Sometimes a new word is created. It might not ever make it into a dictionary, but people use it anyway. An example would be “hangry.” When you get really angry because you’re hungry, you’re “hangry”! Here’s a new one that I’ll throw into the mix: Freedience. It brings together two faith-based ideas which appear to … Continue reading Freedience
freedom
God took our heads out
Eugene Nida was a famous Bible translator. He tells a story about a missionary and a man from West Africa. The Bible was being translated into the local Bambara language. The translator wanted to know how to translate the word “redeemed” so that the locals would understand what God has done for us in Jesus. … Continue reading God took our heads out
The work of remembering
Today is Remembrance Day in Canada. It’s a day to remember and honour those who fought and died in the horrors of war, paying the ultimate sacrifice. I think we need to acknowledge that remembering takes work. We live in a time when we’re very “in the moment.” Many people venerate all things here-and-now and … Continue reading The work of remembering
Liberated to serve
Forgiveness. It’s a big deal. But have you ever thought about WHY God offers forgiveness? Yes, it’s because of his incredible and unceasing love for you, and because of his desire for you to have peace and joy with him in the great ever-after. But there is also an implication for THIS life. Psalm 130:4 … Continue reading Liberated to serve
Celebrate that you can celebrate
Let's be honest. Your faith makes you stand out. Because of that, you can sometimes be reluctant to say things about your faith, Jesus, the church, or the Bible… Or even the meaning of Christmas. But I’d like to invite you to look for and seize those little moments to share the true importance of … Continue reading Celebrate that you can celebrate
Piercing themselves with many griefs
We’ve been talking about idolatry, and how, when many of us hear that word, we think of ancient peoples bowing down to man-made statues. But our understanding of idolatry is often too narrow. Here’s how I think of it: Idolatry is giving first place priority to something or someone who isn’t God. With that definition … Continue reading Piercing themselves with many griefs
The chains of entitlement
Having a sense of entitlement can be a huge problem for those of us who live in places like North America and Europe. The more we have the more we seem to want. And the more we have the more we seem to think we have to have. And the more we have, the more we … Continue reading The chains of entitlement
Soul cinderblocks
There was a church who created a website where people could anonymously confess sins and wrongdoings. They did this because they believed in the healing power of confession. Plus, it was a chance to get other people to pray for them. One young woman wanted to confess her promiscuous life and her feelings of shame. … Continue reading Soul cinderblocks
One habit to live more simply
I love simplicity. And I love things that go along with the idea of simplicity—things like sincerity and practicality. Maybe I really like simplicity because I know that (a) life can get complicated, and (b) I find it very hard to achieve! Writing to the Corinthians Paul says that “we behaved in the world with … Continue reading One habit to live more simply
Maybe they’re not the ones with the claws
Someone has wronged you. You'd like to forgive them, but you just can't. This perspective could be a game-changer for you, making you lighter and more free.
