The Apostle John tells us in his first letter, "Do not love the world" (1 Jn 2:15). One of the biblical definitions for "world" is ornament. In other words, all the shiny stuff that attracts our attention. John calls these things, the lust of the flesh, the longing of the eyes, and the pride of life.
Author: Eva Burkholder
What is Gnosticism and Why Care?
Have you ever encountered anyone who claimed they had a corner on God's truth? Or maybe someone who believes it doesn't matter what we do with their body because only spiritual things matter. Would you be able to recognize teaching that contradicts scripture?
1 John 1:9: The Good News of Forgiveness
"A verse without a context is a prooftext for a pretext." This maxim from my former pastor reminds me that familiar verses must be studied in their context if I want to understand them correctly. I encountered the need for this principle on the first week of my newest study.
Liturgy for the First Weeks of a New Life
It’s hard being new to the world. Welcoming a baby for the first time is rough. This prayer, inspired by my son, his wife, and their new daughter, is for all who have a new baby in the family.
Need a Break? First Determine the Type of Rest You Need
Feeling burned out? Thinking of quitting? Wait! First take an intentional break. And to ensure you get a truly restorative one, determine what type of rest you need.
Find the Bible Study Method That Works for You
There are so many tips and methods to help you read and study the Bible. Try them all until you find one that works for you. If Bible study is new to you, start with the book of Mark in the New Testament. Otherwise, pick a portion you haven't read in a long time.
Breath Prayer: Short Prayers That Match the Rhythm of Breathing
Breath prayers are short two-phrase prayers said with the rhythm of our breathing. Ruth Haley Barton says they are “an expression of our heart’s deepest yearning coupled with the name for God that is most meaningful and intimate for us at this time.”
Daily Examen: Noticing Where God Shows Up
The Daily Examen is a regular practice of noticing and responding to God’s movement in one’s life.
