“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope” (Romans 15:4). We’re been talking about responding to challenges to your faith. We’ve all most likely had them. I often say, “The more you … Continue reading Knowing your own story
daily devotional
Defend your faith by knowing your faith
“I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people” (Jude 3). In yesterday’s devotional I highlighted how the landscape is changing in this country and others. Fewer people are identifying with the Christian faith. Granted, when someone ticks a box that … Continue reading Defend your faith by knowing your faith
The point isn’t to fit in
Times are changing. Let me share some Canadian statistics. Even though there are people who subscribe to this devotional from other countries, I’m sure most can see this trend playing out in their own context in varying degrees. In the past 60 years, the percentage of people identifying as Christian has gone from 96% to … Continue reading The point isn’t to fit in
Distraction is deception’s co-pilot
In John 8:44 Jesus called the Devil the “father of lies.” He is the enemy of honesty. He lays traps. He distorts. He pulls people in his direction. Since he’s an expert—he’s been working at his craft for eons—we need to be alert to his schemes. Having said let, let me introduce today’s theme. Distraction … Continue reading Distraction is deception’s co-pilot
Don’t let sensationalism mess with your thinking
We live in a sensationalistic time. Stories that are sensational make the news. People who do sensational things get noticed. To a degree, that makes sense. I get it. But we can’t lose sight of the fact that so many of the important and faithful things we do in life are not going to impress … Continue reading Don’t let sensationalism mess with your thinking
The restoration of the natural order
“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit … Continue reading The restoration of the natural order
He heals both body and soul conjointly
In Mark 1 Jesus healed a leper. The word for “leprosy” was quite broad. It referred to any number of skin-related diseases. But it was a serious condition and made the man “unclean.” He had to live outside the city and away from people. A leper was alone and desperate—cut off from family, friends and … Continue reading He heals both body and soul conjointly
Watching or following
“‘Come, follow me,” Jesus said, ‘and I will send you out to fish for people.’ At once they left their nets and followed him” (Mark 1:17-18). As Jesus began his work, the Rabbi summoned students. A “disciple” was someone who learned at the foot of a master and then imitated him. A lot has been … Continue reading Watching or following
Having sight but no vision
Helen Keller was an inspirational figure. She was born in 1880 in Alabama. When she was only a toddler she got a high fever. As a result, she became blind and deaf. She couldn’t see or hear. At the time, doctors called it “brain fever.” Today, doctors speculate that it was most likely scarlet fever … Continue reading Having sight but no vision
Just like a mama bear who protects her cubs
The Bible teaches that Jesus was both fully human and fully divine. He was born of Mary, grew up in a modest home in Nazareth, and experienced hunger, sadness and pain. When it comes to his divinity, we tend to focus on what he said (he identified with the one eternal God), what he did … Continue reading Just like a mama bear who protects her cubs
