We’ve been exploring Jesus’ new command: “Love one another: As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34). That statement is jam packed with meaning and possibility. Here’s something else which is easy to miss. We are to love “one another.” He was speaking to his disciples. Our love is expansive, … Continue reading Increasing winds outside the church
fellowship
The community of imperfect believers
In yesterday’s devotional I told you about an interview I was privileged to have with Thom Rainer. It was about the rise of consumerism in the church. In light of that conversation I asked you to think about whether you are in passive mode or active mode when it comes to the local congregation. During … Continue reading The community of imperfect believers
Church consumer or member?
Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock for the past three years, you know about how hard things have been. It has been—and will continue to be—a time of great change. As I’ve highlighted elsewhere, we are entering a period which will probably be marked by increased uncertainty, anxiety and complexity. In the midst of … Continue reading Church consumer or member?
With many advisers they succeed
We’re focusing a few devotionals on hearing (or discerning) the voice of God in our lives. You hear God’s voice by seeking God’s voice. In addition to saturating yourself with Scripture, and to spending time in prayer, a third habit of discernment is counsel. This has to do with seeking the counsel of other godly … Continue reading With many advisers they succeed
A cord of three strands
Ecclesiastes 4:12 says: “A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” True. One cord is more easily broken than a braid with three strands of that same cord. But like so many other things in the Bible, it’s a concept that can be applied more widely. Let’s say you are one strand. By yourself, … Continue reading A cord of three strands
The formula that blesses anyone
In the Star Wars movie ‘The Force Awakens’ a new generation of fighters has taken centre stage. The battles of Luke, Leia, Han and Chewbacca are fading memories. New heroes named Finn and Rey are having a conversation with Han Solo. But at first they don’t realize it is THAT Han Solo. They wonder if … Continue reading The formula that blesses anyone
How can you still attend church?
“Sing to the LORD, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world” (Isaiah 12:5). Bill Clinton was the 42nd President of the United States. Some of you will remember the Monika Lewinsky scandal. It’s kind of hard to forget. Sometime later at a conference, someone asked Clinton: “How can … Continue reading How can you still attend church?
The ongoing billboard of Satan’s defeat
The church is an easy target. We follow a perfect Saviour (but are far from perfect ourselves); we have a moral voice through the Scriptures (but often find ourselves on the “wrong side” of shifting contemporary values); we have a history of building hospitals, feeding the poor, working for justice, and providing free education (but … Continue reading The ongoing billboard of Satan’s defeat
Nurturing faithful friendships
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
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
The Up Devotional 