There are two kinds of pride. The first is simply being proud of your country or a child. I get that. It’s pretty innocent. But the second kind of pride is problematic and has to do with ego. It’s an over-inflated sense of self. It’s having a puffed-up attitude, never admitting you’re wrong, and thinking … Continue reading Doing something “beneath” you
Thought-life springboard
In Matthew 5:8 Jesus says, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” This line has always captured me. I sometimes say it to myself quietly as I go about my day, usually when I feel like I’m mentally wandering or unsure. Not only is it a goal to achieve (purity of … Continue reading Thought-life springboard
When the feeling of love is lacking
I think I’m a pretty loving person. Usually. As long as I’m well-rested, un-rushed, and not feeling overwhelmed by my life! But as soon as I’m tired, rushed, and overwhelmed, I’m a lot less loving! But even in those moments we are called to be the hands and feet of Christ to one another. Even … Continue reading When the feeling of love is lacking
The right things or the wrong things?
We all want things. But what kinds of things do you spend your time and energy wanting? Exodus 20:17 says, “You shall not covet…” It’s a command against obsessing about things you don’t have. After all, if you keep mentally drooling after other people’s things, it undermines your belief that God can and will provide … Continue reading The right things or the wrong things?
You don’t die for a lie
The famous mathematician and physicist Blaise Pascal said: “I [believe] those witnesses that get their throats cut.” He meant that people who are willing to die for their beliefs are more likely to be telling the truth. In other words, people don’t tend to die for a lie. People will, however, give their lives for … Continue reading You don’t die for a lie
Reasons for the resurrection
The resurrection of Jesus is central to the Christian faith. It’s not in the outfield somewhere picking at ant hills. It’s home plate. So whether or not you take it seriously is VERY important. In fact, in 1 Corinthians 15:17 Paul said that “if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile.” Futile. So … Continue reading Reasons for the resurrection
For Humboldt
Last Friday, a Junior hockey team in Saskatchewan, Canada called the Humboldt Broncos got into a massive bus accident. 15 people died, 13 of them were players. When I heard about it, I was shocked, and then sad—for the horror of it all, for the loss of life, and for the families and friends whose … Continue reading For Humboldt
The gold is in the giving
I was recently talking with someone about how we live in a “consumer culture,” and about how deeply that kind of thinking has burrowed its way into our hearts and minds. It’s hard to escape. We consume. Products, plastics, food, ideas, even people sometimes. We spend our days being battered by advertisements and promotions which … Continue reading The gold is in the giving
Despite your circumstances
Viktor Frankl was a psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor. In World War Two he was in a concentration camp serving voluntarily as a doctor to his fellow prisoners. Some men approached him because they thought they found a way to escape. They wanted to know if he wanted in on the plan. He thought about it… … Continue reading Despite your circumstances
For the praise of God, or the praise of others?
Would you rather praise God or be praised by others? Let’s be honest. Getting a pat on the back feels good. I’m not knocking that. But we shouldn’t be so obsessed by the praise and approval of others that it eclipses the priority of putting God first. So here’s something you and I can do … Continue reading For the praise of God, or the praise of others?
