In 1 Corinthians 12:27 the apostle Paul says, “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” This idea that the church is the “body of Christ” is pretty well-known. In fact, when people say that Jesus is the “head” (boss and brains) of the church, and … Continue reading You are someone’s missing piece
Recycle your pain
I don’t think I’ve met a single person who hasn’t had challenges in their life. Sure, some challenges seem bigger than others. Some people have had children die or been sexually abused or experienced other kids of trauma. But any kind of difficulty—no matter the “size”—can change your life forever. When we’ve gone through something … Continue reading Recycle your pain
Dear You
Recently I was reading Psalm 139:14 where it says, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made…” I’ve read a lot about this verse. Different scholars say different things. But in and through it all are a few firm facts of modern life: That sometimes you need to acknowledge the dark difficulty of … Continue reading Dear You
Make yourself UNcomfortable
I’m sitting here in a comfortable chair. I’m drinking a flavoured coffee in comfortable clothes. I’m… comfortable! Then I open my Bible and read about the apostles being persecuted for their faith. In Acts 5 they get brought before a tribunal called the Sanhedrin and are ordered to stop teaching in Jesus’ name. The apostles … Continue reading Make yourself UNcomfortable
Why it’s easy to be judgmental
Being judgmental is about as attractive as a racist proudly gallivanting around your living room on a high horse. But what does it mean, anyway? If someone says you’re being judgmental, what they usually mean is that you’re acting morally superior—as if you’re always right, others are always wrong, and you’re a better person because … Continue reading Why it’s easy to be judgmental
Imperfect people
What I’m about to tell you is terrible. But I’m going to tell you anyway! I heard about some people who started a Bible study group. They called it “Owl.” At first, people thought the name was based on the bird. Since owls are symbols of wisdom, it made sense. But it came to light … Continue reading Imperfect people
Say it before it’s too late
One of the profound privileges of being a pastor is being with people who are in their last stages of life on earth. I’ve only been a pastor for 9 years and I’ve held many people’s hands as they’ve passed from this world to the next. What does it teach me? Well, a lot of things. … Continue reading Say it before it’s too late
Boundedness
The word “religion” isn’t very popular. People (including myself!) prefer to use substitutes like “spirituality” or “faith” as a way of bypassing this un-trendy word that can call to mind firm-fisted sermons, strict morality or chanting monks. But let’s pause on it for a minute. It comes from an old word meaning “to bind.” So … Continue reading Boundedness
Already healed
Revelation 21:4 “He will wipe every tear from their eyes.” (NIV) Today’s Thought When Tom Long was in training to be a pastor, his supervisor sent him to visit some families in the Carolinas. One of them was a mother with a bunch of children. But one of the children—whom we’ll call Robert—wasn’t included in … Continue reading Already healed
Pour yourself into what’s in front of you
In World War Two, Viktor Frankl found himself in a Nazi concentration camp. His book Man's Search for Meaning recounts many of the terrible things he endured. But he also talks about how you can find meaning even in horrible situations. Here’s an example. Some of Frankl’s fellow prisoners had figured out a way to escape. … Continue reading Pour yourself into what’s in front of you
