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Surprising Delight
This Sunday will be the third Sunday in the Christian season of Advent. In many traditions, the third Sunday is special, both in theme and in color. Though Advent is a serious season of waiting, the third Sunday emphasizes the joy of our expectation. This joy is often expressed through the use of pink candles and decorations... Psalm 147 makes a strong connection between hope and delight, but one that surprises us.
Is This a Season for Rest?
The New Testament offers us freedom when it comes to things like the foods we eat or the days set apart for rest. Yet this freedom is not freedom from rest . . . regular, intentional, delightful, restorative, worshipful rest. God created us as beings who need rest. God’s directives in Scripture call us to rest. And God’s own example dramatically underscores these instructions. Rest is a gift from God for our well-being as well as God’s glory.
But Isn’t the Imagination Evil?
Some Christians believe that the imagination is necessarily evil. They find support for this view in the King James Version of the Bible, which uses the word “imagination” in generally negative ways. But, in fact, Scripture does not single out the imagination as being corrupt. Rather, all human mental activity has been twisted by sin. Every part of us, including our imagination, needs to be redeemed and renewed by God.
I Am The Good Shepherd: Part 2
In yesterday’s devotion I highlighted the world’s need for a shepherd and the opportunity God has given us to provide shepherd-like leadership amidst all kinds of crises. Today I want to emphasize our own personal need for the Good Shepherd, especially as we seek to meet the needs around us.
