Category Archives: Devotional

Christ, the Fullness

From The Valley of Vision. Excerpted from the prayer “Fullness in Christ.” Thou hast taught me that Christ has all fullness and so all plenitude of the Spirit, that all fullness I lack in myself is in him…that it is … Continue reading →

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The Anti-Gospel of “Saving Private Ryan”

When Steven Speilberg’s Saving Private Ryan was released in 1998, I thought it was an immediate classic. It was hailed for its gritty, realistic depiction of the D-Day invasion at Omaha Beach in WWII and went on to win several … Continue reading →

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Christ is All

My devotions recently have been coming from the Puritan prayer book, The Valley of Vision. This collection of prayers has provided such meaningful language for my own time of prayer each day. The prayer I read today is entitled “Christ … Continue reading →

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Enjoying with Integrity

I love this line from the prayer entitled “God of All” in the Puritan prayer book The Valley of Vision: There is no comfort in anything apart from enjoying thee and being engaged in thy service; Thou art All in … Continue reading →

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Trusting God with Your Doubts

Lysa Terkeurst says that if you can trust God with your doubts, you can trust Him with anything. I think she’s right. When you’re having a hard time seeing the goodness of God in your life, you might have to … Continue reading →

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Healed by Mercy

One of my favorite stories from the Desert Fathers is about Father Apollo. A young brother was greatly troubled by the demon of sexual sin and he went to an older man and declared his thoughts to him. When that … Continue reading →

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The De-Centering of Self

In our day and age, the gospel can come off as little more than self-improvement. Our increasingly therapeutic culture regularly touts the benefits of mindfulness and gratitude, which certainly aligns with Christian practices of meditation and prayer. In that regard, … Continue reading →

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The “I Am Not” Prayer

This is my prayer for today, Lord. I confess that I am not You. I am not the judge of anyone or anything. I am not in charge. I am not responsible. The burden of decision does not rest upon … Continue reading →

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Bruised Reeds

Bruised reeds. Smoldering wicks. Isaiah says that the servant of the Lord will concern Himself with these. Isaiah 42:1-3 This is my servant; I strengthen him, this is my chosen one; I delight in him. I have put my Spirit … Continue reading →

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A Higher Compass

A book I read recently explained that in the early days of Trans-Atlantic sailing, ships crossing the ocean would use two separate compasses. One of them was fixed to the deck where the helmsman could see it and try to … Continue reading →

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