Several years ago, I started paying attention to the testimonies of believers from around the world. As I read story after story, I’ve noticed that the way they engage with the Bible is often very different from how I engage: There are no highlighters, no coffee mugs, and no devotionals or notebooks. But many of … Read more
I vividly remember the first big decision I had to make in life. I remember the tears streaming down my face, the overwhelming thoughts racing through my brain, the deep desire to honour God with this decision, and the utter inability to make sense of what to do. Up until this point, all my big … Read more
Imagine what would happen if students all over the world decided to dedicate time, effort and diligence to studying the Bible. The scripture has guided my choice of work, strengthened my friendships, united my family, supplied joy beyond measure, instilled hope in the midst of depression and replaced fear with unwavering confidence. In short studying the Bible has radically transformed my life.
“Dear 25 year old self,
Today is your 20th Birthday. I don’t know if you will still be on earth for your 25th birthday.
But assuming you are still in the trenches, here are some hopes, dreams and prayers from your 20 year old self. ”
It’s become a tradition of mine to take time to remember the goodness of God and plan for the future every New Year’s and every birthday. Last summer on my 20th I did this in the form of a letter to my future-self.
One particular set of hopeful words buried in that letter have provided more motivation than I could have ever imagined when they dripped from my pen.
After the ascension of Christ, it was often noted by the saints that the Apostle Peter would cry. When a cock would crow, it would often move the apostle to tears. But, there were other times, too, when, for no apparent reason, the big framed fisherman would sob. One day, a young believer dared to approach the mighty man of God and ask the question that was on everyone’s heart. Peter, why do you cry? The Apostle looked at the young man and said, “Desiderio Domini.” Peter’s actual words were not latin, but this is how history has preserved his famed utterance – this is the grief-strained words that have passed down through Christian history and have moved so many that have read them. For, in English, the phrase Desiderio Domini means, “because, I dearly long for my Lord.” . . .
Last week we started a conversation about how to develop consistency and get the most out of your time in the Word. If you haven’t read that post go read Part 1 and get caught up before reading below. This week we are going to pick up where we left off. {…}
“I struggle with reading the Bible, I have my whole life. After over 60 years of being a Christian I thought I would be better at it.”
I listened in astonishment as this seasoned Christian woman shared her struggle of reading God’s word consistently with our discussion group of about a dozen women. And when our group leader proceeded to ask if anyone else struggled with reading the Bible I was completely taken off guard by the response. Every single woman raised her hand. Some found it difficult to be consistent, others were frustrated that they don’t get more out of Bible reading.
Obviously this is a big struggle for a lot of you. […]