Tagged: spiritual practices

You answer our prayers by performing awesome acts of deliverance, O God, our savior. All the ends of the earth trust in you, as well as those living across the wide seas. You created the mountains by your power, and demonstrated your strength. You calmed the raging seas and their roaring waves, as well as the commotion made by the nations. Even those living in the remotest areas are awestruck by your acts; you cause those living in the east and west to praise you.   Psalm 65:5-8 I am flying over Saudi Arabia as I write this. How fascinating it is to sit with God high above the earth’s surface, turn my attention toward Him as I soar through the air, and read the… Read More

We are journeying verse by verse through Psalm 139. To read last week’s reflection, click here. O LORD, you examine me and know me. You know when I sit down and when I get up; even from far away you understand my motives. You carefully observe me when I travel or when I lie down to rest; you are aware of everything I do. Certainly my tongue does not frame a word without you, O LORD, being thoroughly aware of it. Psalm 139: 4 I’ve seen all kinds of art in frames. In my home, there is an oil pastel of a pear, a glass, and a bottle, created by our son just before his fifth birthday, that won awards from judges who couldn’t believe… Read More

Everyone who comes to me and listens to my words and puts them into practice —I will show you what he is like: He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep, and laid the foundation on bedrock. When a flood came, the river burst against that house but could not shake it, because it had been well built. Luke 6:47-48 The word practice is so graceful. I quite prefer it over resolve. At this time of year, when everyone is talking about New Year’s Resolutions, I like to ask myself what I’m going to practice. Practice implies trying, and trying again. Keeping at it. Persevering, even when one day is missed. Pressing on, although a week of the flu knocks down… Read More