“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones” (Proverbs 17:22). “Laughter is the best medicine.” We’ve probably all heard that expression. It may be based on the proverb quoted above. I’m not sure. Either way, the expression (and proverb) resonates because (a) we know it to be true from … Continue reading Laughter—through the tough times too
The right kind of order
“The precepts of the LORD are right,giving joy to the heart.The commands of the LORD are radiant,giving light to the eyes” (Psalm 19:8) In our day, the idea of “order” has increasingly come under suspicion. It stinks, some people say, of authoritarianism, control, drill sergeants, and people who are allergic to smiling. But that’s a … Continue reading The right kind of order
Seeking his face
You’re probably going to be more courageous if you know that God is close to you. When I was in elementary school, there was a mean kid on the playground. But I had two older brothers. The mean kid was less scary when my brothers were around. You probably see the connection. ‘But,’ you ask, … Continue reading Seeking his face
Your ‘courage muscle’
Courage. Some people seem to be born with it. But it’s also something which can be developed. There are a few different ways this can happen. Here’s one of them: Repeatedly doing the right thing when it’s hard. If you do the right thing on Occasion A, you build up your ‘courage muscle.’ That way, … Continue reading Your ‘courage muscle’
Fearing God first puts other fears second
“Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the people of the world revere him. For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm (Psalm 33:8-9). In the previous devotional we talked about what it means to “fear God.” The word “fear” can carry different nuances in different contexts. … Continue reading Fearing God first puts other fears second
Volcanic reverence
“Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). What does it mean to “fear God”? It’s an idea that troubles some people. If God is for us (Romans 8:31), and if he is loving (1 John 4:8), and if perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18), … Continue reading Volcanic reverence
Closed doors aren’t always dead ends
In Colossians 4:3 Paul writes: “And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.” Paul was in prison. Instead of being overwhelmed by his dire situation, he used it for good. He taught, sent letters, … Continue reading Closed doors aren’t always dead ends
Dealing with questions in a healthy way
At some point in their lives some people question certain things about their faith. That’s normal. It could happen for any number of reasons. Perhaps they experience some sort of suffering and wonder how (or if) God works in and through it. Perhaps they struggle with a moral issue. Perhaps someone has told them that … Continue reading Dealing with questions in a healthy way
It’s not a matter of if doubts come, but when
“In today’s skeptical culture, it’s not a matter of if doubts come, but when they come.”* That’s a statement by Alisa Childers and Tim Barnett in their new book, “The Deconstruction of Christianity.” Wow, that title seems pretty ominous. What’s it all about? There’s a trend today called “deconstruction.” It’s particularly prevalent online; therefore, young … Continue reading It’s not a matter of if doubts come, but when
If you’re singing the same song
“…make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind” (Philippians 2:2). You can only have harmony if you’re singing the same song. That kind of seems obvious, doesn’t it? A song has a melody. A harmony is a different series of notes, but they complement … Continue reading If you’re singing the same song
