January 2001

2001: A Spiritual Odyssey

Many years ago, as schoolchildren, we discussed the year 2001 as something so far away as to be unfathomable. We would all have flying cars, of course, and everyone would be able to get their daily "roast beef and potatoes" in a tiny pill. Even Arthur C. Clarke, a novelist, imagined a world where a computer would have its own agenda, plotting against humans to accomplish its goals in his story, "2001: A Space Odyssey." more...

What is Spirituality?

The term "spiritual" and "spirituality" are being tossed about quite a bit these days. Almost anything can qualify as "spiritual." Phil Jackson, coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, a NBA basketball team, has authored Sacred Hoops, a book about his spiritual journey in coaching ball. Art exhibits proclaim they are part of an emerging "new spirituality." Many books have been written, with authors making the talk show circuit, that discuss how to find one's spiritual center or be a truly spiritual person. Everyone seems to be more interested than ever in finding spirituality. Yet few seem to be asking for a definition of exactly what they are looking for. Just what is spirituality? more...

Spiritual Families

In Ephesians 6:4, fathers are instructed to bring up their children "in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." What does that mean? How do we go about making sure that our families are developing spiritually? While the Bible doesn't have a list of things we can check off to be certain our families develop properly, there are important values taught and exemplified in God's people throughout history which will help us to better serve him in our familial relationships. more...

Spiritual Worship

It's a war over worship. Many today are debating the meaning, purpose and "how" of worship. Worship "style" has become a buzzword, and a way of differentiating between "conventional" worship services and a newer way of doing things. All around we find churches popping up that practice a loose, casual, upbeat, and more entertaining style of worship. Packed with lots of emotion and fueled by contemporary music this new style plays to packed houses. So, while the "worship wars" are still getting attention in the press, it is clear that the war is over. "Fun" worship has won, hands down. more...

Spiritual Bible Study

"All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work" (2 Tim. 3:16-17). more...

Spiritual Circumcision

In the 17^th chapter of Genesis, God institutes the act of circumcision with Abraham. This act symbolized the covenant relationship of the children of Abraham with their God, and it was done away with at the advent of Christianity (see Acts 15). more...

The Preacher's Pen

I received this as part of my friend Warren Berkley's excellent Monday Messages. If you don't get these free weekly devotional emails drop Warren a line (wberkley@flash.net) and ask to be included. You will profit from these studies he mails out each Monday morning. This was the study several weeks ago. Read it carefully and see if you don't think persistence is an important part of spirituality. more...