The Pilgrim’s Progress is an allegorical story by John Bunyan. A man named Christian has left the City of Destruction and is headed toward the Celestial City. At one point in the story he is headed toward a place of rest and safety for travellers. It is called The Palace Beautiful. Standing before him are … Continue reading The lions are chained
The Up Devo
You can’t rush God
The past several devotionals have been about hearing (or discerning) God’s voice in our lives. You hear God’s voice by seeking God’s voice. It is usually a proactive process. We’ve talked about the importance of the Bible, prayer, seeking the counsel of other godly people, being humble, and acting with love. Imagine those five parts … Continue reading You can’t rush God
Love is important to God—and to his people
The past several devotionals have been about hearing (or discerning) God’s voice in our lives. We’ve talked about the importance of the Bible, prayer, seeking the counsel of other godly people, and being humble. Here’s something else to consider: love. If you think you’re receiving some sort of message for God, and it does not … Continue reading Love is important to God—and to his people
Humility and receptivity to God
We’re focusing a few devotionals on hearing (or discerning) the voice of God in our lives. You hear God’s voice by seeking God’s voice. In addition to saturating yourself with Scripture, and prayer, and seeking the counsel of other godly people, it’s important to cultivate humility in your character. In the Bible, humility comes up … Continue reading Humility and receptivity to God
With many advisers they succeed
We’re focusing a few devotionals on hearing (or discerning) the voice of God in our lives. You hear God’s voice by seeking God’s voice. In addition to saturating yourself with Scripture, and to spending time in prayer, a third habit of discernment is counsel. This has to do with seeking the counsel of other godly … Continue reading With many advisers they succeed
Scripture cannot be set aside
We’re focusing a few devotionals on hearing (or discerning) the voice of God in our lives. You hear God’s voice by seeking God’s voice. The first and most significant thing you can do is saturate yourself with the Bible. It is the primary place where you learn about God’s will. In John 10:35 Jesus says: … Continue reading Scripture cannot be set aside
There’s no better time spent
Jesus says: “I am the good shepherd.” His sheep “follow him because they know his voice” (John 10:11, 4) They follow his voice because they know him and because they trust him. In light of this, they do not listen to the voice of a stranger (verse 5). Thinking of the shepherd-sheep relationship, Neil Anderson … Continue reading There’s no better time spent
Write down your purpose
In the previous devotional I highlighted Jesus’ words: “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10, ESV). I’d like to invite you to do something. It’s kind of heavy. But I think it’s super-important. Write down on a piece of paper the purpose of your life. You can write it … Continue reading Write down your purpose
What is ‘abundant’ life?
In John 10:10 (ESV) Jesus tells us one of the reasons he came to the earth: “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” I recently did a word study of every single occurrence of the word “life” (Greek: zoe) in John’s Gospel. It is used 36 times. I then made eight … Continue reading What is ‘abundant’ life?
Wasteful or wise?
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12). Have you heard of a “bucket list”? It’s a list of things people want to do before they die—before they “kick the bucket.” There’s a website which lists popular choices. Skydiving, skinny-dipping, visiting the Grand Canyon and sleeping under … Continue reading Wasteful or wise?
