murder mysteries (and lots of other things). But, in a sense, my stories do not remain mysteries. A good murder mystery presents a murder, offers a variety of suspects (red herrings), and in the end reveals whodunit. Readers … Continue reading →

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The Just Shall Live by Faith by James R. Coggins

Posted on June 25, 2025 by jrcoggins

Most North Americans believe there is a heaven, and most North Americans believe they will go there. Why? Because they believe they are good people. Martin Luther, the 16th-century Protestant Reformer thought otherwise. He knew he was a sinner. Luther … Continue reading →

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Handkerchief by James R. Coggins

Posted on June 18, 2025 by jrcoggins

I am old school. I carry white handkerchiefs in my pockets. Handkerchiefs have a long and noble history. The word “kerchief” comes from the French word “couvre-chef” meaning “head covering.” Kerchiefs are square pieces of cloth used to cover the … Continue reading →

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Worship and Waste by James R. Coggins

Posted on June 11, 2025 by jrcoggins

Matthew 26:6-13 tell the story of a woman who anointed Jesus’ head with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume while he was eating in the home of a man called “Simon the Leper.” (Presumably, Simon had been healed by … Continue reading →

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A Moving and Important Story by James R. Coggins

Posted on June 4, 2025 by jrcoggins

My Mill Lake Books imprint has published over two dozen books. A recent short volume may be one of the most significant. In the Best Interest of the Child is both a moving human interest story and a socio-political treatise. … Continue reading →

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The Men Traveling with Saul by James R. Coggins

Posted on May 28, 2025 by jrcoggins

The dramatic story of the apostle Paul being confronted by Jesus on his way to Damacus (Acts 9:1-25) is well known to most Christians. I had read this story of Paul’s conversion many times, but I had never paid any … Continue reading →

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Pastor or Prophet by James R. Coggins

Posted on May 21, 2025 by jrcoggins

“You have to decide whether you want to be a pastor or a prophet,” he said, “because prophets don’t live very long.” My answer was unequivocal. “I want to be a prophet.” We had met for lunch to “talk things … Continue reading →

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Delight by James R. Coggins

Posted on May 14, 2025 by jrcoggins

The English word “delight” is used to translate three Hebrew words: chaphets (pleased with, desire), chashaq (cling to, love), and anag (soft, pliable). It is interesting how these words are used. Perhaps most astounding is that God finds delight in … Continue reading →

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Doctoring in the Old Days by James R. Coggins

Posted on May 7, 2025 by jrcoggins

There were three doctors in the town where I grew up, and the practice of medicine would be almost unrecognizable today. The doctor our family went to had a big house on the main street, and he had office hours … Continue reading →

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Does God Have Fun? by James R. Coggins

Posted on April 30, 2025 by jrcoggins

When I was in high school, a Christian parachurch ministry began renting school gyms in the evening and inviting church youth groups to come and play basketball and volleyball against each other. This encouraged inter-church interaction, these were events that … Continue reading →

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The Golden Age of Poetry by James R. Coggins

Posted on April 23, 2025 by jrcoggins

A long time ago in a land full of mystery, I earned a BA in English and History. Actually, it was the 1970s at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. I received a wonderful education there, for which I am very … Continue reading →

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God and King by James R. Coggins

Posted on April 16, 2025 by jrcoggins

In His trials before His crucifixion, Jesus was asked two key questions. The high priest asked Jesus, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” (Mark 14:61 NIV). The Greek word for “Blessed One” is eulogetos (from which … Continue reading →

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The Name of God by James R. Coggins

Posted on April 9, 2025 by jrcoggins

Most English translations of the Old Testament use two versions of the word “Lord.” “LORD,” in all capitals, translates the word YHWH, which is the name God revealed to Moses (Exodus 3:13-15). It means “I am,” referring to the God … Continue reading →

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