Do you sometimes feel like you’re not a real Christian because you continue to struggle with sin? The Bible teaches that when you believe in the risen Jesus, the Holy Spirit starts to live inside you. In Galatians 4:6 (NLT) Paul writes: “because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son … Continue reading Unlocking doors for the Spirit
holy spirit
Water-pumping people
A.J. Gordon was looking across a field from a distance when he saw a man working furiously at a hand pump—one that pumps water into a bucket. He was working and working without slowing down. When Gordon got closer he realized it wasn’t actually a man. It was a wooden figure painted to LOOK like … Continue reading Water-pumping people
As essential as air—the Holy Spirit
I remember being on the receiving end of a prank. I was camping with some friends. We were in our sleeping bags. When I wasn’t paying attention someone yanked up my sleeping bag over my head and held it firmly closed at the top. At first, it was funny. “Come on, guys, cut it out.” … Continue reading As essential as air—the Holy Spirit
The size of the fight in the dog
Welcome to today. It’s going to be a bit different than yesterday. And probably different than tomorrow. Hopefully you’ll experience some good things today. A laugh, a favourite meal, or something meaningful to do in God’s service. But you’ll probably also experience something difficult, won’t you? A tear, a tough decision, a pain that won’t … Continue reading The size of the fight in the dog
Breathe the Name
Do you ever find it hard to pray? If so, you’re not alone. There are times when we’re so tired or frazzled that we just can’t muster the energy for a talk with the Almighty. Maybe those are the times when we need to talk to him most. But depending on the day and on … Continue reading Breathe the Name
Or it will be killing you
Sin. It’s a problem. In the world. In you. And in me. (Sorry to begin this devotional with such a heavy topic, but you know it’s true!) How do we fight against it? Well, that’s a big topic too. But let me suggest something you maybe haven’t thought of before. The most famous part of … Continue reading Or it will be killing you
Not made of stuff that sinks
Speaking to his disciples, Jesus said: “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth… you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you” (John 14:16-17). There was a cork who was having a great time just … Continue reading Not made of stuff that sinks
In our weakness that strength goes viral
There’s an expression that drives me nuts: ‘God helps those who help themselves.’ (No, it’s not from the Bible.) Even though it’s true that God helps those who help themselves, he doesn’t ONLY help those who help themselves. He also helps the down and out and those who are chasing their tails. In Romans 8:26 … Continue reading In our weakness that strength goes viral
Not alone (in these 3 ways)
This week we’ve been talking about facing trouble and persecution as a follower of Jesus. Most overt persecution happens in other parts of the world. But I’m convinced that it’s going to be more and more common here in North America. It’s a big deal. And we’re naïve to ignore it. And we’re super-naïve to … Continue reading Not alone (in these 3 ways)
Your spiritual gift
In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul writes, “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them… Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good” (verses 4, 7). In a profound passage, Paul explains how God gives spiritual gifts to all Christians. If you are a follower … Continue reading Your spiritual gift
