Quietude®

Word-y Gifts for Christian Faith & Life

Confidence: Lessons from Jesus

One of the characteristics I admire most about Jesus was his confidence. He knew who he was, where he came from, and where he was going. He was undeniably powerful but he displayed neither outward bravado nor the smugness that Read more…


Following Jesus . . .

Most Christians know the song “I have decided to follow Jesus.” The Sunday School classic is about leaving old worldly ways behind and choosing to follow Christ. “Though none go with me, still I will follow,” one line says. “The Read more…


Why are you (still) a Christian?

“Christianity is toxic.” So read a line in an article I read recently. The description is rather disturbing, perhaps even dangerous. Although some Christians—past and present—have indeed done and continue to do wrong-headed and un-Christ-like things in the name of Read more…


Ps. 90: Making the most of our numbered days

During my undergraduate studies, I was a member of my university’s choir. Each year, in preparation for our Spring tour and concert, the director selected songs from all over the world for us to learn. Many of them were sung Read more…


James 4:7: Submit to God

“Submission” is sort of the “s-word” of Christianity. Usually uttered in teachings on Christian marriage, there is something about it that makes us uncomfortable. It is a particularly difficult word for the modern western believer because it carries the negative Read more…