#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?
christmas
Standing out and standing firm
I’d like to suggest something as we approach Advent and Christmas. It’s to make your faith visible. I don’t just mean with words and deeds—although that is very important too. What I mean is including visible faith-based objects in your celebrations. What about a nativity scene? Or an Advent wreath? What about putting up a … Continue reading Standing out and standing firm
Merry Christmas! (Don’t be the 90%)
Merry Christmas everybody! I’m not sure what you’re up to today, but I hope you take some time to give thanks that God comes to us personally in Jesus to offer forgiveness, salvation, peace, and purpose. I also invite you to consider this question: How will I make room for Jesus in my life in … Continue reading Merry Christmas! (Don’t be the 90%)
Your life and legacy
Welcome to Christmas Eve! It’s a special time. After the presents have been bought, we gather to sing carols and ponder the significance of Christ’s birth. [If you’re close to Barrie and are looking for somewhere to worship tonight check out the links below.] But we live in a world of skepticism. Many people ask … Continue reading Your life and legacy
Annoying people
Do you want to know something people dislike about holiday gatherings? Annoying people. I know, maybe it’s awkward to talk about, but it’s true. Among other things, annoying people: (a) Think they know everything (b) Only talk about themselves (c) Frequently criticize others (overtly, or passive aggressively) At this point, you’re probably thinking I’m going … Continue reading Annoying people
Pay attention to the prompts
We live in a time when the true meaning of Christmas can get lost. The hungry hustle and hype of our consumeristic culture does its best to muscle the manger off the stage to make room for Santa. Make no mistake about it: the true meaning is found in Luke 2:11: “Today in the town … Continue reading Pay attention to the prompts
She sobbed when she saw Mary
Richard Mouw and his wife were visiting Gothic cathedrals in France for their vacation. On one of those visits they noticed a young couple pull up on a motorbike. They were both wearing “punk” clothes and hair, and she had her face covered in black and white paint. Mouw watched as they “swaggered” through the cathedral. … Continue reading She sobbed when she saw Mary
Celebrate that you can celebrate
Let's be honest. Your faith makes you stand out. Because of that, you can sometimes be reluctant to say things about your faith, Jesus, the church, or the Bible… Or even the meaning of Christmas. But I’d like to invite you to look for and seize those little moments to share the true importance of … Continue reading Celebrate that you can celebrate
If there was an x-ray of your soul
Repentance. It’s an unpopular topic. But it’s biblical. And therefore, it matters. When John the Baptist bursts onto the scene in Matthew 3:2 (ESV) he says, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2 ESV). Jesus says the EXACT same thing in Matthew 4:17. Repentance is making a U-Turn. It’s being honest … Continue reading If there was an x-ray of your soul
The dead faith of the living?
Theologian Jaroslav Pelikan said: “Tradition is the living faith of the dead, traditionalism is the dead faith of the living.” Let me explain. Tradition is the “living faith of the dead.” It’s a reference to the dynamic and life-changing Christian faith of those who have gone on before us, and which we remember through certain … Continue reading The dead faith of the living?
