Some people think that being a Christian inoculates you from hardship. Not always. Yes, there are innumerable benefits; God is most certainly a provider, protector, rock and redeemer. At the same time, Jesus warns us against the delusion of smooth sailing. In John 16:33 he says: “In this world you will have trouble.” He also … Continue reading Being knocked down and knocked out are different things
daily devotional
Save Your
When we think of Jesus as “Saviour” we tend to think about his role after our time on earth. That makes sense. After all, he saves us from the consequence of sin and from being on the wrong side of eternal judgment. As (very!) important as those things are, we can sometimes forget that he … Continue reading Save Your
Not just eventually, but presently
Forever is a big deal. Heaven is a big deal. Eternity is a big deal. You and I have probably thought about those things a lot. That makes sense. We should. Not only is eternity with God something to look forward to, but it gives us hope in the here and now. That’s the part … Continue reading Not just eventually, but presently
You need to sift
People don’t write letters as much as they used to. They tend to text, call, email or video chat. But letters are still written and received. At the close of a letter, it is common to give an important summary statement—perhaps something like, ‘May God bless you,’ or ‘I’m always thinking about you,’ or ‘Be … Continue reading You need to sift
People grow better together
Acts 2:42 provides a snapshot of the early Christians who were living in Jerusalem after the resurrection. Here it is: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Let’s focus on the word “fellowship.” What does it really mean? The Louw-Nida lexicon defines it like … Continue reading People grow better together
Loyalty, love and a lifestyle
Mark 5:1-20 contains one of the most startling—and perhaps even confusing—stories in the Bible. It’s where Jesus casts out a legion of demons from someone. They go into a herd of pigs who subsequently drown. As a result, some people were filled with fear. Others were filled with amazement. I know, pretty dramatic, right? If … Continue reading Loyalty, love and a lifestyle
They hate anything that reminds them of hope
There are times when someone who is sad doesn’t like to see someone who is happy. This isn’t with everyone and not all of the time, but certainly with some people and for some of the time. The reasons can differ. Perhaps the sad person is jealous. Or perhaps the sad person is reminded about … Continue reading They hate anything that reminds them of hope
You are like a house
You are like a house. Let me explain. Think of a normal house. If you leave your front door open at night a robber might break in. Will it definitely happen? Not necessary. But if you do that, you’re certainly increasing the chances of getting robbed. Here’s how you are like a house. When we … Continue reading You are like a house
If you want to actually be like Jesus
[New podcast episode about demons out now; see link in the notes below.] ~ Who you think Jesus is influences who you are becoming. Let me explain. Mark 4:38-41 (ESV) records one of Jesus’ most dramatic miracles. He was with his disciples in a boat when a huge storm came upon them. “Teacher,” they cried … Continue reading If you want to actually be like Jesus
Rejoice—always?
It’s one of the most frequently-quoted verses in the letter. Philippians 4:4 says: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” It’s a frequent theme throughout the letter. In fact, a form of this word is used 9 times in 4 short chapters. Seems fairly positive, doesn’t it? But can we really … Continue reading Rejoice—always?
