abiding and waiting on Christ
lection reflection (24 April 2019) / reading the bible daily with the church
Today's Old Testament reading (Micah 7.7-15) unnecessarily splices right in the middle of a larger thought (vv. 1-15)--the idea that our trust must ultimately be placed only in the Lord, for people (both friends and enemies) will disappoint and betray us. Smack in the middle of this passage, Micah points us to God as our true hope.
. . .Posted in: reflections
For God alone my soul in silence waits...
lection reflection (23 April 2019) / reading the bible daily with the church
For God alone my soul in silence waits. (Psalm 62.1 1979 BCP)
The prayer book I use contains the Psalms from the 1979 Book of Common Prayer. This verse from Psalm 62 was the first verse of Scripture I read this morning, and it struck me not only with its patience and hope but with its beauty and rhythm. The poetry of the . . .
Posted in: reflections
fixing our eyes on Christ during trials
lection reflection (22 April 2019) / reading the bible daily with the church
After taking a bit of an electronic fast through Lent, I am going to resume writing reflections on the daily lectionary readings. While I'm keeping the "lection reflection" idea, I'm going to be giving each daily thought its own title, putting "lection reflection" into the sub-title. This will make it easier for . . .
Posted in: reflections
I am an angel of death
a chaplain's reflection
Clad in my crisp, blue Service Dress, I creep unnoticed through Houston rush hour traffic.
Today, I am an angel of death.
To get into a gated community and a secure apartment complex, I wait in the shadows off to the side until I can pass through the gate and enter the door without alerting anyone at my destination.
. . .review: Thomas Nelson NKJV Single-Column Reference Bible
standard and compact editions
Since debuting their new 'Comfort Print' typeface in 2018, Thomas Nelson has released two single-column reference bibles in standard (~6" x ~9") and compact (~5" x ~7") sizes. To cut to the chase: these editions both represent an incredibly reader-friendly layout, with full cross-references at prices that won't . . .
Posted in: review
reflections for Holy Week
Holy Week Reflections
Palm Sunday begins Holy Week, the last week of Lent and commemoration of the week of Christ's life leading up to the crucifixion and resurrection. Since Easter the queen of all church festivals and high point of the entire Christian year, this week is filled with rich traditions of liturgy, worship, and . . .
Posted in: lentreflections
review: Upside-Down Spirituality by Chad Bird
the 9 Essential Failures of a Faithful Life
Earthy spirituality. Grace-drenched. Christ-focused.
If I had to sum up Chad Bird's new book, Upside-Down Spirituality, those would be the words that first came to mind. This book is a candid critique of how many contemporary, American Christians define success--a critique that turns these ideas of success on their heads in . . .
