In Hebrews 5:14 we learn that those who are spiritually mature “have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.” Maturity is not a finish line where you have completed everything you need to know. There is continual training. A part of this training is learning to distinguish between good and evil. There is objective good … Continue reading Maturity and sifting out the gunk in our minds
Don’t take hope for granted
We can take things for granted. Even hope. William Temple paints a bleak picture of not having any hope, nor any belief in the source of hope, God: “for man’s moral and spiritual life is in this world a baffled and thwarted enterprise; and the scene of our endeavor is slowly becoming uninhabitable, so that … Continue reading Don’t take hope for granted
Each other’s cheering section
In my entire life I’ve never heard someone say, ‘Please give me some more criticism,’ or ‘Would you mind sharing a few more passive-aggressive comments with me?’ or ‘Remind me about that big mistake I made a few years ago just one more time.’ I’ve also never heard someone say that they’ve had all the … Continue reading Each other’s cheering section
People we don’t like—and our true source of unity
Hebrews 10:24-25 says: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing…” Let me say something which is perhaps a bit awkward. People can be difficult. They can rub us the wrong way. You know … Continue reading People we don’t like—and our true source of unity
Abide with me
Today is Remembrance Day, also called Veterans Day or Armistice Day in other countries. We remember and give thanks for those who lost their lives in the miseries of war. In so doing we wear poppies. We read In Flanders Fields. We thank veterans. We pray for peace. We consider the value of our freedoms. … Continue reading Abide with me
People… people who need people.
I never thought I’d start a devotional by quoting a Barbara Streisand song, but here goes: “People… people who need people.” Yup, it’s true. Or, in the words of poet John Donne: “No man [or woman] is and island.” Hebrews 10:24-25 says: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and … Continue reading People… people who need people.
Egging each other on
When I was in grade seven or eight, a few of us were egging a friend on. He liked a certain girl but was struggling to get the nerve up to go over and talk to her. ‘If you don’t go over there, she’ll never know you exist!’ we said. Hebrews 10:24 says: “And let … Continue reading Egging each other on
Who you’re becoming
Hebrews 10:14 says: “For by one sacrifice [Jesus] has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.” What I’d like to focus on from that verse is the fact that Jesus’ people are “being made holy.” This refers to the work God himself is doing in and through us. This manifests in our daily … Continue reading Who you’re becoming
Speaking about Jesus in the present tense
Maybe it sounds like a strange suggestion, but I think that when we talk about Jesus we should do it more frequently in the present tense. Instead of always saying that “Jesus said” such-and-such, why not say that “Jesus says” such-and-such. For example, Jesus says that we should love our enemies. Jesus says that we … Continue reading Speaking about Jesus in the present tense
Even if we can’t see it immediately
Hebrews 6:13-15 tells us about a promise God made to Abraham: “I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.” Originally he had to wait 25 years before his son Isaac was born. After Isaac was in his care, he was told to sacrifice him as a burnt offering. As a parent, I can’t … Continue reading Even if we can’t see it immediately
The Up Devotional 