The Bible in Context
I recently read a biography of David Livingstone (1813-1873), the great explorer and missionary to Africa. Although he faced intense challenges—frequent sicknesses, attacked by a lion, sleeping on dirt floors, misunderstood by locals, lack of converts—he was known for his calm and joyful demeanor and his endurance in prayer and mission. After reading about his … Read more
Daniel’s habit of prayer is impressive. When warned not to pray under the threat of being thrown into the lion’s den, he continued his daily habit without interruption. Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day … Read more
What is God like? In Psalm 5 David gives a direct statement about God’s character: For you are not a God who is pleased with wickedness; with you, evil people are not welcome. 5 The arrogant cannot stand in your presence. You hate all who do wrong; 6 you destroy those who tell lies. The bloodthirsty and deceitful you, Lord, … Read more
Christians should be generous. But to whom should we give? Jesus’ Teaching Jesus told the Pharisees, “be generous to the poor” (Lk 11:41 NIV). He told his disciples, “sell your possessions and give to the poor” (Lk 12:33). He told a Pharisee who invited him to dinner, “when you give a banquet, invite the poor, … Read more
Five hundred years ago, St. Ignatius wrote what would become one of the most popular Christian books of all time, the Spiritual Exercises. His book contains a section that I think is especially helpful for personal devotions. Essentially, he divides a few stories in the Gospels into one, two, or three points and asks readers … Read more