When I say the word “sanctuary” what do you think of?Perhaps you think about a church sanctuary—a place where people gather for worship services.Perhaps a butterfly sanctuary—an environment created specifically so butterflies can thrive. Or maybe political sanctuary—what someone can receive in a new country if fleeing persecution.All of these examples include the idea of … Continue reading A sanctuary of time
sabbath
Physical rest without mental rest
Rest is important. But don’t take my word for it. God says as much in Exodus 20:9-10: “Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the LORD your God.”We all most likely agree that rest is important. But it’s making it happen that is the … Continue reading Physical rest without mental rest
Against the powers of chaos
“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy” (Exodus 20:8).Rest is an act of war against the powers of chaos.That’s a pretty strong statement. Perhaps some of you think it’s too much. Or, perhaps, just maybe, it’s right on the money?Life can get crazy. So can the world. Rest isn’t optional for a warrior preparing … Continue reading Against the powers of chaos
Botching the job
There was a famous da Vinci painting, Salvador Mundi. It was a depiction of Jesus.There was a time when it needed to be restored. So a professional was contacted. She was very careful and knew what she was doing. The restoration was a success. There’s a longer, fascinating story about all of this, but I’m … Continue reading Botching the job
Sundays in arrears
God wants good things for us. One of the evidences of his love is the fourth commandment: “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy” (Exodus 20:8).It’s a matter of health and well-being—not just spiritually, but physically and mentally.For a lot of people, dedicating time to find rest is difficult. I understand that. I’m one … Continue reading Sundays in arrears
God’s pure medicine for your soul
The 10 Commandments continue to apply to Christians today. Of all the commandments, do you want to know which one gets the most space? Is it murder, idolatry or adultery? Nope. It’s one day a week for Sabbath rest. Trust me: This isn’t a guilt trip. Many of us struggle to find time to rest. … Continue reading God’s pure medicine for your soul
So little unstructured time
The New Yorker once had a single-pane cartoon which depicted two boys walking down a sidewalk. They were wearing baseball hats and had a stack of books under their arms. One said to the other: “So many toys—so little unstructured time.” It was a commentary about how busy many children are. Their time is very … Continue reading So little unstructured time
Stopping not starting
In John 5 Jesus healed a man on the Sabbath, the day of rest. Verse 16 tells us that “because Jesus was doing these things on the Sabbath, the Jewish leaders began to persecute him.” Observing the day of rest has long been important to God’s people. Even today “there are special ‘religious police’ with … Continue reading Stopping not starting
Is your current speed dangerous?
Have you ever had a thousand things to do, but couldn’t get them done because things kept happening which prevented you from getting through your to-do list? Perhaps like a flat tire, a surprise visit from someone, losing your keys, or even a cold? Let me ask you a question: What if God was forcing … Continue reading Is your current speed dangerous?
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
