Who is Jesus to you? Is he a teacher, a saviour, or a shepherd? Surely all of those things. But what about a friend? In John 15:15 Jesus says this to his disciples: “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for … Continue reading Nurturing faithful friendships
fellowship
People we don’t like—and our true source of unity
Hebrews 10:24-25 says: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing…” Let me say something which is perhaps a bit awkward. People can be difficult. They can rub us the wrong way. You know … Continue reading People we don’t like—and our true source of unity
People… people who need people.
I never thought I’d start a devotional by quoting a Barbara Streisand song, but here goes: “People… people who need people.” Yup, it’s true. Or, in the words of poet John Donne: “No man [or woman] is and island.” Hebrews 10:24-25 says: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and … Continue reading People… people who need people.
Egging each other on
When I was in grade seven or eight, a few of us were egging a friend on. He liked a certain girl but was struggling to get the nerve up to go over and talk to her. ‘If you don’t go over there, she’ll never know you exist!’ we said. Hebrews 10:24 says: “And let … Continue reading Egging each other on
3 suggestions to help with temptation
“Because [Jesus] himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” So says Hebrews 2:18. But how? How is he able to help those who are being tempted? Let me make three suggestions. First, talk to God about it—honestly. Think of your most painful or frequent temptations. We … Continue reading 3 suggestions to help with temptation
A shared sorrow and a shared solution
There are times when you go through something challenging. You’re downcast. People can tell. They ask you if you want to talk about it. “Oh no,” you respond, “you’d never understand.” They say: “Try me.” So you share something about your struggle—just a little, not a lot. But it’s just enough for that other person … Continue reading A shared sorrow and a shared solution
Twinkies or broccoli
John Ortberg wrote a book titled Everybody’s Normal Until You Get To Know Them. Wow, what a great title! Anyway, it refers to a study on relationships that tracked the lives of seven thousand people over nine years: “People who had bad health habits (such as smoking, poor eating habits, obesity, or alcohol use) but … Continue reading Twinkies or broccoli
Borrowed light
This past Sunday at church, several people shared video statements about being part of a small group. [Link below.] A small group is where people get together to study God’s teachings in the Bible, to discuss and learn, to get to know one another, and to pray. I am so thankful that they took the time … Continue reading Borrowed light
Avoiding spiritual collapse
In 2019 a house collapsed in Salt Lake City. It seems that during some renovations, load-bearing walls were removed. Load-bearing walls carry a lot of weight and support the floors and roofs of entire houses. Some walls you can remove; some you can’t. Fortunately, no one was injured. Let’s imagine that you and I are … Continue reading Avoiding spiritual collapse
An idea to draw closer to God
A few months ago our church memorized James 4:8: “Come near to God and he will come near to you.” It’s one of my favourites, and I’ve quoted it many times. Writing about this very verse, biblical commentator Matthew Henry said: “If there be not a close communion between God and us, it is our … Continue reading An idea to draw closer to God
The Up Devotional 