In Genesis 25 we read about the ever-clever Jacob who was cooking some stew. His brother Esau came in from the fields famished and desperately wanted to have some. Seeing an opportunity, Jacob said, “First, sell me your birthright.” In exchange for some stew, Jacob wanted Esau to give him his rank and rights as the … Continue reading The Esau complex
daily devo
Newsflash: Things WILL go wrong
When I was young I dreamed about the perfect day. Pancakes in the morning, no school, road hockey all day… Such is the imagination of a 7-year old boy. When we grow up we still dream about what a perfect day might be like. But, of course, it rarely happens. Yet that doesn’t stop us … Continue reading Newsflash: Things WILL go wrong
Someone who needs to know they matter
When most people hear the word “hospitality” they think of the “hospitality industry” where guests of some sort are treated well. But hospitality comes up in the Bible too. Romans 12:13 (NLT) says, “When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.” But it doesn’t mean being … Continue reading Someone who needs to know they matter
Doing something “beneath” you
There are two kinds of pride. The first is simply being proud of your country or a child. I get that. It’s pretty innocent. But the second kind of pride is problematic and has to do with ego. It’s an over-inflated sense of self. It’s having a puffed-up attitude, never admitting you’re wrong, and thinking … Continue reading Doing something “beneath” you
Thought-life springboard
In Matthew 5:8 Jesus says, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” This line has always captured me. I sometimes say it to myself quietly as I go about my day, usually when I feel like I’m mentally wandering or unsure. Not only is it a goal to achieve (purity of … Continue reading Thought-life springboard
When the feeling of love is lacking
I think I’m a pretty loving person. Usually. As long as I’m well-rested, un-rushed, and not feeling overwhelmed by my life! But as soon as I’m tired, rushed, and overwhelmed, I’m a lot less loving! But even in those moments we are called to be the hands and feet of Christ to one another. Even … Continue reading When the feeling of love is lacking
The right things or the wrong things?
We all want things. But what kinds of things do you spend your time and energy wanting? Exodus 20:17 says, “You shall not covet…” It’s a command against obsessing about things you don’t have. After all, if you keep mentally drooling after other people’s things, it undermines your belief that God can and will provide … Continue reading The right things or the wrong things?
You don’t die for a lie
The famous mathematician and physicist Blaise Pascal said: “I [believe] those witnesses that get their throats cut.” He meant that people who are willing to die for their beliefs are more likely to be telling the truth. In other words, people don’t tend to die for a lie. People will, however, give their lives for … Continue reading You don’t die for a lie
Reasons for the resurrection
The resurrection of Jesus is central to the Christian faith. It’s not in the outfield somewhere picking at ant hills. It’s home plate. So whether or not you take it seriously is VERY important. In fact, in 1 Corinthians 15:17 Paul said that “if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile.” Futile. So … Continue reading Reasons for the resurrection
For Humboldt
Last Friday, a Junior hockey team in Saskatchewan, Canada called the Humboldt Broncos got into a massive bus accident. 15 people died, 13 of them were players. When I heard about it, I was shocked, and then sad—for the horror of it all, for the loss of life, and for the families and friends whose … Continue reading For Humboldt
