“The lover of silence draws close to God. He talks to Him in secret and God enlightens him.” --John Climacus In the previous post on solitude, I described several strategies I employ to create solitude throughout my day. Starting the day with silence and solitude, avoiding any digital connections in the morning, having the first …
“Solitude with God repairs the damage done by the fret and poise and clamour of the world.” - Oswald Chambers “And in the morning very early, Jesus arose and went out to a solitary place, and there prayed.” Mark 1:35 Solitude is one of the most basic and important practices of the Christian faith. And …
“To be honest, most of my prayers are a monologue. I tell God what’s on my mind, and then my prayer time is done. The communication flows one direction. And most of the time I don’t even verbalize my prayers. I simply offer words in my head.” – Rodney Reeves, in Christianity Today, June 11, …
“If religion is only the garb in which Christianity is clothed – and this garb has looked very different in different ages – what then is religionless Christianity?” Dietrich Bonhoeffer Bonhoeffer asks the most pertinent of questions; “What then is religionless Christianity?” It is living in a state of growing oneness with our God, having …
A few weeks ago, one of the newer guys who attends a weekly men’s gathering I host asked a great question that occasioned much conversation. His question was this (I am paraphrasing): "The Baptists say this about God, the Catholic church says that about God. The Lutherans say this is the way to follow God. …
Photo: Abby (red collar) and Jackson at the river behind my home. Meet my dog, Jackson. I acquired him from the local shelter along with his “bunkmate,” Abby. Abby was a great-looking Labrador mix, with an estimated age of 10 or 11 years. She and Jackson, who was thought to be about four years old, …
“Never forget that the road to heaven is the way of the cross. Jesus has called us to follow Him, bearing the cross as He did.” Rose Philippine Duchesne Walking in the way of the cross, living a crucified life, is a theme in the New Testament that started with Jesus and continued in the …
Continue reading Jesus is our Model for The Way of the Cross
Some people, when the conversation turns to intimacy and communion with their God, light up and become energized. It is clear they enjoy their God, and long for the consciousness of His presence. John Piper said this; “But to enjoy him we must know him. Seeing is savoring. If he remains a blurry, vague fog, …
“Knowing the Bible is one thing. Knowing the author is another.” This simple statement is rich with profound truth. How many people come to learn many truths about the Bible, and never become intimate with its author? Far too many, I fear. We have built an entire “Christian education” system around learning facts and principles …
Years ago, a speaker from Ireland was addressing a group of Young Life missionaries of which I was a part. The point of his message was the need for us to develop and maintain an intimate, conversational relationship with our God. Quintessentially Irish, with wild red hair, a fisherman’s beard, a distinct Irish brogue, flaming …
Without Limit 