Church shopping is the death of any good Christian, but it is important to visit other churches from time to time to see that God is not contained within our own expression. Today, visit a church other than your own. This may mean attending two church services if you have obligations to your own local congregation. Preferably, visit a church of a completely different orientation. If you’re an Episcopalian visit a Missionary Baptist church, if you’re a Roman Catholic visit... Read more
We sometimes need rest, even from the work of spiritual disciplines. Athletes know that to get stronger and faster we have to have a balance of effort and rest, but does not the same happen for the spiritual life? Today, don’t try to do anything to achieve Christlikeness. Don’t read your bible, spend special time in prayer, or do any meditation. Instead, simply rest in God and let God to the work of recovering you to the self God intended. Read more
On Fridays we remember the death of Christ. In this death Christ set an example of the extreme to which we should all pursue love–that love is impossible if we do not die to ourselves. Many of us take this in a literal sense and can easily nod our heads, yes, we would die for Christ if the situation ever arose (which we know, gladly, will likely never come). But everyday we have the opportunity to die for Christ. There... Read more
It was on Thursday that Jesus washed his disciples’ feet so it seems appropriate that we wash feet on this day as well. Find someone, it could be a friend or a spouse or a willing stranger, and wash their feet. It is a deeply humble experience, but that is exactly the point. Read more
For a large number of people in our society, social networks of one kind or another are becoming dominant forms of media in our lives. This is not all bad and there is much to be said for Facebook and Twitter, LinkedIn and Pinterest. But these networks also have their downsides and dangers, and sometimes we need to step back. Today, use no social networks. Don’t open Twitter, Facebook, or any other social network. Instead, write a hand written note... Read more
Christ appears in many forms, sometimes familiar ones. In every encounter you have today, whether its with your spouse or the co-worker you see every morning or a stranger on the street, ask Christ, “Is it you?” Keep this as your constant prayer throughout the day. Read more
Ephesians is one of scripture”s greatest reflections on what it means to be a Christian. Read through and meditate on Ephesians 4:17-32. After spending some time reflecting on the passage write it down or print it and begin to work on memorizing it, returning to the passage throughout the day. Read more
To practice the Sabbath requires work. It requires preparation yes, but more so it requires the mental discipline to leave things undone. That pile of dishes–it can wait, however strong the draw is to finish it. That last little bit of work you took home from the office–you have to leave it alone. Over time these impulses will subside, but one must always stay vigilant to let the Sabbath do its work of redemptive delight in our lives. We must... Read more
Do something today that pushes your body to the limits–it could be a long run, a long hike, a long bike ride, or a hard game of ultimate Frisbee. Whatever it is, let your body move to the brink where you can’t go any more, but then you discover that you can. Let this experience of your body teach your soul how to endure the hardships and pains that come in life. The Christian life, scripture is clear, is about endurance.... Read more
For Christians we are never Christ alone. To be the body of Christ in and for the world we must be that body together. This means that we must join together to work in the world with people who have gifts that are not our own. Today, think of one sister or brother whose gifts you have noticed and appreciate. It could be someone who is just discovering his or her gifts and needs encouragement or it could be a... Read more
Word + Flesh
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