Most of you have probably not committed murder. But you have probably been very angry at someone.Here’s the connection.In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus said: “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that … Continue reading Anger. The sleeping giant.
The Up Devo
Picture yourself as a literal sponge
In 1 Corinthians 15:33 Paul quotes the poet Menander: “Bad company corrupts good character.” The ESV translation says: “Bad company ruins good morals.” The NKJV puts it like this: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” You get the point.How are Christians to understand this?In Paul’s letter he is, in part, issuing a warning. If the Corinthians associate … Continue reading Picture yourself as a literal sponge
Eyes open on Friday the 13th
Today is Friday the thirteenth.There are a variety of theories about why this day is seen as “bad luck.”As Christians, we don’t believe in luck of course. We believe in the providence of God. The Westminster Confession summarizes some powerful biblical truth when it points out in chapter five that the God of infallible knowledge … Continue reading Eyes open on Friday the 13th
The one constant element in revival
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42).Just because we know something is good for us that doesn’t mean we do it.For example, we know that regular exercise and a full night’s sleep have powerful effects, both physically and mentally. And yet, these … Continue reading The one constant element in revival
A sanctuary of time
When I say the word “sanctuary” what do you think of?Perhaps you think about a church sanctuary—a place where people gather for worship services.Perhaps a butterfly sanctuary—an environment created specifically so butterflies can thrive. Or maybe political sanctuary—what someone can receive in a new country if fleeing persecution.All of these examples include the idea of … Continue reading A sanctuary of time
Simplicity vs. Complexity
Simplicity.Biblically speaking, simplicity is a good thing. In 2 Corinthians 1:12 Paul writes: “we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God…”Acting with simplicity involves pure motives. It involves honesty, being down-to-earth, and not buying into the extravagance, show and competition of the world.It’s … Continue reading Simplicity vs. Complexity
Like a drop of water poured into wine
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).Bernard of Clairveax was a monk who lived in the early twelfth century. In his book On Loving God he talks about someone who is … Continue reading Like a drop of water poured into wine
Physical rest without mental rest
Rest is important. But don’t take my word for it. God says as much in Exodus 20:9-10: “Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the LORD your God.”We all most likely agree that rest is important. But it’s making it happen that is the … Continue reading Physical rest without mental rest
The Babushki
Author Philip Yancey tells of a life-changing experience he had while visiting Russia in 1991—a country then in a free-fall. Much has changed in Russia since that time, but Yancey comments on how there was a lack of trust in the air, a sense of forebodance about pretty much everything. Grown adults walked around with their … Continue reading The Babushki
Older men like fathers, women like mothers
It is sometimes emphasized that the command to honour your father and mother isn’t just about biology.Since Jesus’ followers thought of themselves as family and called one another “brothers and sisters,” they also tried to honour older men and women as fathers and mothers, especially those who didn’t have someone younger to help them.One of … Continue reading Older men like fathers, women like mothers
