“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ” (Colossians 2:8).In the Odyssey, Ulysses is travelling by boat past the island of the sirens. He knows that when he and his crewmates hear the … Continue reading See to it that no one takes you captive
daily devotional
The vortex
An outdoor adventurer loved to get close to big whirlpools in lakes and other locations. He used a body camera and got up close under the water. He would then post the videos to YouTube.It was exhilarating, but dangerous. During one of his dives he died. He got too close and was sucked into the … Continue reading The vortex
Listen to him
In Mark 9 we learn about the transfiguration of Jesus. “There he was transfigured before them. His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them” (verses 2-3).Then Moses and Elijah arrive. Then a voice from heaven proclaims: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” (verse 7)Both then … Continue reading Listen to him
Pack your coffin
A.W. Milne was a missionary. He and some others became known as the one-way missionaries. They bought one-way tickets because as they went to far flung regions and into uncertain circumstances they knew they might face danger, lose their lives, and never come back.So they did something strange. They packed all of their belongings to … Continue reading Pack your coffin
The highest joy?
In the movie Becket, the archbishop of Canterbury needs to give away all his possessions.He invites in the poor. They start taking away his things. He looks to the cross and says, “You! You! You are the only one who knows how easy this is!”Pardon? That’s not what we expect him to say. We expect him … Continue reading The highest joy?
What you’re gaining vs giving up
Such-and-such is my “cross to bear.” It’s an expression people use. Someone dealing with chronic pain might say it is their “cross to bear.” Another person who takes care of a loved one in need might say it is their “cross to bear.”We’ve been spending some time thinking about carrying a cross in light of … Continue reading What you’re gaining vs giving up
Oblivious of self
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” So said Jesus in Mark 8:34. We’re spending a few devotionals unpacking the meaning of this enigmatic statement.Denying yourself has to do with denying that sinful, selfish part of you. Our computers and phones have a default factory … Continue reading Oblivious of self
Take up your electric chair
A man was walking through a Tokyo department store in the Christmas season. He noticed something strange, even offensive. It was someone nailed to a cross. But the person wasn't Jesus, it was Santa.*At first perhaps we might think that this is the ultimate sign of the horrid commercialization of Christmas. However, it might be … Continue reading Take up your electric chair
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
The mocking voice stopped
Max Lucado was teaching a group of people in Jerusalem. They were in an enclosed space. They were accompanied by a tour guide and some guards. His text was John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal … Continue reading The mocking voice stopped
