In 2014, Burger King ditched its 40-year-old slogan, “Have It Your Way” for the more personal “Be Your Way.” A BK management official noted in an interview that the former slogan focused only on the food purchase, while the new one is about connecting with a person’s greater lifestyle. In a world where we’ve been conditioned to have everything instantly—our way, right away—little room is left for what’s often the hardest part . . . waiting. Waiting in line, waiting for test results, waiting in traffic, waiting for an appointment, or a spouse . . . can make us restless,…
Resurrection Hope
Spring signals new beginnings. As the sun warms the earth and winter’s glory fades, it’s always amazing how plants in the yard that looked dead return to life. Tender shoots appear, soon to burst into lush green leaves and colorful flowers. Easter heralds new beginnings also. The Old Testament book of Isaiah prophesies of the coming of Christ, comparing him to a tender plant, yet how his life would ultimately be despised and rejected: “My servant [Jesus Christ] grew up in the LORD’s presence like a tender green shoot, like a root in dry ground. There was nothing beautiful or…
Would Jesus Be On Facebook?
This morning while reading a section on humility in The Imitation of Christ, an interesting question came to mind: If Jesus was physically here on earth today, would He be on Facebook? If so, would a typical post look like this? Jesus Christ Great day sharing a lunch with 5,000 people at Bethsaida. Would the Son of God have His phone in hand taking a selfie while walking across the water—to later post it on social media? Somehow I have a hard time picturing Jesus doing either of these things. Why? Because the life of Christ supremely embodied humility. His words and…
Book Review: The Imitation of Christ: Classic Devotions in Today’s Language
Last summer I had the joy of sitting in a class at the Montrose Christian Writers Conference taught by James Watkins. I immediately sensed him as a man who deeply loves the Lord and desires to live for Him. This month I’ve been enjoying a new book compiled and edited by Watkins called The Imitation of Christ: Classic Devotions in Today’s Language by Thomas à Kempis. For five hundred years à Kempis’ devotional classic has brought wisdom and comfort to millions of readers in over fifty languages—second only to the Bible in sales! Watkins’ new paraphrased version has “modern and inclusive language…
Trusting God With All Your Heart
In New York, high school students are expected to take Regents exams. These are statewide standardized tests in core high school subjects. For me, studying for them was a big deal. As a college bound student, I wanted to achieve the best possible grades. In addition to spending hours memorizing and reviewing information, I adapted special scriptures I called my “Regents verses”: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) Pausing to pray before taking an exam, I would…
