Tag Archives: Jesus

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

Are You A Secret Christian?

Are you a secret Christian? An answer in the 21st century and an answer in 17th century England would be different. Rather than trying to prevent others from knowing you are a believer in Christ, in the 17th century, a believer carried on three types of spiritual duties (Public – Fellowship with large numbers; Private – Fellowship with smaller numbers of persons; Secret – The spiritual duties/activities carried on by oneself in solitude.

This episode reviews these and looks to encourage us in the “secret duties”, not so much as to check off a spiritual activity list but with the mindset of taking time to commune with Christ and find rest for our souls.

devotional, Podcast, Spiritual Formation

A 17th Century Jesus Prayer

The 17th century Puritans knew their theology along with having devoted hearts for Christ.

This episode shows one, great example.

It is a short prayer found in the writings of the English minister John Flavel (1627-1691). It sounds like the Eastern Orthodox Jesus Prayer. Yet it calls upon Jesus, whose name means, “God Saves” to be a Savior to His people.

devotional, Podcast, Spiritual Formation

Reading Outside The Box

Ideas have implications. Statements in the Bible have implications as well.

In this episode, Hebrews 1:3 is examined alongside Luke 2:8-9 (as well as references to Ezekiel 10). Christ is said to be the radiance of the glory of God. On the night of His birth, shepherds encountered the glory of the Lord. Was Christ specially present to the shepherds as the glory of the Lord while, as a fully human baby, He laid in a manger in nearby Bethlehem?