A lot of people are experiencing a sense of loss right now. -Many have lost jobs, money or mental calm. -Many have lost experiences or opportunities. -And many have lost a sense of control or composure. Today I’m here to tell you that you can’t always have everything that matters, but you can have everything … Continue reading Even though you can’t have everything
coronavirus
What rules you?
What rules you? No, seriously. What RULES you? Fear? The pursuit of success? An unquenchable desire to be liked? In Colossians 3:15 Paul writes: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.” As “members of one body” (i.e. the church), we should seek peace … Continue reading What rules you?
A merciful reset
In an article for The Gospel Coalition Canada called “Better Than Before,” Darryl Dash quotes a prayer that was once handed to a pastor: “Pray that God uses these days as a merciful reset of our lives.” What a powerful perspective and prayer for us as well. That these days—as difficult and uncertain as they … Continue reading A merciful reset
Independent or Inter-dependent?
Something a lot of people want to be is independent—not having to rely on other people for anything. It goes along with being “self-made” or “self-reliant.” But one of the things COVID-19 has taught us is how inter-dependent we are. This point was made in a recent conversation I had with a friend and colleague … Continue reading Independent or Inter-dependent?
Remember this feeling
Last week I came across a picture that someone from my congregation posted on Instagram in winter. It was snowy and she was cross-country skiing to church! It’s a picture that both is beautiful and powerful in its simplicity. (It’s the photo that goes with today’s devotional below.) It got me thinking about the things … Continue reading Remember this feeling
A time to re-evaluate success
What if you had a faulty understanding of success? If so, you’d probably have the wrong goals. And each day you’d probably miss the mark. In Deuteronomy 8:2 Moses was speaking to the Hebrews after they had wandered through the wilderness for forty years: “Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way … Continue reading A time to re-evaluate success
Your mental health—now more than ever
The phrase “mental health” doesn’t come up in the Bible. But that doesn’t mean God isn’t interested in our mental health. God loves and cares about us, and that clearly includes our minds. The Bible is full of stories about people who struggled. Job, David, Jesus and Paul come to mind. Psalm 88 ends like … Continue reading Your mental health—now more than ever
Christ cannot be quarantined
Where is God in a pandemic? It’s a big question. I addressed it more fully this past Sunday. [Link below.] But for today, let me just say two things. First, God is always on his throne. Nothing ever changes that. He is our sovereign and eternal ruler and king. Second, God is in YOU and … Continue reading Christ cannot be quarantined
Don’t beat yourself up
Today I’m here to tell you to cut yourself some slack. Here’s why. We’re living through a global pandemic. Has buying groceries ever been this complicated? More people are working from home (or adjusting to a new work situation), homeschooling their kids, trying to think through extracurricular (if even possible), dealing with limited access to … Continue reading Don’t beat yourself up
The weapon of prayer
A lot of people are fighting a war with fear. Fear of illness or unemployment or loneliness or… the list goes on. So over the next several days I’m going to highlight several weapons in the war against fear. They’re not physical weapons, but spiritual weapons. The first is prayer. Simply put, prayer is conversation … Continue reading The weapon of prayer
The Up Devotional 