In yesterday’s devotional we looked at David. Actually, we looked at how God looked at David: “The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).This was true not only for David, but for you. The Lord looks … Continue reading He sees and values you
being different
The new alternative lifestyle
Alternative lifestyles.When I use that phrase, what comes to mind? Perhaps someone who creates a belief system out of a mishmash of ideas? What about someone who embraces sexual promiscuity or rejects family life and the idea that marriage and children are a good thing? Or maybe you think about someone who organizes their life … Continue reading The new alternative lifestyle
A time is coming when men will go mad
Anthony was a well-known monk who became known for his close relationship with God, for fighting demons, and for his enduring wisdom. People would journey for days to find him and get his advice. One of those people was Abba Pambo. Over the course of their conversation, Anthony said this: “A time is coming when … Continue reading A time is coming when men will go mad
When they call you crazy
The past few devotionals have focused on being different because of Jesus. It’s not always fun to be different. Just ask the kid who gets picked on because he doesn’t look or sound like anyone else. These days, maybe you feel like that. Perhaps you say or do things because of your faith and it … Continue reading When they call you crazy
When it looks like you’re going in the wrong direction
Michael Mangis writes: “Faith means stepping onto the path that looks so much like it goes in the wrong direction.”* This statement reminds me of the logo for the TV series, ‘The Chosen.’ It’s a program which depicts various parts of Jesus’ life. The logo has a bunch of gray fish swimming in a circle. … Continue reading When it looks like you’re going in the wrong direction
The point isn’t to fit in
Times are changing. Let me share some Canadian statistics. Even though there are people who subscribe to this devotional from other countries, I’m sure most can see this trend playing out in their own context in varying degrees. In the past 60 years, the percentage of people identifying as Christian has gone from 96% to … Continue reading The point isn’t to fit in
The new self
“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24). Let … Continue reading The new self
Both conformity and uniqueness
Within Christianity there is an emphasis on being “like Jesus.” Among other places, this idea is rooted in verses like 1 John 2:6: “Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.” Just look at the word “Christian” itself. We are to be “of Christ” or like little Christs. There is a sameness … Continue reading Both conformity and uniqueness
Stay Weird
Reinhold Niebuhr was an American theologian, pastor and professor. In 1928 he wrote: “It is almost impossible to be sane and Christian at the same time, and on the whole I have been more sane than Christian.”* What honesty. Implied in his comment is, I think, the idea that genuinely following Christ will often make … Continue reading Stay Weird
Following Christ (or the crowd)?
When someone asks you to describe yourself, what do you say? I’m guessing you don’t use the word “holy.” After all, you don’t want to appear “holier than thou.” I get it. And perhaps you don’t think you’re very holy. That’s certainly a humble way of seeing things. But if you are a follower of … Continue reading Following Christ (or the crowd)?
