The Bible is teaching us more than we think. Sometimes we learn things because they are told to us directly. “Love your neighbour” is just one of many examples. We also learn things that are less obvious. We have to look a bit more closely to find them. Paul’s letters are an example. Let’s take … Continue reading Discipleship isn’t a competition
fellowship
People on the narrow path need this
I’m captivated by Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:13-14. In fact, I’ve started to recite them as a part of my devotional time every morning: “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow … Continue reading People on the narrow path need this
Narrow, not broad and wide
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it” (Matthew 7:13-14). These words of Jesus are quite famous. At first, they … Continue reading Narrow, not broad and wide
Rarely does he let me see the script
In her book No Greater Love, Rebecca McLaughlin writes: “I thoroughly believe that God directs my life, but rarely does He let me see the script.”* Can I get an Amen?! Like McLaughlin, I thoroughly believe that God directs my life. Perhaps you also agree that God directs your life. When she says that God … Continue reading Rarely does he let me see the script
Brothers and sisters
A soldier was in Nagasaki, a long way from home. On Sunday morning he saw what looked like a church. He went inside. There were about twenty people there. The soldier wasn’t sure how it was going to go since he only knew one word: brother. But that’s the word he heard: “Brother.” As you … Continue reading Brothers and sisters
Jesus prayed for unity among believers
In John 17, Jesus prayed for his followers, both then and now. It’s important for us to remember that these aren’t just the prayers of some random guy. Jesus is the Messiah and Son of God! Therefore, what Jesus prays for you IS God’s will for you. Hopefully that perks up your ears and heart. … Continue reading Jesus prayed for unity among believers
Increasing winds outside the church
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
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
