I sometimes hear people talking (arguing?) about what they think is more important: to agree with the right doctrines, or to be a loving person. Actually, they go hand in hand. But it needs to be stressed that right thinking results in right living. How we live our lives—including how we love and care for … Continue reading Right thinking and right living
bible
Based on what we think is true
We live our lives based on what we think is true. For example, if I think it’s true that it’s going to rain, then I’m going to grab an umbrella when I head outside. But if I don’t, I won’t. If I think it’s true that my child is about to get hit by a … Continue reading Based on what we think is true
Not a prop
The Bible. How do we use it? How do we treat it? Like fancy family china that stays in a box somewhere? Or maybe like a prop? I loathe the Bible being used as a prop. Loathe. It is the Lord Almighty’s sacred word to his people through all time and through all generations. Speaking about … Continue reading Not a prop
Like a life-sustaining feast—or occasional snack?
In yesterday’s devotional I said that times like these are a good time to re-evaluate our understanding of success. Today I’m going to encourage us to re-evaluate the role of the Bible in our lives. Moses reminded the ancient Hebrews that God was a God who kept his word. That’s why he fed them manna: … Continue reading Like a life-sustaining feast—or occasional snack?
The sword of the Spirit
I sometimes hear struggling Christians say that they know the Bible is important, but that they don’t read it as much as they should. Here’s some motivation. The Bible is a weapon in the war against fear. Why? Because fear feeds on uncertainty and untruth. When we’re experiencing something challenging on a global scale, our … Continue reading The sword of the Spirit
Fear feeds on forgetfulness
This week I’m highlighting several weapons in the war against fear. They’re not physical weapons, but spiritual weapons. Some people are afraid of getting sick, or a loss of income, or the unknown… the list goes on. Yesterday I wrote about the weapon of prayer. [If you missed it click here.] Today is about memorizing … Continue reading Fear feeds on forgetfulness
Slaughter untrue thoughts with truth
Many of us face battles. More often than we’d like. And many of those battles begin in the mind. But you can respond swiftly and firmly by slaughtering untrue thoughts with truth as soon as they enter your brain. That truth is, in the words of Paul in Romans 8:37, that “in all these things … Continue reading Slaughter untrue thoughts with truth
More precious than gold
Understanding certain biblical passages can be difficult. Sure, some are straightforward. But others, not so much. So I want to encourage you to keep at it, and to consider this. Panning for gold is work. Picture someone knee-high in a river, with a gold pan or some kind of filter. They work through the soil, … Continue reading More precious than gold
When high ethical standards seem hard
Followers of Jesus are called to a high ethical standard. Do you ever read about those standards in the Bible and then feel bad because you realize of how often you mess up? Maybe it’s the passage about loving your neighbour (Mark 12:31), or even your enemy (Matthew 5:44). Or maybe it’s Colossians 3:12: “clothe … Continue reading When high ethical standards seem hard
4 ways to draw closer to God
James 4:8 says, “Come near to God and he will come near to you.” When we cultivate a closer relationship with God, we experience his power and presence more and more. Consider the example of Mary. In her famous song of praise in Luke 1:46-55, she shows how she is close to God in at … Continue reading 4 ways to draw closer to God
