Today I’d like to offer a very practical, super-simple, down-to-earth, easy-peasy, knock-it-out-of-the-park idea: Take your Bible with you. Let me explain. Followers of Jesus think the Bible is very important. It’s the primary place where we learn about God’s will and wisdom for our lives. Many of us hold the conviction—as I hope you do—that … Continue reading Take the word with you
discipleship
The Faith “Authenticator”
Apparently there are “authenticators” in major league baseball. I recently heard about it on sports radio. Baseball teams like the Blue Jays, Astros or Yankees (or whoever), employ these authenticators at games to authenticate what was actually used in a game. It makes sense. After all, the baseballs, bats and other equipment that is used … Continue reading The Faith “Authenticator”
Does it choke it or stoke it?
In Mark 4:18-19 Jesus says that some people “hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.” He’s describing people who don’t respond well to God’s word and message because of three things. The one we’ll … Continue reading Does it choke it or stoke it?
Blending in and fading away
You’re right. Your faith in Jesus makes you stand out. You’re different. To some degree, you will also suffer for it. Your reputation will suffer, you may miss out on certain opportunities, people will exclude you, you’ll get criticized… Because of that, it can be tempting to play down or ignore your faith—in part, or … Continue reading Blending in and fading away
The future you
Many people are confused about who the Holy Spirit is and what he does. That’s partly because they’ve been given confusing information. I remember a school dance in grade 7. A teacher told us that we needed to “leave room for the Holy Spirit” between dance partners. So whoever the Holy Spirit was, he was … Continue reading The future you
The roar of the Spirit
This week I’ve been answering questions about the Holy Spirit. (To see devotionals you may have missed go here and search by date.) Today let’s keep at it. After giving some significant insights about the Holy Spirit, Jesus says, “Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27). But why … Continue reading The roar of the Spirit
Earmarked for God’s purposes
This week I’ve been answering some questions about the Holy Spirit. On Monday we explored whether the Spirit is an “it” or a “who.” On Tuesday we asked if the Spirit makes you “feel” differently? Here’s today’s question: What does it matter to you that the Spirit is “holy”? First, we need to understand what … Continue reading Earmarked for God’s purposes
What my dog teaches me about following Jesus
My family has a new dog. He’s a tiny, ten-week-old Cockapoo named Buddy. And yup, we are instantly in love! He’s a social little guy. As soon as he sees me in the morning he runs over with his mini paws to say hello. If I sit at the table for breakfast, he comes and rests … Continue reading What my dog teaches me about following Jesus
The power of perseverance
King David was able to persevere through many challenges in his life. I think he was able to do this—even through such pain and difficulty—because he was CALLED by God to a godly purpose. 1 Samuel 16 tells the story of his anointing as the future king of Israel. He knew that God has summoned … Continue reading The power of perseverance
When comfort is the enemy
I really don’t like what I’m about to say: Comfort is the enemy of discipleship. The problem is that I like comfort. I also like being a disciple of Jesus. But why are those two things supposedly in conflict? Comfort is about maximizing convenience, and minimizing inconveniences which take us out of our comfort zones. … Continue reading When comfort is the enemy
