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Confession
I’m sitting on my couch journaling and praying. The snow is falling outside. Christmas songs are playing quietly. And I am repenting for my sin. Thankfully it’s nothing that would make the evening news; but is nonetheless serious sin. Here is my confession: I have denied and refused a specific of God’s will for a long time and am paying for it. As background, I have a ministry. It’s also business, but at its core it is my ministry. I have had the ministry for many years, to teach Christian women about the Bible, about prayer, and about the sanctity and mystery and glory of God and the Kingdom of…
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Peace, not Storms
“Activities and disciplines by swirl around us with such velocity that our feet barely touch solid ground.” (Jean Fleming) Is it possible for Christians who try to live Christlike lives in the midst of a whirlwind of activities, demands, and responsibilities? Is it possible to thrive in the whirlwind while developing deeper, secret, inner lives? Yes, absolutely it is. Frankly, experiencing peace instead of a tornado takes its own hard work. Ironic much? Not really. This world militates against keeping a quiet and peaceful spirit. Achieving it is a combination of the grace of God and our desire for grace, and our willingness to practice the peace that He promised.…
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Advent: 3 Reminders
1. Advent is important. Unless you were raised Roman Catholic, you might not have a big grasp of Advent. But the gospels of Matthew and Luke start with what happens just BEFORE Jesus is born. There’s a reason for that: the world prepares for the Coming of the King. And so can we. 2. Advent doesn’t have to be time-consuming or formal. Read advent meditations, they’re everywhere. Read the Nativity accounts in Matthew and Luke. (They complement each other but they’re different!) Pray and ask the Lord where you need the Christ to be born into your life and circumstances. Meditate on the human figures of the Nativity: Joseph, Mary,…