It was T.S. Eliot, the poet and playwright, who wrote: “Where is the wisdom we have lost in knowledge?Where is the knowledge we have lost in information?”* Those are good questions. People call this the information age, but it may end up being dubbed the mis-information age! Something vital is missed when the information we … Continue reading The misinformation age?
Water-pumping people
A.J. Gordon was looking across a field from a distance when he saw a man working furiously at a hand pump—one that pumps water into a bucket. He was working and working without slowing down. When Gordon got closer he realized it wasn’t actually a man. It was a wooden figure painted to LOOK like … Continue reading Water-pumping people
As essential as air—the Holy Spirit
I remember being on the receiving end of a prank. I was camping with some friends. We were in our sleeping bags. When I wasn’t paying attention someone yanked up my sleeping bag over my head and held it firmly closed at the top. At first, it was funny. “Come on, guys, cut it out.” … Continue reading As essential as air—the Holy Spirit
Battlegrounds without bombshells
Recently, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about the Lordship of Jesus and the difference it makes in our lives. When Jesus appeared to Thomas after his resurrection, he invited him to touch one of his wounds so that Thomas could confirm what he was seeing. In response he cried out: “My Lord and … Continue reading Battlegrounds without bombshells
God’s work through you despite you
As a person of faith, you should be aware of (and honest about) your own sin. At the same time, you should be confident that God’s power is not handcuffed by your sin or weakness. Handcuffs are meant to stop someone from doing something. Do you really think your flaws and foibles can bind the … Continue reading God’s work through you despite you
He. Is. Interceding. For. You. And. Me.
In yesterday’s devotional I focused on the ascension of Jesus. It assures us that Christ is in the control room. [If you missed it, click here.] After all, Jesus leaving this world to be at his Father’s right hand is his cosmic coronation as Lord of the universe. The Apostles’ Creed zeroes in on this … Continue reading He. Is. Interceding. For. You. And. Me.
The control room
The ascension of Jesus is an event which has been somewhat neglected. Perhaps the idea of Jesus going away to be with his heavenly Father forty days after his resurrection seems kind of weird, or perhaps even unimportant. But to think that would be a mistake. Luke 24:51 says: “While [Jesus] was blessing them, he … Continue reading The control room
Signs at football games
Have you ever noticed that some people hold up signs with Bible verses at football games? If so, perhaps you think that’s weird. There was a time when I would have agreed with you. But Tony Campolo tells a story that makes us think again. A man was sitting at home watching the Superbowl. At … Continue reading Signs at football games
Do you need consistent encouragement?
A man we’ll call Taher lived in Iran where it is dangerous to be a Christian. His house was ransacked. He was taken from his wife and two daughters. He spent time in jail, interrogated at night between midnight and 4am. He was told to write down the names of other Christians. He didn’t. Eventually … Continue reading Do you need consistent encouragement?
Is fasting the black sheep?
Fasting is like the black sheep of the spiritual disciplines. Prayer, Bible-reading, worship, simplicity, and servanthood are much more on display. But fasting is often tucked away, kind of awkward, and a bit neglected. And yet there it is. Fasting was practiced by Moses, David, Elijah, Esther, Daniel, Anna, Paul and, of course, Jesus. After … Continue reading Is fasting the black sheep?
