Keeping the Sabbath “If you keep the Sabbath, you start to see creation not as somewhere to get away from your ordinary life, but a place to frame an attentiveness to your life.”[i]—Eugene H. Peterson, The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Note [i] Eugene Peterson, The Pastor: A Memoir (New York: HarperCollins, 2012), 270. See also Eugene Peterson, quoted in …
Quote of the Week, The Blessings of Solitude, by Charles Spurgeon
The Blessings of Solitude “There are times when solitude is better than society, and silence is wiser than speech. We should be better Christians if we were more alone, waiting upon God, and gathering through meditation on His Word spiritual strength for labour in his service. We ought to muse upon the things of God, because we thus get the …
Vlog Entry, Walter Brueggemann and Samuel in the Dark Knight, by Stephanie Bennett
Description: The misery of uncertainty can lead us far astray in terms of the choices we make. Instead of waiting on the Spirit of Truth and the Counsel He brings, we’d often rather do something — anything — just to feel a little bit in control. Perhaps we should start looking at our dark nights of unknowing and confusion as …
A Prayer for Knowledge of God’s Will by St. Francis of Assisi
For Knowledge of God’s Will God, almighty, eternal, righteous, and merciful, help us poor sinners do all that we know of your will, and to will always what pleases you, so that inwardly purified, enlightened, and kindled by the fire of the Holy Spirit, we may follow in the footprints of your well-beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. Source: Francis of …
Quote of the Week, Consecrated and Dedicated, by John Calvin
“It is a very important consideration that we be consecrated and dedicated to God. It means that we may think, speak, meditate, and do all things only in view of His glory.”[i]—John Calvin, French theologian and Protestant Reformer [i] John Calvin, Golden Booklet of the True Christian Life, trans. by Henry J. Van Andel (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1952), 20.
A Prayer, Lord Bless Us with Your Goodness, Rest, Power, Wisdom, Patience, and Hope, by Kirchen-Agende, 1797
The Lord Bless You with His Goodness, Rest, Power, Wisdom, Patience, Hope May the Lord show you the greatness of his goodness, that you overflow with thanks every day. May the Lord bless you abundantly with rest for the heart, power for virtue, wisdom for life, and patience in suffering. May the Lord bless you with joyful hope, and one day with the inexpressible joys of …
Quote of the week, by Jonathan Edwards, 18th Century Protestant Theologian
“Temples have their sacred images; and we see what influence they have always had over a great part of mankind; but in truth, the ideas and images in men’s minds are the invisible powers that constantly govern them; and to these they all pay universally a ready submission.”[i] —Jonathan Edwards, eighteenth-century Protestant theologian [i] Jonathan Edwards, Freedom of the Will, …
Vlog entry, Joy in the Waiting, by Stephanie Bennett
Description: How does one build spiritual muscle? Starting with God’s word to Isaiah we realize that waiting on God is a sure mark of what it means to be a Christ-follower today. We determine not to run off and do whatever we think is best, but wait on Him to show us, to guide us, to lead the way. Friends …
Column Entry, Let’s Talk Family, “Traffic Light Conflict,” by Jonathan Pettigrew and Diane Badzinski
Column: Let’s Talk Family: Conversations about Faith and Family Flourishing Column entry: Traffic Light Conflict By Jonathan Pettigrew, PhD, Arizona State University; Diane Badzinski, PhD, Colorado Christian University Column Description: Let’s Talk Family: Conversations about Faith and Family Flourishing is a monthly column offering a space to consider research-based, biblically-sound practices for family communication. We all have families. And we …
A Prayer for Truth and Honesty, by B.T. Roberts and Howard Snyder
Truth is too high a price to pay for consistency. If you are deceived a dozen times a day, have the frankness and humility to confess it. It is a thousand times better to be true and honest, than to be consistent in error. So long as you are too proud to admit mistakes the Lord cannot lead you. — B. …