Jesus, the Lord of the Sabbath, says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” In the next two stories recorded in Matthew’s gospel, Jesus and his disciples are accused of breaking the Jewish Sabbath laws. By saying ”Come to me…and I will give you rest,” Jesus is [...]
Well, Tiger Woods did it again, bum knee and all. (Lakers didn’t — bummer. But congrats to those of you who are Celtics fans. The best team won.) On Monday, while Tiger was playing his playoff round, I called my sister in California about the upcoming Scheenstra family reunion. After I boasted about my going seven miles [...]
Do you consider yourself a good listener? James writes: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry…(1:19). I’d appreciate hearing any thoughts you have about what you think makes for a good listener (or, for that matter, a poor listener).
I admit that I have a sort of love/hate relationship with poetry. I like it when it makes me think; I don’t like it when it makes me feel stupid; for example, for not having a PhD in literature and consequently not knowing the “code.” (Come to think of it, maybe that’s how some people feel about reading [...]
I’d like you to pay attention to something today.
Everything.
Bill Donahue, in his book, In the Company of Jesus, tells the following experience he had in a seventh-grade science class:
I’m discovering that one key to experiencing a vibrant prayer life is noticing the little things — the little gifts from God that come unsolicited; the little ways he answers the petitions I actually think to bring to him. I’ve been realizing lately how often what I want is for God to prove himself. In [...]
“Then Jesus entered the temple area and began driving out those who were selling. ‘It is written,’ he said to them, ‘ “My house will be a house of prayer”; but you have made it “a den of robbers” ‘ ” (Luke 19:45,56).
Temple worship had become big business. Animals were sold to worshiping pilgrims so [...]
I admit to being attracted to Celtic music. I especially appreciate Celtic prayers, like this one:
I bind unto myself this day
the strong name of the Trinity.
Some of us have been hesitant to sign up for a shift in the prayer tent. We feel daunted by the prospect of praying for a whole hour, or we feel intimidated by the space itself. Or we wonder if we’re holy enough or spiritually mature enough.
“Be careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15,16).
“Make the most of every opportunity.” To do what? I think the primary answer lies at the the beginning the chapter. In his letters, Paul often raises a topic and then [...]
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