When you know the end of the story it can change your experience as you live through the middle of the story. Let me provide a small analogy from the world of baseball. I cheer for the Toronto Blue Jays, but I don’t watch all the games. They play most days, and a lot of games … Continue reading When you’ve seen the final score
hope
We are an Easter people
“O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:55)“We are an Easter people.” I’m not sure when I first heard that expression, but it was probably when I was in high school. Being “an Easter people” means that the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus is the defining aspect of what … Continue reading We are an Easter people
The fight’s been fixed
Happy Easter! Johnny Hunt once said: “In the end we win because the fight’s been fixed.”*I love it! But what does he mean? He’s referring to the victory of Christ. On the cross and through the empty tomb, he defeated the powers of sin, death, despair, darkness and even the Devil himself. Colossians 2:15 says: “He disarmed … Continue reading The fight’s been fixed
The beginning of the birth pains
Having a baby is at the same time exciting and scary, painful and joyful, dangerous and life-changing.Let’s think about a pregnancy. The longer it goes, the more discomfort there is for the mother. After all, there’s a human growing inside of her; it’s getting bigger. Toward the end of nine months, labour begins. Contractions get … Continue reading The beginning of the birth pains
A servant people
I remember reading a book which provided a summary of the biblical descriptions of the church. It was (and is) the body of Christ, the bride of Christ, the people of the Spirit, the household of God, a community of disciples, etc.Another one was “a servant people.” Jesus’ people are a people who serve. This … Continue reading A servant people
Never out of hope
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13). Going to a resort is really nice. But why? First, it’s a break from your usual routines and stresses. If you’re employed, … Continue reading Never out of hope
Being knocked down and knocked out are different things
Some people think that being a Christian inoculates you from hardship. Not always. Yes, there are innumerable benefits; God is most certainly a provider, protector, rock and redeemer. At the same time, Jesus warns us against the delusion of smooth sailing. In John 16:33 he says: “In this world you will have trouble.” He also … Continue reading Being knocked down and knocked out are different things
They hate anything that reminds them of hope
There are times when someone who is sad doesn’t like to see someone who is happy. This isn’t with everyone and not all of the time, but certainly with some people and for some of the time. The reasons can differ. Perhaps the sad person is jealous. Or perhaps the sad person is reminded about … Continue reading They hate anything that reminds them of hope
Suffering can produce perseverance
I recently learned about a bird in the Australian rainforest called the Cassowary. If you google a picture you’ll see that it is not to be messed with. It can fight off large predators, and even humans! A little known fact is that it plays a part in germinating the seeds of the rare Ryparosa … Continue reading Suffering can produce perseverance
The restoration of the natural order
“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit … Continue reading The restoration of the natural order
