Forever is a big deal. Heaven is a big deal. Eternity is a big deal. You and I have probably thought about those things a lot. That makes sense. We should. Not only is eternity with God something to look forward to, but it gives us hope in the here and now. That’s the part … Continue reading Not just eventually, but presently
eternity
Living by the light of tomorrow’s sun
Hope. It changes things. C.R. Wiley says it like this: “We live by the light of tomorrow’s sun, and that sun is the Lord God.”* He cites the description of Eden restored in Revelation 22:5: “There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the … Continue reading Living by the light of tomorrow’s sun
(Really) prioritizing the faith of children as we re-vision our lives
For those of you with children or grandchildren, or for those of you who lead or teach children and youth in some other way, I’m about to share something that might be a bit jarring. But there are times when some soul-rattling is in order. Let me share it with you, and then explain my … Continue reading (Really) prioritizing the faith of children as we re-vision our lives
The weekly reminder that the best is yet to come
Rest. We know it’s good. We know we need it. We probably want more of it. Dragging feet, dark bags under our eyes, and deflated hearts testify this to be the case. But it also serves a larger function. Momentary rest is meant to foreshadow eternal rest. By “eternal rest” I mean the Rest-In-Peace variety … Continue reading The weekly reminder that the best is yet to come
Heaven’s appetizer
One day a week for rest and worship is heaven’s appetizer. Here’s what I mean. Think of an appetizer. It’s something that tastes good and is satisfying, but makes you anticipate or look forward to the full meal that is yet to come. It whets your appetite. That’s what the day of rest and worship … Continue reading Heaven’s appetizer
Great is your reward… in heaven
Jesus said: “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven…” (Matthew 5:11-12). I’d like to share a comforting thought. You might not think it’s very comforting at first, but hear me … Continue reading Great is your reward… in heaven
Focus less on loses and more on gains
When we think of a “witness,” we perhaps think of someone testifying in a trial. They have seen something personally which they speak about publicly. As a result, truth and justice are served. But this isn’t without risk. In fact, there is often a consequence to being truthful. In the New Testament, the apostles were … Continue reading Focus less on loses and more on gains
Not old-fashioned, but God-fashioned
With every passing year here in North America Christians will be increasingly criticized. One of the things you sometimes hear is that our ways are “old fashioned” and out-of-date. So today I’d like to invite you to think about this idea from a certain perspective—one that will, I hope, give you confidence and some words … Continue reading Not old-fashioned, but God-fashioned
Even after you have disappeared from the earth
There is a famous poem by Shelley called “Ozymandias” which describes the remains of a statue found in the desert. The pedestal of the statue has this inscription: “My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings: Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!”* Wow, he must have been a very impressive ruler! But hold on. … Continue reading Even after you have disappeared from the earth
What rules you?
What rules you? No, seriously. What RULES you? Fear? The pursuit of success? An unquenchable desire to be liked? In Colossians 3:15 Paul writes: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.” As “members of one body” (i.e. the church), we should seek peace … Continue reading What rules you?
