Holy thinking is the intersection of soul care, discernment, and pondering. How awesome is that? I was especially pleased to discover that Mary of Nazareth exemplified this spiritual practice. How perfect for a way to describe all the things I’m passionate about.
Author: Eva Burkholder
Happy Mother’s Day to My Expectant Daughter-in-Law
I sent my first Mother’s Day card to my daughter-in-law who is pregnant with her first child and our first grand. This is what I told her.
A Light to the Ends of the Earth
Around sixty years ago, my parents sailed (literally) from the US to the ends of the earth—the island nation of Papua New Guinea. They did this because they understood that God offers salvation to everyone and they wanted to give God’s Word to some who might otherwise never hear. Likewise, my husband and I answered the same call thirty years after my parents did, moving to Indonesia to share this good news. We understood that God planned from the very beginning to save all peoples, not just the Israelites.
Balance and the Center of Biblical Tension
My seminary president, Robertson McQuilkin, drilled into me a profound maxim: “It seems easier to go to a consistent extreme than to stay at the center of biblical tension.” More recently, this same concept was reiterated by my Bible study teacher, JoAnn Hummel: “You and others will benefit as you “hold the rope” of tension in the Scriptures.” The prophet Isaiah offers us many opportunities to put this guiding principle into practice since his writing contains much tension.
Not Forsaken
Was Jesus forsaken on the cross? Educated and religious Jews used a unique technique to recite memorized psalms. And so did Jesus when passers-by yelled insults at him as he hung dying on a cross. He wanted his people to know he was fulfilling a prophecy that predicted his specific suffering.
The Servant, Our Savior and Example
As I write this, Easter is just around the corner. Since I gave my life to Jesus some 50 plus years ago I struggle at times to revel in my Savior and how he saved me. This year, Isaiah is helping me rekindle that wonder while also showing me how to live.
The Lord Bares His Strong Arm
I love WWII posters depicting Rosie the Riveter baring her strong arm. I applaud the women who rolled up their sleeves and got to work to help the troops on the front lines. Isaiah also refers to God way. He previously used the metaphor of his righteous right hand. Now he speaks about the arm of the Lord.
Our Burden-Bearing God
What burdens are you carrying today? An ill child? Financial need? Deteriorating health? Diminishing capacity? Loneliness? Indecision? Losing someone you love? Failed mentors? Injustice? Growth of wickedness? Isaiah warns that trusting in anything other than God will only increase those burdens making them even more burdensome.
