1 Peter 2:9 "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation..." (ESV) Today's Thought Barna researchers asked people what kinds of religious behavior they considered “extreme.” 93% said that using religion to justify violence was extreme. I’d agree with that one! But 60% also said that evangelism was extreme. Evangelism is … Continue reading What if you’re SUPPOSED to feel different?
devotional
A dating world with no competition
Exodus 20:5 “I the LORD your God am a jealous God…” (ESV) Today's Thought Imagine a dating world with no competition. You’d be focused on your partner… exclusively. They on you, and you on them. Your eyes wouldn’t wander. And you wouldn’t have to worry about their eyes wondering either! The trust would build. It … Continue reading A dating world with no competition
Arm wrestling the January sads
Psalm 37:5 “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.” (ESV) Today's Thought Why are so many people sad in January? I saw a cartoon about December: There was a jolly snowman, beautiful snowfall, and twinkling Christmas lights. Then there was one about January: The snowman was half-melted and crooked; … Continue reading Arm wrestling the January sads
How many times you get up
1 Timothy 6:11 “But you, man of God… pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance…” (NIV) Today's Thought In this country, about 10 million people just made a New Year’s Resolution. Apparently, the most popular ones have to do with living a healthier lifestyle, focusing on the positive, and spending more time with family and friends. … Continue reading How many times you get up
Dad, how could you?! (A case of false assumptions)
Proverbs 18:2 “Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.” (NIV) Today's Thought I forget how old I was but we were obviously doing a unit in public school about drugs. You know, what a bad choice they are and how they mess up your brain. So you can only guess … Continue reading Dad, how could you?! (A case of false assumptions)
Walk out of your jail cell
Mark 1:15 "The kingdom of God is near. Repent..." (NIV) Today's Thought 2016 is coming to an end. It’s hard to believe. It felt like just yesterday I was swimming in Lake Muskoka. But today there’s two feet of snow outside my window! (For those of you who don’t know me I live in Canada. … Continue reading Walk out of your jail cell
Mr or Miss Unexpectedly Generous
Psalm 86:15 “But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger…” (NIV) Today's Thought One of the inevitabilities of this time of year is get-togethers. It happens in families, with friends, at work parties, semi-formals, church and volunteering events. For some people, it’s something to look forward to. But for others, … Continue reading Mr or Miss Unexpectedly Generous
Merry or Meaningful?
Ephesians 2:10 "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works..." (ESV) Today's Thought According to the ads you see on TV, Christmas should make everyone happy. Plus, with all the stories and songs we hear in church and on the radio about peace and joy, you’d think it’d be a slam-dunk … Continue reading Merry or Meaningful?
Who you are in private
Hebrews 13:18 "Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things..." (ESV) Today's Thought Sometimes I like to imagine I’m hanging out with Jesus and his disciples. But not when there were impressive things happening like healings, huge crowds, and dramatic speeches. I wonder … Continue reading Who you are in private
What would YOU say?
1 Peter 3:15 “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…” (NIV) Today's Thought I’ve had a bit of a burden on my soul since Easter. That was when—just days prior to the biggest … Continue reading What would YOU say?
