Last weekend I asked what motivates us, which brings to mind this verse from the Psalms: Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.Psalm 37:4 NIV Father, You tell us that when we delight in You, You will give us the desires of our hearts. Transform us, Lord, … Continue reading Praying Scripture – 1/29/2020
When we get up in the morning, what is motivating our choices? Jamie Smith suggests that our vision of “the good life” is a key driver. But how do we envision “the good life”? What do we think will make us happy? Fulfilled? Our culture provides all kinds of answers: being young; being skinny; having … Continue reading What Really Drives Our Poor Choices?
Last year I spent about a month immersed in the poetry of Psalm 8, but no matter how many times I read them, verses 3 and 4 always strike me to the core: When I consider your heavens,the work of your fingers,the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,what is [humankind] that … Continue reading Praying Scripture – 1/22/2020
Finding an Answer I Wasn't Even Seeking Back in November I went to what my husband calls my “Bible geek conferences.” While reconnecting with friends from all over the world is probably my favorite part of these meetings, the exhibit halls full of “Bible geek books” runs a close second. I usually go with a … Continue reading Why Do I Do the Things I Hate?
While Psalm 1:1-2 describes the things that the "happy" or "blessed" person does and doesn't do, verse 3 offers a beautiful metaphor for this person: That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,which yields its fruit in seasonand whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.Psalm 1:3 NIV Father, Your word teaches … Continue reading Praying Scripture – 1/15/2020
Recently we’ve been talking about the spiritual discipline of confession. (Speaking of confession, I love this song!) We've looked at the Scriptural call to confess our sins—to God and to one another. We've considered what confession is, including self-examination, acknowledgement of our sin, accepting God’s forgiveness, and changed lives. At one point I suggested that … Continue reading How Can Confession Actually Change Things?
Psalm 1 paints the portrait of two paths that we can choose from: to delight in God's instruction or to walk in the way of the wicked. The "law of the Lord" can also be translated as the "instruction of YHWH," which I prefer for two reasons. First, culturally we bring certain expectations to the … Continue reading Praying Scripture – 1/8/2020
When the New Year knocks at the door, many people adopt New Year’s resolutions. Others choose theme words, theme verses, or even 30-day challenges to start the year, hoping to kick start a new habit. Two years ago I started journaling in January. (No, I’m not about to insist that you start!) It wasn’t so … Continue reading When Did You Last Take a Good, Hard Look?
As we start this New Year I can think of no prayer that I would rather pray than the high priestly blessing. Not only does it serve as my prayer for each of you today, but in her book Bearing God's Name: Why Sinai Still Matters Carmen Imes has talked about the fact that this … Continue reading Praying Scripture – 1/1/2020
Life Beyond #Blessed 