Reflections on the loving kindness of the Triune God
How do we, as Christians, build up others? I’m asking this with both our secular contacts and fellow believers in view. Is there a special evangelism and discipleship program, ministry strategy, or sermon series available to do the trick? Are there seminars to attend, disciplines to engage, or educators to invite to teach spiritual formation …
Read More Spiritual FormationAs you read the Bible what are you expecting? Or what should you be expecting? It’s an important question with a host of possible answers. Let’s note three and then I’ll share part of what draws me—an avid Bible reader—into sustained and whole-Bible reading. First time readers may come to the Bible because it’s called …
Read More What to look for?Choices represent values. Do you chase adventure? Or is personal security and comfort more important? Do you like to be noticed, or do you prefer a low profile? Are you avid about food? Or is entertainment your scene? Or are you, perhaps, an omnivore—with many interests? And if you like to be entertained do you …
Read More What’s important?We all like to speculate. Some do it more than others. And some do it more constructively than others. Think, for instance, of the pioneering physicists of the last century. Albert Einstein, for one, unpacked quantum realities with huge leaps of insight. And he was just one of a clan of pioneers who at first …
Read More Embodied SoulsThe final verse of the book of Revelation—and the completion of my read-through—ended with a double calling: “Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.” Jesus is the focus of both calls—one that speaks of the future and the other of the present. In the first call John exhorts Jesus …
Read More “Come, Lord Jesus!”This morning I had a rich experience. I enjoyed a walk with God. Can I tell you about it? But first a “truth in writing” warning: you may be disappointed by my claim. The walk—what God offers me every morning—can be seen as an ordinary “quiet time.” But it’s much more than that. It’s an …
Read More Walking with GodBible reading has remarkable power for some. But for most people it’s a serious put-off. On the positive side of things I met with a new Bible reading partner yesterday. Even after just one week of reading he was gushing—honestly delighted with the venture. His wife has also picked up on it and now shares …
Read More Reconstructing GodI met Sam fifty years ago. My home church recruited us—a couple of newly minted high school graduates—to help with a church plant in Sechelt, British Columbia. Sam, the pastor, was a retired missionary; a Scotsman by birth who had served for much of his life in Africa. Yet he was still up to planting …
Read More Sam’s BatonAny of us who do bold Bible reading—the three-or-more-read-throughs-a-year folks—will have conversations with God as we read. That’s our insiders’ information . . . what makes the reading so satisfying and keeps us going. I’m happy to promote relational Bible reading once again for a couple of reasons. First, it’s a wonderful opportunity—a rich and …
Read More Reading IsaiahIn the final chapter of Isaiah, the prophet speaks God’s words of both warning and invitation to his people: “But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word” (66:2). God is setting out a sharp contrast between those who are religious—offering …
Read More What God Wants