3 ways to nourish your mind

Last updated on: December 31, 2012 at 2:23 pm By Joel J. Miller

In our present time and culture it is easy to undernourish our minds. So many of our pursuits involve entertaining but generally unenlightening pastimes. It’s the mental equivalent of high-calorie, low-nutrition food. But our intellects are meant for more than french fries, and ultimately such fare is unsatisfying. Here are three things I’ve found helpful in nourishing the mind. 1. Challenge yourself with books Reading is one of the most effective ways to begin. Start with the books you like,... Read more

Why pray the hours?

Last updated on: March 18, 2013 at 5:32 am By Joel J. Miller

When you read the scriptures, you not only learn about the content of prayer (contrition, thanksgiving, petition, etc.), but you also notice the discipline of it, the regularity of it. Both previously, Daniel and the Psalmist pray three times a day: morning, noon, and evening. And this isn’t just an Old Testament thing. When you read Acts, the apostles follow the same basic pattern. It’s always told as incidental to the stories, but regulated prayer is a common backdrop: “Now... Read more

The real crisis in Christianity

Last updated on: April 4, 2012 at 7:24 am By Joel J. Miller

Andrew Sullivan’s Newsweek cover story, “Christianity in Crisis,” admirably argues for a “simpler, purer, apolitical” version of the faith. He condemns a politicized Christianity that is concerned with prosperity and morality but dismissive of self-sacrifice and sanctification. (more…) Read more

What the church calendar is for

Last updated on: November 22, 2012 at 8:44 pm By Joel J. Miller

In these final days before Easter, it’s worth contemplating the church year. Why do Christians follow a liturgical calendar? People cannot help but follow some sort of calendar. The question is whether we do it consciously or unconsciously. Our spiritual health can depend on how we answer that question. Consider the various schedules and agendas set for us; there’s an election calendar, an agricultural calendar, a sports calendar, a work calendar, a commercial calendar, etc. Focus on the just the... Read more

April fools for Christ

Last updated on: March 31, 2013 at 7:05 pm By Joel J. Miller

The Bible presents us two kinds of folly, both very different. We meet the first in Proverbs. It’s the folly of the person who denies the existence of God, the person who embraces a materialist worldview. We encounter the second in the writings of the apostle Paul. This folly proclaims a God so real and imminent and palpable that he takes human flesh, walks among us, and expunges our sins upon the cross. These two views are as different as... Read more

In the community of God’s love

Last updated on: March 7, 2013 at 1:17 pm By Joel J. Miller

The Trinity speaks to the interrelatedness of the Godhead, each person of the Trinity reaching into the others by an eternal bond of affection and love. That might seem abstract, but our love as Christians is supposed to mirror this love. But how, practically? It starts with charity — less the noun and more the verb. “Whenever one person helps another by word or deed,” said Mark the Monk, “let both understand that this is the grace of God at... Read more

Meditation on the cross

Last updated on: March 29, 2013 at 5:35 am By Joel J. Miller

Terrible stake of execution, Blessed compass and signpost Terrible thorn of the curse, Blessed tree of life Terrible wonder of angels, Blessed routing of demons Terrible burden of the servant, Blessed announcement of the king Terrible bitter draught, Blessed wood that sweetens foul waters Terrible nails and spear, Blessed ark and olive branch Terrible scandal of offense, Blessed road to salvation Terrible scorn and humiliation, Blessed hope of victory Terrible folly of men, Blessed wisdom of God Read more

Mary said yes. What about us?

Last updated on: March 25, 2013 at 7:49 am By Joel J. Miller

Many modern Christians have misgivings about Mary, but what if we checked those misgivings for a moment? There’s a powerful lesson for us in the life and example of this woman, a lesson about humility, obedience, and putting faith into action. And it all starts with a yes. As the evangelist Luke gives the account, the angel Gabriel wings into view and tells Mary, then an unwed teenager, that she will conceive a child. And not just any child. This... Read more

Merry Christmas! In March?

Last updated on: December 21, 2012 at 6:50 am By Joel J. Miller

Today is March 25. Merry Christmas! Well, sort of. Let me explain. There is a widespread belief — or maybe a suspicion — that Christmas is little more than a baptized version of a pagan winter solstice celebration. The idea is that the church “christianized” the celebration so recently converted pagans would celebrate Jesus instead of Saturn or Sol or what have you. (more…) Read more

Making grace stick

Last updated on: March 22, 2012 at 7:11 am By Joel J. Miller

Sometimes we face problems in life that really rub us wrong, abrasive and hurtful experiences that we would never characterize as good. Like everyone, I have come through many of these episodes; in hindsight some of them even make sense. I’d go so far as to say that I’m grateful for them. Here’s one way to think about these situations. (more…) Read more