Tim keller lent devotional full#
Tim keller lent devotional download#

When you hear these things I’m saying, I’m guessing that you’re starting to slowly nod your head. He defined it as “a worry, so pernicious as to be capable of ruining extended stretches of our lives, that we are in danger of failing to conform to the ideals of success laid down by our society… a worry that we are currently occupying too modest a rung or are about to fall to a lower one…” This is a concern that is often heightened by our time online. In an article in The New York Times titled “The Agony of Instagram” Alex Williams says that it is the “highest achievement yet in social-media voyeurism” and “a new form of torture.” Yikes!Īlain de Bottom wrote a book called Status Anxiety. Pastor Steven Furtick explains what’s happening when he says, “We compare our behind-the-scenes with other people’s highlight reels.” So, so true. And when we are constantly comparing ourselves to others we become less content.īy the way, just so we’re clear, just because people are posting things that are real, that doesn’t mean we’re seeing an accurate depiction of reality. Social psychologist Ethan Kross from Michigan University said, “We measured lots and lots of other personality and behavioral dimensions… The more you used Facebook, the more your mood dropped.” A part of the reason that happens is because it’s where a lot of comparisons happen. But the online world is increasingly dark, misleading and harmful to our minds.ĭoom scrolling, constant comparison to others, rabbit holes that are baited with deceptive half-truths, news that isn’t really news-and the resultant depression and anxiety-are all wise warnings to take a step back from the Frenemy, whose grip around your heart is probably tighter than you know.

Tim keller lent devotional download#

Sure, we can get some groceries, download a new book, and message our friends. I seriously think we would benefit from limiting our time online-or at least from using it a lot more wisely. But I’d like us to apply it to… the internet.

Google defines it thusly: “a person with whom one is friendly despite a fundamental dislike or rivalry.” Usually we apply this term to people. That we give up-or at least severely restrict-The Frenemy. Popular things to give up are certain foods, alcohol, or spending money on non-essentials.īut I’d like to suggest something else.

On the other side of Lent, a hamburger is going to taste soooooooo amazing! Plus, you gain a new appreciation for what you’ve given up in the process. When we limit our intake of things-like food, for example-we are more spiritually focussed and disciplined, depending more on God and on his ways. Giving things up is connected to the practice of fasting, which is going without certain things for a certain period of time. Just how an athlete might make certain sacrifices to train for a big event, so too is there a tradition of Christians making certain sacrifices at this time of year to prepare for the annual commemoration of the biggest event in history: the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. Some people “give something up” for Lent. It’s the 40-day period of preparation (excluding Sundays) leading up to Easter, the epicentre of the Christian faith.

Tim keller lent devotional full#

Full references to quotes also found there. Sproul, and Tim Keller, to name a few! It is brief, yet spiritually deep and meaty and really illuminates the wonder of the gospel displayed at Easter.Februin internet, lent, social media, technology No Commentsīy Pastor Ruttan, originally posted at. It is a compilation of sermons and essays from contemporary as well as classical theologians written on the subject of Christ's passion-authors include Martin Luther, John Piper, Jonathan Edwards, Charles Spurgeon, John MacArthur, R.C. How many of us rush from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday without contemplating all that the cross means? If we are not careful, the Easter season can be overrun by chocolate bunnies, Easter dresses, and dying eggs.and we will miss the beauty of what this season means for each of our lives! If I could recommend ONE read this Lenten season, it would be this little gem compiled by Nancy Guthrie entitled Jesus, Keep me Near the Cross: Experiencing the Passion and Power of Easter.