The season of Advent and Christmas can be such a blur. As a result, we can easily leap-frog the biblical story of Jesus’ birth as we mad-dash to the mall, or attend to a dozen other dizzying responsibilities. 'But don’t we hear that story on Christmas Eve?' Yes, but Christmas Eve sermons tend to be … Continue reading Pondering the nativity
Admitting desperation
Christmas approaches. With it the angel’s announcement: “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord” (Luke 2:11). Let’s zero-in on that word “Saviour.” Yes, Jesus saves. But what does he save us from? Certainly estrangement from God, from death, from the consequences of sin, … Continue reading Admitting desperation
Learning from a leper who drags himself to worship at 4am
John Piper tells of a young man who grew up on the mission field in Korea. His father worked with a leper colony. They had prayer meetings at 4 o’clock in the morning. That’s right, 4 a.m.! He remembers a man who came to the service, “crabbing along the ground” because he had no legs. … Continue reading Learning from a leper who drags himself to worship at 4am
Whose word is a lamp to whose feet?
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (Psalm 119:105). I remember buying a used Study Bible at a thrift store. Because it was used, it had some underlining. But what caught my attention most were the comments in the margins. The previous owner seemed to get upset at points. … Continue reading Whose word is a lamp to whose feet?
A practical suggestion: Making those words your words
I’d like to give you a practical suggestion that may be helpful for your own devotional life. In Romans 6:17 Paul tells his readers this: “But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed … Continue reading A practical suggestion: Making those words your words
Underneath are the everlasting arms
Can you remember being in someone’s arms? Perhaps the first thought which comes to mind is being in the arms of a loved one. Perhaps this was (or is) a romance, or even a supportive hug from a fast friend. Another thought which might come to mind is a time of trial. Perhaps you were … Continue reading Underneath are the everlasting arms
Worry grows when left alone
I recently read that the word ‘worry’ comes from an old German word ‘wurgen’ meaning ‘to strangle, constrict, choke.’ That’s telling, isn’t it? Worry strangles our brains, constricts our perspective, and chokes our peace of mind. One of the things I’ve learned about worry is that it grows when left alone. If you don’t proactively … Continue reading Worry grows when left alone
Role models for children with anxiety
“Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do” (Philippians 3:17). I recently interviewed Lyndsey Stevenato about anxiety in children. (See links below.) She has seen this trend rise through the pandemic. One of the things … Continue reading Role models for children with anxiety
Making the best of bad situations
Things are often less than ideal. Even bad. As a result, we encounter imperfect and troubling situations every day—situations which we cannot instantly fix with the wave of a wand. Darkness lurks. Thomas More said: “what you cannot turn to good, at least make as little bad as possible.”* Those words resonate with those of … Continue reading Making the best of bad situations
A tough (refining?) time for the church
Like other people and organizations, the church is collectively going through a tough time as the pandemic drags on. Barna recently reported that 38% of pastors are seriously considering leaving the ministry. That’s a huge percentage, and it’s a 9% increase from just 8 months ago. That number jumps to 51% for pastors in a … Continue reading A tough (refining?) time for the church
