We’ve spent some time thinking about our true citizenship. Paul says that “our citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20). That reality has implications for the lives we are leading right now. The ancient city of Philippi was a Roman colony. Rome had tonnes of people, including retired soldiers. The city was too small to support … Continue reading Bringing heaven home
daily devotional
A colony of heaven
Let’s begin with two ideas. I’ll explain them and then bring it all together at the end. First, speaking to fellow Christians, Paul explains that “our citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20). We may be from Canada, Cambodia or Cameroon, but if we follow Christ, our true citizenship is in heaven. Second, Eugene Peterson explains … Continue reading A colony of heaven
Whose kingdom?
Herod Antipas decapitated John the Baptist. In short, Herod married his brother’s wife, Herodias. This was contrary to biblical law. John the Baptist criticized him for it and was thrown in jail. During his birthday party, Herod made a lavish promise to his stepdaughter: “Whatever you ask I will give you, up to half my … Continue reading Whose kingdom?
When faith costs you
Jesus did a lot of incredible and mind-blowing things. Because of that, I think it’s easy to forget that he had human emotions too. He wasn’t immune to many of the feelings we experience on a daily basis. For example, he experienced hunger (Mark 11:12), tears (John 11:35), and fatigue (John 4:6). Mark 6 … Continue reading When faith costs you
Building muscle together
There are many biblical descriptions for the church. It is called the bride of Christ, the people of the Way, and a family. It is also called the body of Christ. This is captured in 1 Corinthians 12:27: “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” … Continue reading Building muscle together
The threshold to God
In Mark 6 Jesus sent out the twelve apostles on mission. They cast out demons, healed people, and preached. Verse 12 tells us something specific about the content of their preaching: “They went out and preached that people should repent.” Let’s face it. Repentance isn’t a very popular topic. If you show up at a … Continue reading The threshold to God
What are your pennies?
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). Recently at a youth group event, my colleague William Min used this phrase in a prayer—that God would help us “hold the things of the world loosely.” The “things of the world” are the things that are temporary. They don’t last. They … Continue reading What are your pennies?
A time is coming when men will go mad
Anthony was a well-known monk who became known for his close relationship with God, for fighting demons, and for his enduring wisdom. People would journey for days to find him and get his advice. One of those people was Abba Pambo. Over the course of their conversation, Anthony said this: “A time is coming when … Continue reading A time is coming when men will go mad
Visual reminders
In Luke 8:44 we learn about a woman who had been bleeding for 12 years. “She came up behind [Jesus] and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped.” Jesus healed her. It was—and is—an incredible testament to his goodness and power. I was curious about Jesus’ cloak. The word for “edge” … Continue reading Visual reminders
God’s pure medicine for your soul
The 10 Commandments continue to apply to Christians today. Of all the commandments, do you want to know which one gets the most space? Is it murder, idolatry or adultery? Nope. It’s one day a week for Sabbath rest. Trust me: This isn’t a guilt trip. Many of us struggle to find time to rest. … Continue reading God’s pure medicine for your soul
