devotional, Podcast, Spiritual Formation

A Rest From Our Burdens

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In this episode, two kinds of biblical meditation/reflection are discussed…contrasting and cross-referencing. Contrasting reflection looks the opposite of another text. Cross-referencing reflection brings in other passages related to the topic on which you are reflecting.

We reflect on the topics of rest and burden, as found in Exodus 5:4-9 (the Egyptian Pharaoh who commands the Israelites to return to their burdens) and in Matthew 11:28-30 (Christ, who offers to the exhausted and those unable to carry a heavy load, His true rest for our souls). We also briefly examine, whether knowingly or not, in both the past and present, those whose mindset about burdens and rest, is more like Pharaoh than Christ.

devotional, Podcast, Spiritual Formation

Seeing The Contrast

A helpful technique in reflecting on a passage from the Bible is understanding what the opposite of the text looks like and see the contrast. Scripture already supplies such examples as Psalm 1:1-2, Proverbs 8:10 and Romans 8:6.

In this episode, we apply this technique to Philippians 4:8. The apostle Paul supplies a number of things to think on as a Christian. Setting up a list of the opposites places Paul’s actual text in much sharper focus. It helps us to build up our mindset in Christ (the Greek word “phronema” points to this. It is an important part of Eastern Orthodox theology). It is an approach from which we can greatly benefit.

devotional, Podcast, Spiritual Formation

End Of Path

What happens when we face an “end of path?” There are times when the circumstances we face make it seem impossible to move on or to recover.

Western Europe faced a similar crisis over 600 years ago. Half of Europe died from the plague in the mid 14th century. A crisis of church leadership caused there, in the late 1300s and early 1400s, for there to be two (and at one point, three) popes, each claiming supreme headship over the church. During that time, how would one know to follow?

Their resolution was an emphasis on prayer and the study of Christ. We face “end of path” crisises in our own lives. A job loss. A terminal illness. Too many more to count. Yet, like those Europeans of over 600 years ago, we can look to Christ, who will not abandon or forsake us.

The episode also reflects on biblical passages to encourage us when it seems we’ve reached the “end of path” and can go no further.

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devotional, Podcast, Spiritual Formation

Doomscrolling – Christ Has An Answer

Matthew 13 offers us several of the Lord Jesus’ parables. This episode examines one of those…the parable of the wheat and the tares/weeds. The Lord gives us the instruction to pay careful attention to His interpretation of the parable.

The parable has an application for us in the here and now. We live in the time before the wheat and tares will be permanently separated. What does it mean for us to know that good and evil are growing up, side-by-side, in our time?

We examine the current phenomena of “doomscrolling.” It is, in light of this parable, a lopsided way to view the events of our world. It concentrates on bad news and ignores the good. A “spiritual prescription” is offered….Isaiah 26:3

Podcast, Spiritual Formation

What Are You Collecting?

People love to collect things. Collections can include a wide range of objects including thimbles, automobiles, books and Bibles. We truly have treasure in our print and digital copies of Scripture. Yet, the Bible points to an even greater way that a Bible collection can be produced. It is made up of Scripture which we have stored/treasured in our hearts and minds.

This episode examines Psalm 119:11. We look at some reflections from the 17th century British minister Thomas Manton for insight on the value and great help an internal Bible collection can be to others and to you.

Exploring the themes of Christ and light as found in the Bible