Today is known as “Shrove Tuesday.” It’s the day before Lent begins on Ash Wednesday.What does it mean?The name comes from a practice in England to “shrive” on this day—meaning confessing our sins and seeking God’s forgiveness.Since many people fast during Lent, there was a custom of using up fatty foods on this day to … Continue reading Shrove Tuesday, “Shriving,” Sin and Mercy
Come to me, and I will give you rest
When I ask people about their favourite Bible verse, many point to Matthew 11:28. That’s where Jesus says: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”He goes on to talk about his “yoke” which is easy, and his burden which is light. A “yoke” was shared with … Continue reading Come to me, and I will give you rest
Aren’t all religions basically the same?
Have you ever had someone say to you that all religions are basically the same, and that none is better than the other? I answered this question in a recent podcast episode. You can listen to my full response below. For today’s devotional, however, I’d like to give you a shortened version of my response because … Continue reading Aren’t all religions basically the same?
Our God is never not on the move
In Daniel 5 the king was perplexed by some mysterious writing on a wall. Since Daniel had developed a reputation as a wise man, he was summoned to help. In exchange for this help the king would give him rewards and status. In response, Daniel said: “Let your gifts be for yourself, and give your rewards … Continue reading Our God is never not on the move
God uses faithful servants—no matter their age
“Then the king commanded, and Daniel was brought and cast into the den of lions. The king declared to Daniel, ‘May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you!’” (Daniel 6:16)When you picture Daniel in the lion’s den, what do you see? A young vibrant man full of vigour and prayerful bravery?As I often tell … Continue reading God uses faithful servants—no matter their age
Being someone’s answered prayer (when yours feel unanswered)
“We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing” (2 Thessalonians 1:3).What if you are someone’s answered prayer even though yours feel unanswered?You’ve probably heard the first part of that statement … Continue reading Being someone’s answered prayer (when yours feel unanswered)
You are more than what the world says you are
“Keep me as the apple of your eye…” (Psalm 17:8)There is a deep human tendency to over-value our achievements. For example, in the movie Rocky, the hard-working boxer’s girlfriend asks him why it is so important for him to “go the distance” in the ring. “Then I’ll know I’m not a bum,” he replies.In the … Continue reading You are more than what the world says you are
Talking to God—when you want to scream
Lucy Maud Montgomery was the famous author of Anne of Green Gables. In her journal entry from Christmas Eve 1909 she left a record about how much anguish she was feeling at that point in her life: “I feel shrieking at [God] defiantly, ‘Why did you create me to suffer like this?’”*She was certainly being … Continue reading Talking to God—when you want to scream
Advice for a king—and for all of us
[Note: New podcast episode link below.] ~ In Daniel 4, we learn about a king who has become proud and arrogant. He has a troubling dream. Since Daniel has developed a reputation for successfully interpreting dreams, he is summoned to help.Daniel says that the king will be humbled. He will be driven away from the … Continue reading Advice for a king—and for all of us
Humility: weakness to the world, greatness to God
In the previous devotional I raised the topic of humility. In Daniel 4, the pagan king was full of himself. But God taught him a lesson and punished him for seven years. He was made to live like an animal and even eat like one.When he finally acknowledged God and was restored to his former … Continue reading Humility: weakness to the world, greatness to God
