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
fellowship
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
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
