Out of the Chaos
Inspiration for living outside of the chaos.
Tag: hope
OUT OF THE CHAOS 09.28.2020
Richard Foster, in his book “Celebration of Discipline”, writes this: “Superficiality is the curse of our age. The doctrine of instant satisfaction is a primary spiritual problem. The desperate need today is not for a greater number of intelligent people, or gifted people, but for deep people.” Foster, Richard, “Celebration of Discipline,” p. 1. Two …
OUT OF THE CHAOS 09.25.2020
When Dave and I were first married, we volunteered helping with the youth group in our church. One Wednesday evening, we were late for Bible study. Dave attempted to make up for our tardiness by practicing his Indy 500 driving skills. At my best, that would not have amused me. This particular evening, I was …
OUT OF THE CHAOS 09.24.2020
6Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 8And God will generously …
OUT OF THE CHAOS 09.23.2020
This week I chose to focus on our faces and the impact a cheerful look or a scornful look can impart. My daughter, Emily, has two daughters. When Emily was less than a year old she learned to scowl. We thought it was hilarious and often asked her to do it for others. Now Emily …
OUT OF THE CHAOS 09.21.2020
There was a woman who loved auctions and estate sales. One day she found herself wandering among the furniture at an auction when she looked to the side and saw another woman wandering the items as well. She looked away and thought to herself, “My! She was really grumpy!” Turning back to see if she …
OUT OF THE CHAOS 09.18.2020
It is a guarantee that our bodies will experience weakness and exhaustion. It is the signal our bodies give that we need to slow down and rest. Sleep is one of the five elements needed to survive. Our spirits also become weak, tired and exhausted. I remember one time meeting with my pastor to discuss …
OUT OF THE CHAOS 09.16.2020
Monday evening I went outside to look at the stars. I chose the front yard because there are fewer lights there than in the back. Opening the door, I snapped off the porch light and was immediately surrounded by deep darkness. So dark, in fact, that I couldn’t see the sidewalk. I did not let …
OUT OF THE CHAOS 09.15.2020
What did you learn by noticing the stars? Were you able to calculate how many there are, even counting them? Naming them? Yeah — me neither. But the immensity of the galaxies is certainly amazing, isn’t it? In Isaiah 40, God invites the reader to consider the stars. Then he asks two questions: 27O Jacob, …
OUT OF THE CHAOS 09.10.2020
When I read scripture, I remind myself that most of scripture (a few chapters in the Old Testament address nations that oppressed Israel) was written to people who professed to follow God and live in obedience to his commands. The Old Testament is the theological history of the nation of Israel and the promise of …
OUT OF THE CHAOS 09.09.2020
One of the most difficult practices to develop is stillness; stillness not only in our bodies but in our minds. Calming and quieting ourselves so we can listen. Moses told the Israelites to stay calm and watch. What would they see? The Lord at work! Psalm 46 is also an invitation to be still. The …
