In the past few devotionals, I have been sharing some insights about a parable Jesus told in Matthew 25 about his return.In short, a groom shows up at his own wedding banquet. Five women who were faithfully waiting for him get let in to the festivities. Five women who were unprepared get left out. The … Continue reading Faith, loving action, perseverance
character
Anger. The sleeping giant.
Most of you have probably not committed murder. But you have probably been very angry at someone.Here’s the connection.In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus said: “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that … Continue reading Anger. The sleeping giant.
Picture yourself as a literal sponge
In 1 Corinthians 15:33 Paul quotes the poet Menander: “Bad company corrupts good character.” The ESV translation says: “Bad company ruins good morals.” The NKJV puts it like this: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” You get the point.How are Christians to understand this?In Paul’s letter he is, in part, issuing a warning. If the Corinthians associate … Continue reading Picture yourself as a literal sponge
Your example matters
In Mark 9:42 Jesus said: “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea.”Wow! He went on to say that if their hand, foot or eye caused them to sin … Continue reading Your example matters
Win within
“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble” (James 4:6).Kevin Myers and John Maxwell coined a phrase: “win within.”* It’s meant to help us think about what’s happening inside of us. When we live by faith at our very core, that will flow outward into our words, decisions and actions. If we want to … Continue reading Win within
Suffering can produce perseverance
I recently learned about a bird in the Australian rainforest called the Cassowary. If you google a picture you’ll see that it is not to be messed with. It can fight off large predators, and even humans! A little known fact is that it plays a part in germinating the seeds of the rare Ryparosa … Continue reading Suffering can produce perseverance
A biblical definition of humility
In yesterday’s devotional I shared a few words about success. More specifically, that success in God’s eyes has to do with humble faithfulness. James was a wise church leader and a half-brother of Jesus. He brings this into focus as he corrects some people about their behaviour: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will … Continue reading A biblical definition of humility
Integrity blesses others
We’ve been spending some time talking about integrity. This virtue is about living wholeheartedly for God no matter the situation. Not only does your integrity honour God, but it blesses the people around you. Proverbs 11:30 says: “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life…” When someone lives in a way that is … Continue reading Integrity blesses others
Integrity is a trajectory
If you are increasing in spiritual maturity you are going to have an increasingly honest understanding of yourself. Yes, you will grow in confidence that you are a child of God. But at the same time you will become increasingly aware of your own sin. This is one of the things that makes you more … Continue reading Integrity is a trajectory
The protection integrity provides
How do we protect ourselves? How do we stay safe, not only for ourselves but for those we care about? Some answer by describing door locks, safety bunkers, strong fences, surveillance cameras, or first-aid kits. All of these things are external; they exist outside of us. Depending on the situation they can be very helpful. … Continue reading The protection integrity provides
