We’ve been spending some time with Philippians 4:8-9. That’s where Paul says this: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen … Continue reading Gobble gobble gobble
daily devotional
Fear and panic, or the peace of God?
The God of peace can be with you. That’s pretty great, isn’t it? And this isn’t just some vague sentiment. Paul tells us this directly in Philippians 4:8-9. What he says is built on the assumption that we trust in the almighty and gracious God as revealed in Christ. With that in mind, he tells … Continue reading Fear and panic, or the peace of God?
If you want it out there, you need it in here
World peace. We all want it. But how do we get it? Let’s be honest. There is a lot going on in the world around us that is simply beyond our control. We can, however, influence what is happening inside of us. When you think about it, what happens inside of us is our foundational … Continue reading If you want it out there, you need it in here
Sung from the trenches
Today is Remembrance Day, also called Veterans Day or Armistice Day in other countries. We remember and give thanks for those who lost their lives in the miseries of war. In so doing we wear poppies. We read In Flanders Fields. We thank veterans. We pray for peace. We consider the value of our freedoms. … Continue reading Sung from the trenches
The future you
In Chase the Lion, Mark Batterson talks about a special sermon by Dr. Halverson called the “old man speech.” Here’s the gist of what he says: You’re going to meet an old man one day down the road. He will be you. He is the composite of everything you are thinking, saying and doing right … Continue reading The future you
Suffering can produce perseverance
I recently learned about a bird in the Australian rainforest called the Cassowary. If you google a picture you’ll see that it is not to be messed with. It can fight off large predators, and even humans! A little known fact is that it plays a part in germinating the seeds of the rare Ryparosa … Continue reading Suffering can produce perseverance
Your “calling”
What are you “called” to do? The word “calling” can be intimidating. It makes us think of being a missionary, starting a homeless shelter, or coordinating an after-school program for inner city kids. But all of us have a calling, even if we don’t do those sorts of things. First, we’re called to be disciples … Continue reading Your “calling”
Resume Virtues vs. Eulogy Virtues
David Brooks is a New York Times columnist. He talks about the difference between “resume virtues” and “eulogy virtues.” He writes: “The resume virtues are the skills you bring to the marketplace. The eulogy virtues are the ones that are talked about at your funeral—whether you were kind, brave, honest or faithful. Were you capable … Continue reading Resume Virtues vs. Eulogy Virtues
The best thing you can do for tomorrow
Jesus says comforting things. He also says challenging things. The following statement from Matthew 6:34 is both comforting and challenging at the same time! “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” I agree with that statement. I also struggle to live that … Continue reading The best thing you can do for tomorrow
Trust God (and leave the results to him)
Do you ever wonder why God is taking so long in making his kingdom come and his will being done “on earth as it is in heaven”? 'God, why are there still so many problems?''God, why hasn’t A, B or C happened in my life or in the world?' In Mark 4:26-27 Jesus explains a … Continue reading Trust God (and leave the results to him)
