So True

Last evening I was reading John 8 which has extensive quotes from Jesus. As I read, I was struck by the fact that everything he ever said was true. So I slowed down and read each word and phrase very carefully, isolating each part so I could see the truth in it. I found myself saying quietly, "That is absolutely true" after each phrase.

Jesus' words are like small earthquakes when read this way.

Wait for It

Poinsettia growing against a wall near Ensenada, Mexico

"...but they who put their hope in the Lord will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be faint."

Isaiah 40:31

Yesterday I was reading a book about how to think theologically (ironically, it is titled, "How to Think Theologically"). It's about the nitty gritty of how a person's theology impacts decisions in real life.

We all do think theologically. We act upon our theological beliefs all the time. Mostly, we draw upon our "embedded" theology, the stuff we acquired growing up from the culture around us. If we are really interested in theology, at some point we pull out those embedded ideas and examine them. Then we may decide to develop and refine our theology to give it a foundation and substance. That's what I am doing in seminary right now.

Anyway, the question was: how does my theology work for me in a crisis? What about when I meet up with the unexpected, the sad or the frightening events of life?

The answer was illustrated by the story of a woman who came to stay with her mother in her last illness. She was overwhelmed at first and thought she could not face these last days with her mom. Then she told herself to wait a moment and let it all sink in.

She took in the scene in the hospital room, she allowed her feelings to fill her heart and she took full measure of the condition her mother was in. Then she considered what would be the right thing to do. What actions would match her actual theology of family?

In the moments of waiting she remembered who her mother really was to her and what her faith dictated in terms of caring for her. In her heart she had stored up biblical principles to guide her in the situation. With those principles in mind, she moved past all of her fears and sorrows and she spent the next few days ministering to her mother's needs, delighting in her and loving her until she passed into eternity.

That is theology in action, encountering a challenge and having your true beliefs rise to the surface to guide your actions. It's also the way that you find out whether you have a solid theology to rely upon. Theology can either be acquired haphazardly or systematically, but I think it is best to be proactive and build your theology. I could go into all the ways there are to do that, but my previous blog talks about one of the best ways. Meet God everyday and discuss life with Him.

Then wait for the testing that is sure to come. When it arrives, wait again until that theology you have built takes over and gives you the way to go forward.

Quiet Time To Go

What is a Quiet Time?

It's the time I spend with the Lord, usually first thing in the morning. It is my time to read the Bible and talk with the Lord in prayer. It's where He and I work out life together.

I keep my journal, One Year Bible and another devotional book in a ZipLoc bag. I started doing this when I wanted to throw them into my backpack to travel. The bag keeps them from getting all beaten up.

This is what it looks like when I get started. I have the basket tray on the sofa beside me so that I can keep my teacup within reach and not spill it.

My journal is a medium size spiral bound notebook with my favorite kind of pen clipped to it.

My Bible reading comes from the One Year Bible, with its cool bookmark picturing the Eagle Nebuli.

My devotional is "The Rule of Benedict" with commentary by Joan Chittester. (I'll tell you more about that another time.)

Outside of the picture is the bookcase where I can grab a dictionary, Bible dictionary, Bible atlas and Bible commentary when I need them.

A few feet away is a big basket with fleecy blankets in case I need to put one over my knees on chilly mornings. Sometimes I light a candle to warm up the space as well.

Those are the pratical elements of my Quiet Time habit. I didn't really plan it, it has just evolved over many years as I worked out how to make it more convenient to meet with the Lord.

I think simple solutions are the best.

It would be very nice to hear how other people have a Quiet Time.