"AI is forcing us to ask fundamental questions about the meaning and purpose of work. What’s the point of a college degree? ... I welcome these questions. We should have been asking them a long time ago, and now AI is forcing them on us all at once. Better late than never."
Today, I randomly remembered the rebranding of my business earlier in the year. I had just registered with CAC and needed to change the name in the process. I needed to have a new logo designed and also assure my customers that it was the same brand but just a new name.
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If someone is innovative or imaginative, we label them “creative.” On some social media channels, video producers are called “creators.” Artists create paintings, musicians create songs.
But in Hebrew, it does not matter what you make or how original it might be, you are neither creative nor a creator. Only God is. Every time the Hebrew verb bara (“create” [ברא]) is used in the Old Testament, the Lord alone is the subject.
In the beginning, God bara the heavens and the earth, and he is not sharing that ability with anyone else.
That makes David’s prayer all the more meaningful: “Create [ברא] in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me” (Ps. 51:10). There was one way, and one way only, for David to get a clean heart.
He could have exchanged his royal robe for sackcloth, beat his breast, wept and fasted, confessed and lamented, all day, every day, for the remainder of his life. Yet none of this would have gotten him any closer to creating within himself, by himself, a clean heart and a right spirit.
Human activities associated with repentance have their place, but they are powerless to enact inward change. Christ alone, by the power of his Spirit, sent from the Father, can do that.
And he does! As by his word of power, he spoke all things into being, so by his word of grace, he speaks cleansing words that create within us clean hearts, right spirits, joy in salvation.
Every “I forgive you” from God’s lips to our ears is like the “Let there be light” in Genesis 1. It makes things happen. As there was light, so there is forgiveness.
He speaks it into us, creating hope, making joy, and opening our mouths to teach other transgressors his ways, that sinners might return to him (51:13). Full of his Holy Spirit, therefore, with hearts washed pure by the liquid of his mercy, our tongues sing aloud of the righteousness of him who did for us what we could never accomplish ourselves (51:14).
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This is a sample devotion from my next book, Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of Psalms. Preorder your copy at https://t.co/zU9d46Pdah
Justice is getting what you deserve.
Mercy is NOT getting what you deserve.
Grace is getting what you do NOT deserve.
Christianity is a story of grace, mercy and justice all entwined.
This is why christianity is radically different. It is mind-blowing.
“If younger relatives were simply concerned about what they could pocket from the older person…what is the fate of the older person with nothing financially tangible to give?”
I think about the circling of vultures and families in this @1807intime post.
https://t.co/3hohxnFZ7m
At the crusade in Kebbi state, the state governor, through his officials, brought 30 million naira in cash, as an appreciation and show of hospitality to Pastor Enenche.
Right there in the full glare of all, he rejected the money and appreciated the governor for the gesture.
At #BaptistConversations next week Friday, we will be discussing When The Scripture Is Silent.
What happens next? Is the Scripture ever truly silent? What lingering questions do you have?
Our Speaker, @iofatoki, will be helped by God to stir this conversation.
Invite someone!
In today’s @1807intime piece, I share my thoughts on Chie Hayakawa’s “Plan 75” and reflect on the older person’s place in a world that doesn’t want them anymore.
https://t.co/rU6o20PtVc
If you're into Kdrama (and into good storytelling) you may have come across "When Life Gives You Tangerines" (2025) - and if you haven't, here's your cue.
A scene from the series inspires today's @1807intime post. I think you'll love it.
https://t.co/WGHihsF4KO
I have a lot to say, but like I heard from a friend some years ago, it takes the same courage to stand up and talk, to sit down and listen. I have been reading many takes on this subject matter.
However, I just want to ask. If pastors don't invite other pastors to preach in
#BaptistConversations
Are you a Preacher's Kid? Do you have them as friends? Invite them for this Space this coming Friday.
@paulayokunle is our guest speaker.
See you there!
In this @1807intime piece on #ageing, I look at how older people emerge as icons by virtue of their work.
I’m inspired by Yahaya and Idowu’s documentary on the icon called Mama Balo
https://t.co/iOOSWdrBaU