Jesus is my… How would you finish that sentence? Lord? Saviour? Friend? What about big brother? We don’t tend to think of Jesus in this way. However, Romans 8:29 says that Jesus is “the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.” Then there are passages like Mark 3:35 where he says: “Whoever does God’s will is … Continue reading Big Brother Jesus
confidence
Confidence not arrogance
Paul was known for speaking confidently and boldly about God, even in the face of violent opposition. He faced riots in Thessalonica (see Acts 17:1-10) and beatings and unjust imprisonment in Philippi (see Acts 16:16-24). Nevertheless, he said: “we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts” (1 Thessalonians 2:4, … Continue reading Confidence not arrogance
Preparing for big situations with little situations
In the previous devotional I said that honouring God in a big situation is 99% preparation. We know this to be true in other aspects of life. Let’s say that a sprinter wants to be successful in his race. That race represents 1% of his time. The other 99% is preparation. The same can be … Continue reading Preparing for big situations with little situations
Every year you grow, you will find me bigger
“Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed” (Revelation 5:5). In a book by C.S. Lewis called Prince Caspian, a girl named Lucy sees a lion named Aslan. She hasn’t seen him in many years. He has changed; he is bigger. “Aslan, you’re bigger,” she says. … Continue reading Every year you grow, you will find me bigger
Can you defend the Gospels in the coming storm?
“Your word, LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens” (Psalm 119:89). When I was attending university, I was headed to class on the subway. I was reading my mini New Testament. A stranger walked over and asked what I was doing. He started to criticize me in front of everyone else (quite loudly, … Continue reading Can you defend the Gospels in the coming storm?
Confidence and obedience: mutual accelerants
[If you accidentally received this twice, sorry!] Check out this pattern in John 1: Andrew and another disciple asked Jesus where he was staying: “Come, and you will see” (verse 39). Jesus calls Philip with the simple but ever-direct words: “Follow me” (verse 43). Philip tells Nathaniel that they have found the Messiah. Nathaniel isn’t … Continue reading Confidence and obedience: mutual accelerants
He. Is. Interceding. For. You. And. Me.
In yesterday’s devotional I focused on the ascension of Jesus. It assures us that Christ is in the control room. [If you missed it, click here.] After all, Jesus leaving this world to be at his Father’s right hand is his cosmic coronation as Lord of the universe. The Apostles’ Creed zeroes in on this … Continue reading He. Is. Interceding. For. You. And. Me.
Fear can’t rule over you if
What makes some people afraid, and others unafraid? Imagine two men with a similar past, personality and personal life. When hardship comes, the first one loses sleep, perspective and peace. But the other usually sleeps well, maintains perspective, and feels at peace—even though life is sometimes a struggle. The first doesn’t trust that God is … Continue reading Fear can’t rule over you if
When you’re confident about what will happen eventually
Let me share an eternal truth that can encourage you: When you’re confident about what will happen eventually, you have more courage for what is happening currently. Here’s what I mean. When you know that God is eternal, and that one day he is going to one day make all things new and finally eliminate … Continue reading When you’re confident about what will happen eventually
Super-conquerors
If you’re a follower of Christ you’re a “super-conqueror.” Did you know that? Do you feel like it? (Need some convincing?) In Romans 8:37 Paul writes: “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” The words “we are more than conquerors” translate a Greek word meaning, quite literally, … Continue reading Super-conquerors
