There are times when people overhear faith. They listen in (or eavesdrop) on what someone else is saying. And then, perhaps at some point in the future, they start to wonder if this God thing might be something for them too. An example is found in Acts 16. After receiving an unjust beating and being … Continue reading Overhearing faith
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Music amplifies the goodness of God
In Philippi, Paul and Silas suffered accusations, injustice, a bloody throttling, imprisonment, and had their feet put in stocks. How did they respond? Acts 16:25 tells us: “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God...” Wow! Tertullian said: “The legs feel nothing in the stocks when the heart is in heaven.”* … Continue reading Music amplifies the goodness of God
The narrow gate
Life contains a baffling number of choices. But Jesus said: “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it” (Matthew 7:13-14). This is the word of … Continue reading The narrow gate
Great is your reward… in heaven
Jesus said: “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven…” (Matthew 5:11-12). I’d like to share a comforting thought. You might not think it’s very comforting at first, but hear me … Continue reading Great is your reward… in heaven
Calling on the name of the Lord
The writer of Psalm 116 had experienced trauma—the “griefs of the grave,” as it is stated in the Geneva Bible translation. Whatever his particular affliction, he had called out to God for help, and received it! In gratitude and thanksgiving he said he would “call on the name of the LORD” (verse 13). We’ve heard … Continue reading Calling on the name of the Lord
When promises are stabilizing handrails
The writer of Psalm 116 had been through trauma. He cried out to God for help and received it. To show his appreciation he said: “I will fulfill my vows to the LORD…” (verse 14). It’s telling that fulfilling his vows is a part of how he shows his gratitude. Since God had been true … Continue reading When promises are stabilizing handrails
Avoiding the crash
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up…” (1 Thessalonians 5:11) Earlier this year I invited therapist Sarah Covey to speak at a workshop. She talked about the possibility of a post-pandemic “crash.” Not for everyone, but for some. Generally speaking, we’re designed to handle crises for short periods of time. But the COVID-19 … Continue reading Avoiding the crash
Unlocking doors for the Spirit
Do you sometimes feel like you’re not a real Christian because you continue to struggle with sin? The Bible teaches that when you believe in the risen Jesus, the Holy Spirit starts to live inside you. In Galatians 4:6 (NLT) Paul writes: “because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son … Continue reading Unlocking doors for the Spirit
I look for the good things
I know someone who seems incapable of seeing anything in a positive way. Cynicism is the air they breathe—both in and out. They even seem to think that their tainted outlook makes them wise. But it doesn’t. If you’re like the rest of humanity, this most recent chapter of life hasn’t been ideal. That’s why … Continue reading I look for the good things
Joy is what happens when…
Yesterday I highlighted Act 14:17 where Paul was telling the people of Lystra about God: “He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.” He told them how God was personally involved in their lives and … Continue reading Joy is what happens when…
