I’m guessing that a lot of you have a talent you never knew you had: Listening. Many people are burdened. Maybe that’s why Paul encouraged the Galatians to “Carry each other’s burdens…” (Galatians 6:2) People had them then. People have them now. Listening is just that. Listening. Not talking. Not solving. Not judging. Not fixing. … Continue reading The talent you never knew you had
faith
Despite the darkness
When you think of being “like Jesus,” what do you think of? Being more loving, humble or forgiving? What about this: Being faithful despite the darkness. Consider Luke 22:44: “And being in anguish, [Jesus] prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.” And then he was crucified! He gave … Continue reading Despite the darkness
In the chaos
Last week I was talking to one of our church elders about the Canadian federal election. He said, ‘No matter who wins, God is still in control.’ He wasn’t being dismissive. Elections matter. What he was doing was demonstrating great confidence in the almightiness of God. God is on his throne. As we read in … Continue reading In the chaos
The modern fountain of youth?
Many books and movies have explored the idea of a fountain of youth—a magical flow of water that stops the aging process, and which makes you younger and feeling great. As far as we know, it doesn’t exist. But one of the things I’ve come to discover is that a well-rested soul may be the … Continue reading The modern fountain of youth?
Your reward is great
In Jesus’ day, it was assumed that his followers would face trouble and persecution. Although many of us in North America haven’t yet faced overt persecution because of our faith, I truly think we’re headed in that direction. With this in mind, last week we discussed how we should expect to be different, how we should … Continue reading Your reward is great
Not alone (in these 3 ways)
This week we’ve been talking about facing trouble and persecution as a follower of Jesus. Most overt persecution happens in other parts of the world. But I’m convinced that it’s going to be more and more common here in North America. It’s a big deal. And we’re naïve to ignore it. And we’re super-naïve to … Continue reading Not alone (in these 3 ways)
Like a wounded coyote backed into a corner? Um, no.
This week I’ve been sharing some thoughts about facing trouble and persecution for your faith. Maybe this idea is new to you, maybe even bothersome. But even though we usually think of persecuted Christians as people in desperate situations on the other side of the world, it’s going to be an increasing issue here in … Continue reading Like a wounded coyote backed into a corner? Um, no.
Prepare to be persecuted?
This week I’m sharing some thoughts about facing trouble and persecution for your faith. When you look at the New Testament, it was expected that Christians would experience this. An example is 2 Thessalonians 1:4-5. Paul writes, “Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you … Continue reading Prepare to be persecuted?
A simple ‘Thank you, Lord’ — from Little House to yours
Here in Canada it’s Thanksgiving Monday. I remember an episode of the iconic Little House on the Prairie. The dad and farmer in the family was Charles Ingalls, played by Michael Landon. It was harvest time. He walked through his bountiful field, swaying his hands through his beautiful crop. As he did so he looked … Continue reading A simple ‘Thank you, Lord’ — from Little House to yours
“Fear” God. Really?
Last year a man came to a worship service I was leading because he was curious about this whole Christianity thing. The next week he emailed me because something had bothered him. He had read in the Bible that we should “fear God.” This made him uncomfortable. Perhaps he had read something like Psalm 33:8a … Continue reading “Fear” God. Really?
