Several years ago there was a winner to the Mega Millions lottery. Actually, there were three winners. Three teachers had gone in together to buy a ticket and had won. Put yourself in their shoes. Imagine how your life would change. However, they didn’t claim their prize for a full ten days. They waited. They … Continue reading The greatest inheritance
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Practical ideas for finding rest
The Valley of Vision is a devotional which contains this prayer. As you read it, keep in mind that “Immanuel” means God-with-us and is one of the names of Jesus: “Assure us that we shall at last enter Immanuel’s land, where none is ever sick and the son will always shine.”* That will be great… … Continue reading Practical ideas for finding rest
The weekly reminder that the best is yet to come
Rest. We know it’s good. We know we need it. We probably want more of it. Dragging feet, dark bags under our eyes, and deflated hearts testify this to be the case. But it also serves a larger function. Momentary rest is meant to foreshadow eternal rest. By “eternal rest” I mean the Rest-In-Peace variety … Continue reading The weekly reminder that the best is yet to come
Heaven’s appetizer
One day a week for rest and worship is heaven’s appetizer. Here’s what I mean. Think of an appetizer. It’s something that tastes good and is satisfying, but makes you anticipate or look forward to the full meal that is yet to come. It whets your appetite. That’s what the day of rest and worship … Continue reading Heaven’s appetizer
Read the Bible… out loud
I once heard a story about a man who entered a room to discover another man looking at some words on a page. But he wasn’t saying anything. “What are you doing?” he asked. “I’m reading,” he replied. I don’t know how old the story is, but apparently at that time in history (perhaps the … Continue reading Read the Bible… out loud
Keeping confidences and lifebuoys
William White tells a story about two men who went from house to house seeking funds to help with someone who was sick. They went to the house of a rich man hoping he could help. The rich man wanted to know who the sick man was. He was willing to give a financial donation. … Continue reading Keeping confidences and lifebuoys
Hold firmly, as if someone was trying to snatch it away
We’ve been talking about being God’s house. Hebrews 3:6 says: “we are [God’s] house, if indeed we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope in which we glory.” So yes, we are God’s house—but if we “hold firmly” to our confidence and hope in Jesus. Are you holding firmly to that confidence and hope? … Continue reading Hold firmly, as if someone was trying to snatch it away
Be a place of learning
As you track through the book of Hebrews Jesus is given all the praise and glory. But then in chapter 3, verse 6 we learn that “we are [God’s] house, if indeed we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope in which we glory.” Further, we are “holy brothers and sisters” in that house … Continue reading Be a place of learning
Be a place of sanctuary
Sanctuaries are called sanctuaries for a reason. People fleeing from danger find refuge and shelter in a sanctuary. Literally, “sanctuary” means a sacred or holy place. As strange as it might sound, you can be a sanctuary for someone else. In saying this I don’t mean to suggest that people can climb into your chest … Continue reading Be a place of sanctuary
Jim Carrey’s wish
Recently my wife Laura came across a quote by actor Jim Carrey: “I think everyone should get rich and famous and do everything they dreamed of so they can see that it is not the answer.” Imagine that scenario playing out. Everyone gets rich. Then they get famous. They do whatever they want. They assume … Continue reading Jim Carrey’s wish
