We live our lives based on what we think is true. For example, if I think it’s true that it’s going to rain, then I’m going to grab an umbrella when I head outside. But if I don’t, I won’t. If I think it’s true that my child is about to get hit by a … Continue reading Based on what we think is true
It determines the day
Good morning! Many of you are opening this in the morning, whatever your time zone happens to be. If you fall into this category, I hope your sleep was refreshing, long enough, and didn’t include any creepy dreams. Let me get right to it. Even when times are tough—and especially when times are tough—your morning … Continue reading It determines the day
The clean of heart
In Matthew 5:8 Jesus says: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” The words “pure in heart” imply being clean before God. He’s not talking about taking a shower. He’s talking about holiness and integrity in God’s eyes. By adding the words “in heart,” Jesus is emphasizing the inner aspect of … Continue reading The clean of heart
Blessed are the merciful
In Matthew 5:7 Jesus says, “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” As I shared yesterday, my Gingrich New Testament dictionary tells me that someone who is “blessed” is the “privileged recipient of divine favor.” In other words, blessed people have been shown generosity (or favour) from God. Those who show mercy … Continue reading Blessed are the merciful
Blessed are the deflated
Listen to what Jesus says in Matthew 5:3: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” To understand what he’s talking about, we first need to ask what it means to be “blessed.” A lot of people say they feel “blessed” or use #blessed as a hashtag when something is … Continue reading Blessed are the deflated
No other hope
The Beatitudes are a short-but-mighty collection of Jesus’ teachings. Here is how they begin: “Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them. He said: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” … Continue reading No other hope
Virtue standeth
People are motivated by different things. Some people feel motivated to do something if they know they’ll get a nice reward at the end. Others are motivated if they know they are doing something that will make someone feel good. Today I want to appeal to those who (a) are experiencing difficulty, and (b) are … Continue reading Virtue standeth
Time and trust
“I trust in you, Lord; I say, “You are my God” (Psalm 31:14). By spending time with someone you quite often learn to trust them. Why? Because you start to know what makes them tick. You become more familiar with their words and ways. You appreciate the mutual investment of time—and that can build trust. So it … Continue reading Time and trust
A great cloud of witnesses
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith” (Hebrews 12:1-2). In 1534 Thomas More … Continue reading A great cloud of witnesses
The dawn of God
Glimmers of hope are handles to hold when you fear you might topple over in the turbulence of life. One of those glimmers of hope is found in Psalm 130:5-6: “I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. I wait for the Lord more than watchmen … Continue reading The dawn of God
