Exploring habits of devotion
Many Christian denominations, Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists, and Presbyterians, among others, celebrate Ash Wednesday. It is a significant day in the Christian calendar for these reasons — Customs The traditions and customs associated with Ash Wednesday may vary between Christian denominations and cultures. In some churches, ashes are applied to the forehead in the shape of…
The Lenten season begins Wednesday. This week I’m exploring the history and practices of Lent. Defining Lent Lent is a period of fasting, penance, and spiritual discipline in preparation for Easter, the most important Christian festival. It has been observed for over a thousand years. Origins The origins of the Lenten season are unclear. Many…
If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. … the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy…
“You have minds like a snake pit! How do you suppose what you say is worth anything when you are so foul-minded? It’s your heart, not the dictionary, that gives meaning to your words. A good person produces good deeds and words season after season. An evil person is a blight on the orchard. Let…
Don’t be in any rush to become a teacher, my friends. Teaching is highly responsible work. Teachers are held to the strictest standards. And none of us is perfectly qualified. We get it wrong nearly every time we open our mouths. If you could find someone whose speech was perfectly true, you’d have a perfect…
How do you know when your pursuit of God and Godly character is bearing fruit? Our pastor asked this question on Sunday, and it resonated deeply. In the study of James, I’ve been thinking about how true faith expresses itself in action, in being doers of the Word, not hearers only. And in our study…