Were Not Our Hearts Burning Within Us?
On the road…
Growing up, my youth pastor liked giving sermons about the resurrection leading up to Christmas, and Christmas sermons on Easter Sunday. He was funny that way. Admittedly, I did appreciate hearing a message on the reason Jesus came to earth leading up to the day that celebrates his birth. As I prepare my heart for Christmas, the Advent season is the journey leading up to the blessed day. This reminds me of the many great experiences that biblical figures have on their journeys or “on the road” to somewhere. Today, I reflect on two of Jesus’ followers shortly after Jesus’ death and resurrection on the road to Emmaus in Luke 24.
The Whole Problem Of Evil Thing?
The assigned reading in my religion class was Elie Wiesel’s Night. A few pages in, this college sophomore found a profound gem. I can’t find the exact quote, but some passage led me to realize that I can’t explain the meaning of another person’s suffering. To impose or even suggest a reason for why another human being or group of people endured evil was an act of cruelty.
Can 12-step Improve My Spiritual Discernment?
Improving my conscious contact with God and gaining spiritual discernment is a question that I’ve been mulling over as a member of a 12-step group for recovering addicts for the last 10 years and as a Christian for the last 27 years.
In 12-step fellowship, we say that we “work the program” and we “work the steps.”
Is the Law of Attraction in the Bible?
Yes and No. The principle of the Law of Attraction is in the Bible. The principle is setting my mind on what the Spirit desires (Romans 8:5). This is the "how" of living by the Spirit. I can focus my attention and say, "Holy Spirit, you desire that I receive recognition at work." No action required. If I'm setting my mind, then I am living by the Spirit. I am practicing the law of attraction. Something will materialize or “manifest” — an award, a public thank you, or a promotion.