Holocaust survivor, neurologist and psychiatrist Victor Frankl said that, “Ever more people today have the means to live, but no meaning to live for.” He was referring to what I call the crisis of purpose. I think it’s a huge part of the general malaise and apathy which can seep into so many people’s minds … Continue reading The means to live (but no meaning to live for)
faith
Enjoying things without owning them
As far as I can tell, Jesus didn’t own very much. The Gospels don’t tell us anything about a storage unit for his overflow belongings. As I write this I’m aware that in comparison to him I have a lot of stuff. I have a house and a car in the driveway. I have a room full … Continue reading Enjoying things without owning them
When we refuse to silence ourselves
A lot of us want to hear from God. We want a word of direction or some understanding or the living waters of encouragement. But how many of us are willing to create some quiet space in our lives to listen? When Jesus is teaching in Matthew 11:15 he says, “He who has ears to … Continue reading When we refuse to silence ourselves
When your faith becomes a punching bag
“You know that Jesus wasn’t a real person, right? You know he was just based on ancient myths, right?” That’s what a friend said to me in university. And do you want to know how I replied? It was a REALLY profound response that made them stop in their tracks, change their mind, and immediately … Continue reading When your faith becomes a punching bag
Turn holidays into holy days with this prayer
The word “holiday” comes from the phrase “holy day.” The idea with holy days is that they're set apart from the normal hustle and bustle of everyday life to help us celebrate, focus on, and learn from something godly and exceptional. Christmas is a holy day. But when we treat it as a “holiday” it doesn’t … Continue reading Turn holidays into holy days with this prayer
Muck on your boots or wind at your back?
When I was in high school I remember walking into a room where painters were working away. I was overwhelmed by the paint fumes. I asked one of them how they could stand all the fumes. He replied, “What fumes?” They had become so used to them that they didn’t even notice anymore! In a similar way, … Continue reading Muck on your boots or wind at your back?
God’s got this
“Faith” is a word that is easy to throw around. “Journey of faith,” “Faith in God,” “Have a little faith.” But what does it mean? Hebrews 11:1 (ESV) says this: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Can’t argue with that. It’s in the Bible! But in … Continue reading God’s got this
Strike me blind in one eye!
Today I share a story I’ve adapted from William White. It’s about two business men. Their stores were across the road from one another and they had an incredible rivalry. When one made a big sale, he’d walk over to the other man’s store to boast about it. And the other did the same. This went … Continue reading Strike me blind in one eye!
Advice from a veteran
Today is Remembrance Day. In some countries it’s called Veterans Day or Memorial Day or Armistice Day. It’s a day to honour those who fought and died in the horrors of war. It’s a day to be thankful for those who served their country. And it’s a day to pray. Over the years I’ve had … Continue reading Advice from a veteran
Satan
A lot of people don’t think about Satan very much. Sure, they read about him in the Bible sometimes, and hear an allusion to him in a movie now and then. But he probably doesn’t really figure into their daily thoughts. But that’s the thing. He often DOES figure into our daily thoughts. It’s just … Continue reading Satan