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Posts tagged "silence"

The Compassion of Silence

Old Testament Reflection

In the previous chapter, messenger after messenger arrives with the disastrous news that Job has been stripped of everything—family, lands, servants and possessions. Job’s response is still to worship God, refuting Satan’s accusation that Job’s faith was conditional on God’s abundant blessings.

Not to be defeated, Satan now ups the ante. He says, “Okay, he didn’t falter when his possessions were taken away, but certainly he will curse you if he has to suffer physical pain.”

Read More pain, silence, compassion

The Sound of Silence

Psalms Reflection

Unlike other psalms of lament, Psalm 88 does not end in worship. It ends where it began—in a darkness punctuated only by anguished prayer. Or does it?

The text reminds us that our Lord keeps us safe, works miracles, is full of love, loyalty and saving power.

Read More silence, darkness, suffering

Revelation

Psalms Reflection

The writer of this psalm is desperate. His health is in ruins. He feels the passing of days. He doesn’t want to die even though he considers his life a worn-down ruin and likens it to the ruins of Zion. He’s getting old. Perhaps that’s why I resonate with honesty of this prayer. For two decades, I’ve offered up desperate prayers for my handicapped brothers, addicted sister, alcoholic father and toxic bosses. I’ve waited years for God’s answers. I still wait.

Read More silence, hope, unanswered prayer, presence of Jesus

A Cool Spirit

Proverbs Reflection

“Better to keep your mouth shut, and be thought a fool,” goes the old down-home version of these two proverbs, “than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.”

I’ve known a few truly wise people, and a handful of brilliant scholars (which may be two quite different things!). I’ve been impressed with the realization that, in a room full of people with much to say, the wise and the brilliant are almost invariably the last to speak.

Read More silence, wisdom, listening

The Sound of Silence

New Testament Reflection

Could you be silent for as long as needed?

At the July 2015 Pan Am Games held in the Greater Toronto Area, I led silent stand-ins. These stand-ins were the culmination of two years of awareness-raising around the reality of human trafficking during large sporting events.

Read More silence

In the Presence of God

Read Reflect Be silent as you enter the throne room of the Lord of Hosts today. Watch and wait in quiet awe and reverence so that you can see God in his righteousness. As you sit in silence, turn your eyes away from everything happening around you and contemplate your own life. Are there things […]

Read More silence, worship, cleansing, purity


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Deeks Spring 2017

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