In the previous devotional I talked about providence—that we are upheld and guided by God’s invisible hand. It’s easy to believe in providence when everything is going your way. But what about our moments of personal pain? Consider Jesus and his words on the cross: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” He … Continue reading In Christ you cannot lose
We see the brushstrokes
Many people think that their lives unfold according to chance. But that contradicts the biblical teaching about providence. The word “providence” sounds like “provide.” A provider in a household anticipates what is needed and then ensures those needs are met. In a similar way, our Provider sees the needs of his people. Since he is … Continue reading We see the brushstrokes
Destructive self-importance
An enduring devotional work from the fourteenth century is The Scale of Perfection by Walter Hilton. Hilton was writing to those seeking a deep spiritual life. More specifically, he was writing to a fellow believer most likely in a convent at the time. Among other things, he wrote about humility. His words certainly stand in … Continue reading Destructive self-importance
Freedience
Sometimes a new word is created. It might not ever make it into a dictionary, but people use it anyway. An example would be “hangry.” When you get really angry because you’re hungry, you’re “hangry”! Here’s a new one that I’ll throw into the mix: Freedience. It brings together two faith-based ideas which appear to … Continue reading Freedience
What you put in, and what you keep out
In the previous devotional I talked about joy. In an age like ours when so many people have become accustomed to instant gratification, we can mistakenly think that joy is easily attainable and sustainable in our hearts and minds. Not always. It’s more like a diet than it is a pill. I’m not talking about … Continue reading What you put in, and what you keep out
Joy is a diet (not a pill)
“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence…” (Psalm 16:11) We live in the age of the quick-fix. Instant gratification is on the menu. If I have a craving for a cheeseburger I can go to a drive-thru window. If I want my house to … Continue reading Joy is a diet (not a pill)
Making margin
I recently had the opportunity to interview the Rev. Dr. Sarah Han. She’s a professor at Tyndale University in Toronto (and also a friend) who is writing a book about “margin.” Having margin in your life is having mental and emotional space in your life. It’s also having a schedule which isn’t consistently jam-packed. Sarah … Continue reading Making margin
Persistence without insight
The Mandalorian is a TV series and a part of the Star Wars enterprise. The main character is a bounty hunter named Din Djarin. Every once in a while he meets up with the Armourer—a lady who offers wisdom and, as her name suggests, makes armour. During one of their conversations they are talking about the … Continue reading Persistence without insight
Christ will wipe it off
The Bible never fails to surprise. I recently came across 1 Peter 4:14 where the apostle is writing to encourage believers who are surrounded by hostility. Here is what he says: “If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.” … Continue reading Christ will wipe it off
Return hatred with love
If you play hockey in a full-contact league, do not be surprised if you get body-checked. If you go outside when it’s raining, do not be surprised if you get wet. And if you follow Jesus, do not be surprised if the world hates you. The apostle John says that very thing in 1 John … Continue reading Return hatred with love
