“Through history,” writes Mark Clark, “virtually every society has sought to teach people how to deal with pain and suffering. Sadly, our current culture has largely neglected this task. Why? Because for generations we’ve embraced a secular worldview that assumes that the material world is all there is, and that, thus, pain has no meaningful … Continue reading Thinking constructively about hardship
hardship
What God can do through you is greater
There was a man who was born blind. He was also a beggar. The disciples saw him and asked Jesus: “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus replied: “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in … Continue reading What God can do through you is greater
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
Which captain?
In an argument with some opponents, Jesus said, “before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:58). Jesus was teaching them about his divinity and pre-existence. When Jesus used the phrase “I am” (present tense, here and elsewhere), he was consciously using the name of God which was revealed to Moses in Exodus 3:14 and applying it … Continue reading Which captain?
Praying for steadfastness
One of my favourite words in the Bible is steadfastness. Here is one of Paul’s prayers where he uses it. “May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ” (2 Thessalonians 3:5). Isn’t that awesome? I think it’s one of the most neglected prayer verses in the … Continue reading Praying for steadfastness
God’s big-picture providence for you
In his book Person of Interest, detective J. Warner Wallace highlights how many political, practical, and linguistic factors came together to maximize the impact and influence of Jesus on the world at that specific time in history. At the pinnacle of Roman Rule, vast areas “were unified under the same economic, military, and linguistic systems.”* … Continue reading God’s big-picture providence for you
He sleeps in a storm
“…the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it… But Jesus immediately said to them: ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid’” (Matthew 14:24, 27). A farmer was looking for a farmhand. There was only one applicant. There was only one sentence on his … Continue reading He sleeps in a storm
An opportunity to trust God
“pray without ceasing…” (1 Thessalonians 5:17, ESV) It’s a disturbing time. Unsettling. Russia has attacked Ukraine. This is serious stuff. Last evening our congregation had a call to prayer at 7:15 p.m. I know that many of you have been praying as well—and “without ceasing,” as Paul says. My friend Winston Newman says that “Hardship … Continue reading An opportunity to trust God
Tears have a way of bringing clarity
“Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy” (Psalm 126:5). The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan is the best-selling English devotional book of all time outside of the Bible. It’s an allegory of the Christian life. The main character, Christian, decides to leave the City of Destruction and experiences all sorts of ups, … Continue reading Tears have a way of bringing clarity
Joy, even after watching his house burn down
I recently had the privilege of interviewing Dan Scott, the national Moderator of The Presbyterian Church in Canada. [Link below.] When he was a boy, he watched his house burn to the ground in an act of arson. The next morning his father read James 1:2-3 to him and his siblings: “Consider it pure joy, … Continue reading Joy, even after watching his house burn down
The Up Devotional 