Elisabeth Elliot tells us a story about a beggar and a King. A beggar was sitting at the side of the street with his hat outstretched asking for money. Then he noticed that the King himself was coming, complete with his whole entourage. This was his lucky day! How could the King refuse to give … Continue reading The beggar and the King
discipleship
When better isn’t easier
Our culture promotes convenience, comfort, and things being quick and easy. 100 years it would have been virtually inconceivable to drive up to a restaurant window, order your meal, and get it back almost instantaneously. Today, fast food drive-thrus are incredibly common. 10 years ago it would have been virtually inconceivable to pick up a … Continue reading When better isn’t easier
A verse we read with one eye closed
I don’t know about you, but when I read the Bible there’s a silent conversation happening in my head. With a lot of stories and verses I’m saying things like ‘Yeah, that’s awesome, that’s good too, oh yup…” But then I run into passages like this one and yup turns into gulp: “If anyone wants … Continue reading A verse we read with one eye closed
Your litmus test
2 Corinthians 5:17 "So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation" (NRSV) Today's Thought The purpose of a “litmus test” is to see what something is really made of, to see what it really is on the inside. This happens in science with different substances, of course. But it can also happen with … Continue reading Your litmus test
The mixed messages of Jesus?
Matthew 11:30 “For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (NIV) Today's Thought To be honest, I sometimes feel that living a life of faith is a contradiction. On one hand, Jesus says, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." (Luke 9:23). … Continue reading The mixed messages of Jesus?
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?
Looking at him like that offended too many people
Isaiah 53:2 “He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him...” (NIV) Today's Thought When pastor Fred Craddock was in Oklahoma he saw a painting of Jesus. He was asked to look at it for his opinion. But it wasn’t the kind you’d expect to see. The colours were dark, including purples and blacks … Continue reading Looking at him like that offended too many people
