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
Podcast
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
Distraction is deception’s co-pilot
In John 8:44 Jesus called the Devil the “father of lies.” He is the enemy of honesty. He lays traps. He distorts. He pulls people in his direction. Since he’s an expert—he’s been working at his craft for eons—we need to be alert to his schemes. Having said let, let me introduce today’s theme. Distraction … Continue reading Distraction is deception’s co-pilot
Don’t let sensationalism mess with your thinking
We live in a sensationalistic time. Stories that are sensational make the news. People who do sensational things get noticed. To a degree, that makes sense. I get it. But we can’t lose sight of the fact that so many of the important and faithful things we do in life are not going to impress … Continue reading Don’t let sensationalism mess with your thinking
Restorative practices that are due for a comeback
I recently saw a phone booth. It made me take a second look. You don’t see them very much anymore. Phone booths are kind of like the milk man. They remind you of another era. As modern people, we are at risk of dismissing good things about the past. We quickly fall in love with … Continue reading Restorative practices that are due for a comeback
