Start again.

What you need more than another sermon, another how-to book, or a self-help article is to get alone with God.

This morning I was with the Holy One. Not because I deserved it. Not because I'm Special. Not because of anything I did. I was just needy. I voiced my neediness to God. And God loves to glorify Himself when we are needy.

There are Christian words that we hear often. If we are honest, though, we don’t really know their meaning, at least in full. If we slow down we may find that understanding the depth of simple words can be very impactful on our Christian life.

The spiritual disciplines are not an end in themselves, but a means to know God better. I imagine God sitting in a coffee shop, off in the corner. I look over and I see two coffees. One’s for me and it’s still steaming. Will I go sit? Or will I look back down at my Netflix episode?

Do you want to read the Bible more meaningfully? Do you want the scriptures to shape the way you think, feel, and believe? Do you want to bridge the gap between what the head knows and what the heart feels and worships? If so, the key is meditation.

I can truly say, every time I’ve chosen obedience, God has met me with more joy than I have ever found in sinful ways. It’s not been easy, but it is worth it. Because in my imperfect obedience I get more of God.

C.S. Lewis says that we are to be childlike in heart, but grown-ups with our minds. So using your mind, why is it so important that we be childlike-- and what does it look like? Here are a couple of reflections:

Most Christians know they should read their bible. But if we are honest, we struggle from time to time understanding how to get much out of it. People don’t usually give up their quiet times because they dislike God. They give them up because they feel unproductive or even bored.