Should a Christian read the Bible daily? I think so, and so do many of you. But why is daily Bible reading the expected "normal" for Christians? Why do we teach it to our children, and preach it from our pulpits? Why do we strive to master this discipline? Looking through your comments, I found 3 major reasons to read it every day: a relationship, a command, and a benefit. Read the Bible daily to grow in your relationship. "I try to read daily because it is where I hear God's voice. Direction, peace. Building a relationship with Him. I don't like missing a day talking to my husband. Why would I want to miss a day talking to the Lover of My Soul? It is a habit. But it is a [...Read More]
Celebrating Christ at Christmas: Spiritual Wish Lists
December 6, 2012 By 3 Comments
*Note: Today I have the honor of guest posting over at The Deliberate Reader. I'm sharing a few of my favorite books for cultivating intimacy with God, as part of Sheila's "Favorite Books" series. Make sure you check it out -- then come back here; it dovetails perfectly with today's post! So far in this series: Observing Advent 2. Spiritual Wish Lists (originally shared 12/13/11) What’s on your Christmas list this year? No, not your own wish list, the other one. You know -- the {long} list of things that your kids want, the {really short} list of ideas from your spouse, the {creative} list of things you’d like to get for your friends or siblings or parents… I’m [...Read More]
Grace and peace be multiplied to you!
September 3, 2012 By 7 Comments
I just started memorizing 1 Peter 1 with the group at Do Not Depart (also on Facebook at Hide His Word). So far I've learned the first 3 verses. And as I've been reciting and remembering, I've also been meditating, hoping to gain new understanding and fresh application from the chapter. One phrase has already jumped out at me. It's a common phrase, especially within the New Testament epistles. After the usual greeting, which names both the author(s) and the recipient(s), it was customary to offer a blessing. For instance, since I've been learning 1 Peter 1, let me quote those first two verses for you {yes, I'm typing it from memory}: "Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who are [...Read More]
A Spiritual Checkup
August 2, 2012 By 8 Comments
Over the past five years, my body has been thoroughly changed by disease. I've gained weight, my hair has thinned, and I bruise very easily. My sinuses run like crazy. My eye constantly waters. Some days I just feel like a total mess. And if I listened to the world's message about beauty, I would curl up in a ball and feel sorry for myself. I'd be ashamed to leave home. I'd be lusting after better clothes, better hair, and a better body. But that's not what's truly important. Not in this life, and certainly not in the next life. "Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." Proverbs 31:30 From the moment we're born, our bodies start [...Read More]
Being Committed to Christ
February 1, 2012 By Leave a Comment
I've been thinking a lot about commitment lately. Specifically, how committed I am to different spiritual disciplines. For instance, reading my Bible every day. Or interceding for fellow believers. Or obeying God's direction even when it means sacrificing something else (money, health, etc). We use the word a lot in today's culture. We talk about being a committed spouse or parent. We talk about commitments such as music lessons, team sports, or occupational goals. We speak of committing to certain responsibilities, like teaching a Sunday school class or being part of a prayer chain. But do we really understand the meaning of the word? Basic definitions of the word include the thoughts of [...Read More]
