“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). Recently at a youth group event, a colleague used this phrase in a prayer—that God would help us “hold the things of the world loosely.” The “things of the world” are the things that are temporary. They don’t last. They include that … Continue reading What are your pennies?
Podcast
A time is coming when men will go mad
Anthony was a well-known monk who became known for his close relationship with God, for fighting demons, and for his enduring wisdom. People would journey for days to find him and get his advice. One of those people was Abba Pambo. Over the course of their conversation, Anthony said this: “A time is coming when … Continue reading A time is coming when men will go mad
Visual reminders
In Luke 8:44 we learn about a woman who had been bleeding for 12 years. “She came up behind [Jesus] and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped.” Jesus healed her. It was—and is—an incredible testament to his goodness and power. I was curious about Jesus’ cloak. The word for “edge” … Continue reading Visual reminders
God’s pure medicine for your soul
The 10 Commandments continue to apply to Christians today. Of all the commandments, do you want to know which one gets the most space? Is it murder, idolatry or adultery? Nope. It’s one day a week for Sabbath rest. Trust me: This isn’t a guilt trip. Many of us struggle to find time to rest. … Continue reading God’s pure medicine for your soul
Being knocked down and knocked out are different things
Some people think that being a Christian inoculates you from hardship. Not always. Yes, there are innumerable benefits; God is most certainly a provider, protector, rock and redeemer. At the same time, Jesus warns us against the delusion of smooth sailing. In John 16:33 he says: “In this world you will have trouble.” He also … Continue reading Being knocked down and knocked out are different things
Save Your
When we think of Jesus as “Saviour” we tend to think about his role after our time on earth. That makes sense. After all, he saves us from the consequence of sin and from being on the wrong side of eternal judgment. As (very!) important as those things are, we can sometimes forget that he … Continue reading Save Your
Not just eventually, but presently
Forever is a big deal. Heaven is a big deal. Eternity is a big deal. You and I have probably thought about those things a lot. That makes sense. We should. Not only is eternity with God something to look forward to, but it gives us hope in the here and now. That’s the part … Continue reading Not just eventually, but presently
You need to sift
People don’t write letters as much as they used to. They tend to text, call, email or video chat. But letters are still written and received. At the close of a letter, it is common to give an important summary statement—perhaps something like, ‘May God bless you,’ or ‘I’m always thinking about you,’ or ‘Be … Continue reading You need to sift
People grow better together
Acts 2:42 provides a snapshot of the early Christians who were living in Jerusalem after the resurrection. Here it is: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Let’s focus on the word “fellowship.” What does it really mean? The Louw-Nida lexicon defines it like … Continue reading People grow better together
Loyalty, love and a lifestyle
Mark 5:1-20 contains one of the most startling—and perhaps even confusing—stories in the Bible. It’s where Jesus casts out a legion of demons from someone. They go into a herd of pigs who subsequently drown. As a result, some people were filled with fear. Others were filled with amazement. I know, pretty dramatic, right? If … Continue reading Loyalty, love and a lifestyle
