A Quote I’m Thinking About
This morning before church, I discover this quote from Henri Nouwen. He says, “Jesus never asked us to be productive. Jesus asked us to be fruitful.” I’m thinking about this distinction quite a bit these days. So many things around us pressure us into productivity and accomplishment. But a life of deep abiding in Christ […]
Pictures from a recent Seated, Surrendered, and Sent retreat!
Concluding October in the Psalms: God Heals
If you’ve read along each day, you’re almost finished with the book of Psalms. Congratulations! On November 1, you can start again! You might also consider reading a Proverb each day to finish that book in a month. So fun! Today I noticed Psalm 147:3: “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” As a […]
October in the Psalms: Hearing All the Love
I’ve always loved the hope in Psalm 143:8 where David writes, “Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust.” I picture David going to bed after a really bad day. He thinks that, surely, tomorrow will be better. He retires with the hope of good news in the morning. […]
October in the Psalms: The Lord Will Fulfill His Purpose for Me
In Psalm 138:8, we read this comforting statement: “The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me.” When I worry about the future or wonder if I’m living out my purpose, I turn to God and remember this verse. It’s a simple sentence to repeat throughout the day and meditate on. It’s also a great spiritual practice […]
October in the Psalms: Dwell in Unity
Psalm 133:1 offers a great challenge and a vision for one’s attitude, speech, and behavior. We read, “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity.” As so many conversations work to divide and incite others against each other, I think about these questions: Does this attitude, speech, or behavior work to […]
October in the Psalms: Blessed
In Psalm 128, we read this great promise: “Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways! You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.” I always take note when I read about the blessing of fruitful work. How […]
October in the Psalms: God Keeps You
Psalm 121 reveals a God who keeps us. We read “The Lord is your keeper . . . The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.” We read the verb–which translates to guard […]
October in the Psalms: Keeping You Steady
My friend inspired me once to read Psalm 119 every day. It’s just so wonderful! I love this line: “Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me.” I think about areas of life where we feel “unsteady” or unsure of ourselves. What a great request of God: […]
October in the Psalms: Not Fearing
In Psalm 112:7-8, we receive a picture of an extraordinarily mature person. We read, “He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord. His heart is steady; he will not be afraid.” What a peaceful heart! What a way to live! I think about this verse because of what one […]