1 Peter 1:3 “he has given us new birth into a living hope...” (NIV) Today's Thought Unfortunately, we live in a time of increasing despair. Last year, a front page New York Times article titled “U.S. Suicide Rate Surges to 30-Year High,” highlighted the sobering fact that overall suicides rose 24% between 1999 to 2014. … Continue reading Without food we can live for weeks… but hope?
devotional
Is your God just a bigger you?
Isaiah 9:6 “And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (NIV) Today's Thought Last year I attended a training session for people in our congregation who visit those who are sick and for those who can’t leave their homes. The leader, Cathy, had us look at a series of … Continue reading Is your God just a bigger you?
Getting out of a rut
Hebrews 12:2 “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus” (NIV) Today's Thought A lot of people think that pastors never fall into the same ruts they do. Since we’re always talking about prayer and community and love, many people think that we never have dry spells in our faith. That’s just untrue. I will, however, … Continue reading Getting out of a rut
Be… perfect?
Matthew 5:48 "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." (NIV) Today's Thought As strange as it may sound, you can’t be godly and perfect at the same time. To a certain degree, what I just said doesn’t make sense. After all, in Matthew 5:48 Jesus invites his hearers to “Be perfect… as your … Continue reading Be… perfect?
What’s the deal with angels?
Hebrews 1:14 “Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” (NIV) Today's Thought So what’s the deal with angels? Well, the answer may surprise you. They’re mentioned 273 times in the Bible; and “angel” is a word that means “messenger.” So an angel is basically a messenger of God. … Continue reading What’s the deal with angels?
Moving toward love
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 “Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love." (NLT) Today's Thought It’s been a difficult week. In addition to whatever happened in your personal life, we hear about walls being built and political protests in the streets. Then on Sunday evening here in Canada, 6 Muslims were shot … Continue reading Moving toward love
They were hiding in barn lofts
Genesis 1:27 “So God created human beings in his own image" (NLT) Today's Thought All week I've been suggesting practical things we can do to love one another more fully. So today I'd like to bring the week to a close with this suggestion: Acknowledge that every single person is made in the image of … Continue reading They were hiding in barn lofts
What’s good in their life?
Philippians 4:8 “…whatever is commendable… think about these things.” (ESV) Today's Thought This week I’m suggesting practical things we can do to love one another. We’ve talked about the importance of taking your own sin seriously, about listening before talking, and about using words that encourage. (To review those posts just scroll down and navigate … Continue reading What’s good in their life?
The Whisper Test
1 Thessalonians 5:11 "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up" (ESV) Today's Thought This week I’m suggesting practical things we can do to love one another. On Tuesday I talked about the importance of taking your own sin seriously. (You can review it here.) On Wednesday I talked about listening before talking. (And … Continue reading The Whisper Test
Before you talk, do this
James 1:19 “...let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak...” (ESV) Today's Thought This week I’m suggesting practical things we can do to love one another better. Yesterday I talked about the importance of taking your own sin seriously. (If you missed it, you can review it here.) Here’s suggestion #2: Listen before … Continue reading Before you talk, do this
