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?
bible
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
#Blessed?
#Blessed is a really popular hashtag, especially at this time of year. When posting pics many people—including myself—will say we’re somehow #blessed and that God has been good to us. To be honest, I love seeing it. It's an awareness of God as a loving provider. But get this. In Luke 11:27-28 a woman in … Continue reading #Blessed?
How to memorize a Bible passage [with Video]
I’ve talked before about memorizing Bible verses as a way to grow spiritually. But I realize some people find it difficult. So I did a short video with some tips. [Click the link below to watch.] Here’s a summary. 1. Pick a passage For this example, let’s choose 2 Timothy 3:16-17: “All Scripture is God-breathed … Continue reading How to memorize a Bible passage [with Video]
Being persecuted for the right (not wrong) reasons
For a few days this week I’m sharing some thoughts about Matthew 24. It’s where Jesus answers a question about when the Jerusalem temple would be torn down, and also when he would return at the “end of the age” (v. 3). In response, he offers various insights about what to expect, including this: “Then … Continue reading Being persecuted for the right (not wrong) reasons
