“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:3-4).In the eighteenth century there was a very heated debate between two theological heavyweights—George Whitfield and John Wesley. It was … Continue reading Humility—even when things get heated
When getting things done isn’t the point
“And after he had taken leave of them, [Jesus] went up on the mountain to pray” (Mark 6:46).Towards the end of last year, I went away on a silent retreat. It was a peaceful time to read, pray and sing the psalms.I’m an introvert, so the silence wasn’t difficult. Other than the worship and a … Continue reading When getting things done isn’t the point
Loyalty matters in more ways than you think
This week we have been exploring the bravery and faith of Daniel’s three friends, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. We have been using their experience to ask important questions about our own faith today.These three young men refused to bow down to the king’s statue. But why?In the Ten Commandments God says: “You shall have no … Continue reading Loyalty matters in more ways than you think
Glorifying him or denying him
Daniel’s three friends were told to bow to the king’s statue. If they did, they would live. If they didn’t bow they would burn. They refused. “…even if he does not [rescue us],” they said, “…we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up” (Daniel 3:18).Let me share … Continue reading Glorifying him or denying him
Prepare for big moments by starting small
In yesterday’s devotional we talked about having an “even if” kind of faith. This was based on the words of Daniel’s three friends. They were told to bow down to the king’s statue. If they didn’t, they would be thrown into a fiery furnace. They had two options: Bow or burn. But they said No. “If … Continue reading Prepare for big moments by starting small
Having an “even if” kind of faith
It was a ruthless time. Daniel’s three friends—Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego—were threatened with death. If they didn’t bow down to the king’s statue they would be thrown into a fiery furnace. The king gave them one last chance—bow or burn.In response, this is what the young men said: “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, … Continue reading Having an “even if” kind of faith
Giving God a makeover?
“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope” (Romans 15:4).Theologian J.I. Packer makes the following observation:“In 1963, J.A.T. Robinson’s ‘Honest to God’ was heralded by an article in one of England’s national newspapers entitled “Our Image of … Continue reading Giving God a makeover?
When governments and kingdoms let you down
In Daniel 2, the king of Babylon has a puzzling dream. God reveals the meaning to Daniel, who then explains it to the king. In short, the king has seen a big statue made of different materials: gold, silver, bronze, iron, and clay.At the end of the dream, a stone (or rock) hits the image and … Continue reading When governments and kingdoms let you down
Pray—as a first resort
In Daniel 2, the Babylonian king issued a death order. Since some of his “wise men” couldn’t tell him his dream or it’s interpretation, he wanted to kill them all. Yikes! It was literal insanity.Since Daniel and his friends were among the class of wise men, they too were in danger. After learning what was … Continue reading Pray—as a first resort
The darker the dark, the brighter the light
“…he [God] knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him” (Daniel 2:22).The darker the dark, the brighter the light. Imagine being in a well-lit room in the middle of the day. There are a lot of windows. You hold up a torch. It will definitely bring extra light. After all, it’s a … Continue reading The darker the dark, the brighter the light
