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
hardship
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
Don’t get knocked off centre
It’s a new year. It looks like smooth sailing, doesn’t it? Um, probably not. It’s a year in which uncertainty seems like the only certainty. That’s why we need to remind ourselves that God is always certain and steadfast, even when the things around us aren’t. Psalm 102:27 heralds a reminder: “But you remain the … Continue reading Don’t get knocked off centre
The future you? A pillar of righteousness and peace
Imagine someone describing you like this: “They’re a pillar! They try to live rightly before God and others, and are free from excessive worry.” Wouldn’t that be great! But hold on, let’s back up a minute. There are times when hardship is discipline from God. I’m not saying that all hardship is discipline from our … Continue reading The future you? A pillar of righteousness and peace
Why some people can endure intense distress
Tom Long says that “People can endure intense distress and pain if they know it is not meaningless.”* Very true. Consider this illustration from William Gurnall: “If you should get up in the morning and hear men on your house tearing off the tiles and taking down the roof with hammers and axes, you might … Continue reading Why some people can endure intense distress
Trials can be trainers and teachers
Trials. Hardships. You have them. I have them. They’re not fun. But what if there was some greater purpose behind some of them? In Hebrews 12: 7, 10 we read: “Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children… God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his … Continue reading Trials can be trainers and teachers
The Up Devotional 