John Bunyan was a Christian who had his share of ups and downs, including time in prison for his beliefs. He was separated from loved ones, including his wife and children. Instead of beating him down, his hardships built him up. They refined and fortified his faith. In a biography about his life, the following … Continue reading Humbly. Thankfully. Gladly.
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“But they were brought up in the church…”
I sometimes hear people express disappointment that someone they know has walked away from God and his church. It’s painful and sad. “But they were brought up in the church,” they will sometimes say. In other words, since they often went to church, shouldn’t they know God and how important it is to worship and … Continue reading “But they were brought up in the church…”
When they call you crazy
The past few devotionals have focused on being different because of Jesus. It’s not always fun to be different. Just ask the kid who gets picked on because he doesn’t look or sound like anyone else. These days, maybe you feel like that. Perhaps you say or do things because of your faith and it … Continue reading When they call you crazy
When it looks like you’re going in the wrong direction
Michael Mangis writes: “Faith means stepping onto the path that looks so much like it goes in the wrong direction.”* This statement reminds me of the logo for the TV series, ‘The Chosen.’ It’s a program which depicts various parts of Jesus’ life. The logo has a bunch of gray fish swimming in a circle. … Continue reading When it looks like you’re going in the wrong direction
Salvation before reputation
Let’s start with two words. Salvation and reputation. First, reputation. That’s what other people tend to think about your character, based on what you have said or done over time. You can develop a good reputation, or a bad one. Second, salvation. When people use that word they often mean “being saved” (from God’s wrath) … Continue reading Salvation before reputation
Actual power in the name
Today I invite you to think about the name of Jesus. And how it has power. Actual power. A person’s name represents that person. Think of a royal messenger in the days of old. A herald would proclaim: “In the name of the King…” Everything that followed was as if the King himself was saying … Continue reading Actual power in the name
The sword of the Spirit in another person’s hand
Paul’s teaching about the “armour of God” found in Ephesians 6 is pretty well known. He describes our spiritual battle as Christians. This is not against flesh and blood (i.e. other people), but against unseen spiritual forces of evil. He lists the boots ready to proclaim the gospel of peace, the belt of truth, the … Continue reading The sword of the Spirit in another person’s hand
Knowing your own story
“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope” (Romans 15:4). We’re been talking about responding to challenges to your faith. We’ve all most likely had them. I often say, “The more you … Continue reading Knowing your own story
Defend your faith by knowing your faith
“I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people” (Jude 3). In yesterday’s devotional I highlighted how the landscape is changing in this country and others. Fewer people are identifying with the Christian faith. Granted, when someone ticks a box that … Continue reading Defend your faith by knowing your faith
The point isn’t to fit in
Times are changing. Let me share some Canadian statistics. Even though there are people who subscribe to this devotional from other countries, I’m sure most can see this trend playing out in their own context in varying degrees. In the past 60 years, the percentage of people identifying as Christian has gone from 96% to … Continue reading The point isn’t to fit in
