Paul’s wisdom and instruction in Philippians 4:6 endures: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Note his logic. He first says to not be anxious about anything. That’s something to shoot for, and it is certainly a work-in-progress for many of … Continue reading Whether we’ve been praying for five minutes or fifty years
gratitude
He makes your life better, not worse
Don Miller tells a story about when he started to take God more seriously in his life. A key moment came at Christmas: “For my mother that year I had purchased a shabby Christmas gift—a book, the contents of which she would never be interested in. I had had a sum of money with which … Continue reading He makes your life better, not worse
The best of us, not what’s left of us
Mary the sister of Lazarus “took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair” (John 12:3). That pure nard was equivalent in value to about $30,000! That’s how grateful she was to Jesus. She was trying to show her devotion with … Continue reading The best of us, not what’s left of us
The needs he has already addressed
Martin Rinkart was a German who lived through the Thirty Years’ War. Plus, the plague struck in 1637. More than 8000 people died in his town. He was a pastor and buried 4000 of those people, sometimes in mass funerals for 50 people at once. This man, with these experiences, wrote that great hymn of … Continue reading The needs he has already addressed
Seinfeld and the Good Samaritan
The story of the Good Samaritan is known for what it teaches about showing mercy to others. Luke 10:36-37 famous reports: “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus … Continue reading Seinfeld and the Good Samaritan
Forgiven people love people
In Luke 7:41-42, Jesus told a story about two people who had their debts forgiven. One of them had a particularly big debt erased. As a result, they reeeeeeaaaally loved the person who forgave them. No kidding! In verse 47, Jesus summarized his point like this: “whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” Or, put … Continue reading Forgiven people love people
Directing your happiness
In the Bible, James is so wise. He gives insight about how to respond to a variety of different situations. Here’s an example. In James 5:13 he writes: “Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.” Simple. Straightforward. But what difference does it make? Earlier he has said that “Every good and perfect gift is … Continue reading Directing your happiness
Contributors, not just receivers
Here in Canada it’s Thanksgiving Monday. Even though it’s a tough time, there’s a lot to be thankful for. I’ve got a gratitude list the length of the Great Wall of China. But today I want to think about thankfulness from another angle. There was a time when the ancient Israelites were exiled from their … Continue reading Contributors, not just receivers
Remember this feeling
Last week I came across a picture that someone from my congregation posted on Instagram in winter. It was snowy and she was cross-country skiing to church! It’s a picture that both is beautiful and powerful in its simplicity. (It’s the photo that goes with today’s devotional below.) It got me thinking about the things … Continue reading Remember this feeling
A simple ‘Thank you, Lord’ — from Little House to yours
Here in Canada it’s Thanksgiving Monday. I remember an episode of the iconic Little House on the Prairie. The dad and farmer in the family was Charles Ingalls, played by Michael Landon. It was harvest time. He walked through his bountiful field, swaying his hands through his beautiful crop. As he did so he looked … Continue reading A simple ‘Thank you, Lord’ — from Little House to yours
