There are two kinds of people in the world, those who write in their bibles and those who don't. I don't write in my bible. Typically. Lately, however, I have changed my routine. I started using a one-year bible, like the kind that's out of order and organized by daily readings. Because it's not "really" a bible, I feel free to mark it up, and here's what I've found: it's helpful. Now there's two ways to underline. In school, you underline books for key ideas and for the purpose of quick … [Read more...] about The Mighty Devotional Pencil
Archives for June 2012
The Unknown Preacher
Charles Spurgeon was converted at Primitive Methodist Chapel on Artillery Street in Colchester, Essex. That much no one contests. But no one knows who preached the sermon that led to his conversion. Think about that. The prince of preachers, the prolific and profound Spurgeon was forever changed by some no-named preacher. That's encouraging. Do you ever feel like you're serving in obscurity? Do you ever feel disappointed with the fruit of your work? Then consider this unknown preacher … [Read more...] about The Unknown Preacher
Excess of Artistry
We spent the day at the zoo. Bears, elephants, and splash pads. Every time we go (we have season passes), I wonder at the variety of creatures and the uniqueness of each. The Red Pandas are ridiculously designed and ridiculously cute. The giraffes look preposterous and the elephants unlikely. What I see in each animal is the excess of artistry, not the burden of necessity. I see layers of paint, added and stroked. I see composition and symmetry. I see flourishes and signatures. I see … [Read more...] about Excess of Artistry
A Gentle Rebuke
This is great: "Christopher Robin…said, 'Silly old bear,' in such a loving voice that everyone felt quite hopeful again."A. A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh (New York: Penguin, 1992), p. 29. "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger" (Proverbs 15:1). May all our rebukes land so gently. … [Read more...] about A Gentle Rebuke
Images of the Bible – Waking the Dead
The Gospel of Mark relays a touching story about the death of a child. In Mark chapter five, we read: “And when Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered about him,and he was beside the sea. Then came one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, and seeing him, he fell at his feet and implored him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well and live.” And he went with … [Read more...] about Images of the Bible – Waking the Dead
Civil Obedience
What struck the jailer with awe? "About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bonds were unfastened. When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul cried with a … [Read more...] about Civil Obedience