Rest is important. But don’t take my word for it. God says as much in Exodus 20:9-10: “Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the LORD your God.”We all most likely agree that rest is important. But it’s making it happen that is the … Continue reading Physical rest without mental rest

Author Philip Yancey tells of a life-changing experience he had while visiting Russia in 1991—a country then in a free-fall. Much has changed in Russia since that time, but Yancey comments on how there was a lack of trust in the air, a sense of forebodance about pretty much everything. Grown adults walked around with their … Continue reading The Babushki 

It is sometimes emphasized that the command to honour your father and mother isn’t just about biology.Since Jesus’ followers thought of themselves as family and called one another “brothers and sisters,” they also tried to honour older men and women as fathers and mothers, especially those who didn’t have someone younger to help them.One of … Continue reading Older men like fathers, women like mothers

“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you” (Exodus 20:12).In today’s society many people think that old equals bad and new equals good. We have a tendency to dismiss older ideas and even people—simply because they are older.We have a tendency … Continue reading Chronological snobbery

In Exodus 16 we learn about a group of ex-slaves whom God had led out of Egypt.They needed nourishment. So he provided them with manna, a bready source of food. Each day he would deliver just enough for that day. Since he wanted them to rest on the seventh day he would provide double on … Continue reading How will I build my empire?

Last week I sent a note to the congregation I pastor. It was about being deliberate about our attitude on Sunday mornings.It’s so easy to forget what (and who) worship is all about. All of us are influenced by the prevailing individualism and consumerism of our time. What mindset do we have as we prepare … Continue reading He is not shocked

“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy” (Exodus 20:8).Rest is an act of war against the powers of chaos.That’s a pretty strong statement. Perhaps some of you think it’s too much. Or, perhaps, just maybe, it’s right on the money?Life can get crazy. So can the world. Rest isn’t optional for a warrior preparing … Continue reading Against the powers of chaos

There was a famous da Vinci painting, Salvador Mundi. It was a depiction of Jesus.There was a time when it needed to be restored. So a professional was contacted. She was very careful and knew what she was doing. The restoration was a success. There’s a longer, fascinating story about all of this, but I’m … Continue reading Botching the job

God wants good things for us. One of the evidences of his love is the fourth commandment: “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy” (Exodus 20:8).It’s a matter of health and well-being—not just spiritually, but physically and mentally.For a lot of people, dedicating time to find rest is difficult. I understand that. I’m one … Continue reading Sundays in arrears

I’ve heard an expression a few different times. Perhaps you have too. Here it is: “Out of one hundred people, one will read the Bible, and ninety-nine will read the person reading the Bible.”It’s a way of saying that the lifestyle of a Christian is on display for everyone to see. That’s how others will … Continue reading Your example to the 99