Hebrews 2:11 says that “Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters.” I’m blown away by that. Jesus calls his followers brothers and sisters. Siblings. What’s more is that he is “not ashamed” to do so. Think of all the times we have gone against God’s teachings. Think about the wayward thoughts, decisions, … Continue reading A firm (not flimsy) identity no matter what
Podcast
Two steps to a successful church
I know, I know. It’s a cheeky title for a devotional. But hear me out. Over the years I’ve read countless books on the church, on being the church in today’s world, on strategy, and on leadership. But recently I’ve been thinking about how to be a successful church, and how you can boil it … Continue reading Two steps to a successful church
3 suggestions to help with temptation
“Because [Jesus] himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” So says Hebrews 2:18. But how? How is he able to help those who are being tempted? Let me make three suggestions. First, talk to God about it—honestly. Think of your most painful or frequent temptations. We … Continue reading 3 suggestions to help with temptation
A shared sorrow and a shared solution
There are times when you go through something challenging. You’re downcast. People can tell. They ask you if you want to talk about it. “Oh no,” you respond, “you’d never understand.” They say: “Try me.” So you share something about your struggle—just a little, not a lot. But it’s just enough for that other person … Continue reading A shared sorrow and a shared solution
The WHOLE counsel of God
In his farewell speech to the Ephesian elders Paul said, “I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God” (Acts 20:27). That phrase could also be translated as the “whole counsel of God.” That’s an important phrase. He hasn’t skipped over the uncomfortable parts or the inconvenient parts; he has been … Continue reading The WHOLE counsel of God
Worrying means you suffer twice
In the movie Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Newt Scamander tells people not to worry. In response, one of the characters says, “Tell me, has anyone ever believed you when you told them not to worry?” He replies: “My philosophy is that worrying means you suffer twice.”* Isn’t that great? Worry is a … Continue reading Worrying means you suffer twice
Autumn: the first step back to good
Yesterday was the first day of autumn. There’s something new about a new season. I’m not just talking about cooler temperatures, pumpkins, or pirouetting, multi-coloured leaves. A new season can be a great opportunity for a mental re-set. Have you been consumed by emotional fog? Have you been distracted by lesser distractions? Have you been … Continue reading Autumn: the first step back to good
God resurrected the tree
There was a church by an African village who met under a tree. A local witch doctor put curse on the tree and it died. So what did the church do? They had a prayer meeting. What did they pray for? Did they pray for solace or to find another location? Did they pray that … Continue reading God resurrected the tree
Single-minded fidelity
Hebrews 1:5 says: “For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father”? It’s a rhetorical question. The answer is ‘None.’ Jesus is greater than angels. Apparently some people had been doubting Jesus. Since they were still seeking the wisdom, strength and blessing of God, … Continue reading Single-minded fidelity
What angels do
Hebrews 1:14 says: “Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” We can learn at least four things from this. First, angels are ministering spirits—or, put another way—serving spirits. If you wanted to find a verse that furthered the idea of guardian angels this could be one of them. … Continue reading What angels do
