Category: Invitations

In my last blog I wrote about shifting your gaze from your circumstances to the reality of the gospel, the new life we have in Christ, and the way He is always at work in us (even if we cannot sense it at all times).

Psalm 111:3 says, “Everything he does reveals his glory and majesty” (NLT).

One way to shift your gaze Godward is to intentionally pursue and enjoy God’s majesty.

There are a couple of holidays this time of year. I am sure you had Valentine’s Day on your radar, but perhaps you did not yet have Ash Wednesday in your sights. So, I wanted to give you a reminder that the Christian season of Lent begins Wednesday, February 18.

Here’s some calendar trivia for you: In 2024, Ash Wednesday fell on Valentine’s Day. Ash Wednesday is what is known as a “moveable feast,” which means it’s observance moves around the calendar from year to year, since the Christian Church calendar is tied to the lunar calendar.

The theme of the second week of Advent, which begins Sunday, is peace.

Just like when we speak of hope, when we talk about peace it’s important to define our terms.  People talk a lot about wanting peace when I think they really might mean is that they want ease, comfort, and smooth sailing. At least that is what I do sometimes — I confuse ease with peace.

That can be a problem.
 

I voice-text notes and reminders to myself, especially when I am writing. For some reason, I get a lot of ideas when I am driving, so voice-texting notes is how I capture those thoughts.

I discovered a funny thing about auto correct while writing my Bible study, Return and Rest. Every time I said the word intimacy, auto correct spelled it into-the-sea. 

Accepting the invitation extended in the gospel of Christ allows a person to receive a new identity: that of God’s beloved child (John 1:12). After accepting God’s invitation to salvation, however, we must respond to His continual invitation to intimacy, to return, and to rest. 

This invitation to experience more of Him is true for a new Christian or one who has walked with Him for decades. 

How weary are you right about now? As we enter the home stretch of the year, there are busy days ahead. For many, the upcoming holidays can be among the least restful times of the entire year. We plan, we purchase, we entertain, we worry about making memories and not disappointing others. It can be overwhelming.