Jesus said: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…” (Matthew 5:44)Do you have enemies? Perhaps you do, perhaps you don’t. If you don’t, perhaps you still have people who you feel are somehow “against” you. They always seem to say the wrong thing at the right time. They foil your plans, put you … Continue reading The love that jams the Devil’s wheels
greatest commandment
With both wings, not just one
In 1 John 3:23 the apostle writes: “And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another...”Catherine of Siena was a well-known Christian from the 1300’s. She lived in Italy. She became known for her extreme devotion to God and her unyielding love for others. Early … Continue reading With both wings, not just one
Prioritizing what Jesus prioritizes
In the previous devotional we talked about “distracted living.” Just how someone can become a “distracted driver” when behind the wheel, we can lose our focus about what and who matters most in life.As the people of God, it can be helpful to think deliberately about this with the following question: Am I prioritizing what … Continue reading Prioritizing what Jesus prioritizes
Distracted driving, or distracted living?
One of the biggest threats to road safety today is distracted driving. The national collision database says it contributed to 25.5% of serious injury collisions in 2021. Each year it seems to be increasing. A national survey found that 79% of drivers admitted to being distracted while driving. But this devotional isn’t about distracted driving. It’s … Continue reading Distracted driving, or distracted living?
Not some, but all
In Mark 12:30 Jesus said: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.”We could take a lifetime to fully grasp the implications. With each new year we gain new insights, and seek fresh strength, to put those words from … Continue reading Not some, but all
Loving loving your neighbour, or loving your neighbour?
John Piper is a theologian. His colleague had a saying: “Beware loving loving God rather than loving God.”*Let me state that again: “Beware loving loving God rather than loving God.” Are there times when we love the idea of loving God instead of actually showing him our devotion and commitment? Let’s apply that logic to the … Continue reading Loving loving your neighbour, or loving your neighbour?
The point isn’t to fit in
Times are changing. Let me share some Canadian statistics. Even though there are people who subscribe to this devotional from other countries, I’m sure most can see this trend playing out in their own context in varying degrees. In the past 60 years, the percentage of people identifying as Christian has gone from 96% to … Continue reading The point isn’t to fit in
With all your mind
On May 19, 2023 Tim Keller died. He was a best-selling author, pastor and apologist. He spoke to millions, met with Presidents, but was ever down-to-earth. My first introduction to his writing was through his best-seller, The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism. His writing gave evidence of a genuine, biblical faith … Continue reading With all your mind
Powerful truths for perilous times
Viktor Frankl was a psychiatrist. He was also a Jewish man who survived the horrors of the Nazi concentration camps. In one of his books he comments on something remarkable: seeing grown adults walk into a gas chamber reciting the Shema. That’s the central creed of Judaism. It is found in Deuteronomy 6:4.* Christians recognize … Continue reading Powerful truths for perilous times
Love is important to God—and to his people
The past several devotionals have been about hearing (or discerning) God’s voice in our lives. We’ve talked about the importance of the Bible, prayer, seeking the counsel of other godly people, and being humble. Here’s something else to consider: love. If you think you’re receiving some sort of message for God, and it does not … Continue reading Love is important to God—and to his people
