Genesis 1:27 famously states that we humans are made in the image of God. “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”Not only is this a statement of fact, but it’s something to aspire to. Yes, we are made in God’s … Continue reading The great beautifier of souls
image of God
Reflecting God or playing God?
“You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13).As the children of our God and King, we strive to live up to our royal pedigree. Are we sinful and broken? Absolutely. But with God’s help we try to grow in Christlikeness and reflect the one in whose image we are made.One of the ways we do this is … Continue reading Reflecting God or playing God?
Whose likeness is this?
In yesterday’s devotional we focused on a passage from Mark 12 where some hypocritical leaders were trying to trap Jesus with a question about paying taxes to Caesar.Today let’s zero in on another element of Jesus’ response. As usual, there is more going on in the text than what first meets the eye.They asked him … Continue reading Whose likeness is this?
When you think you’re not noticed
Recognition. I’m not talking about face-recognition software or any other type of modern technology. I’m talking about being recognized, about being noticed, in a wider sense. When a young person dreams about being famous, I wonder if a part of the allure isn’t simply about being recognized and noticed. For adults, why do we like … Continue reading When you think you’re not noticed
Both conformity and uniqueness
Within Christianity there is an emphasis on being “like Jesus.” Among other places, this idea is rooted in verses like 1 John 2:6: “Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.” Just look at the word “Christian” itself. We are to be “of Christ” or like little Christs. There is a sameness … Continue reading Both conformity and uniqueness
Whoever is kind to the needy
In the ancient world, being poor was an incredibly desperate situation. If you didn’t have family to take you in, you were basically thrown into a world of hunger, begging, stereotypes, ridicule, slave labour, prostitution or violence. Christians or Jews often came into the picture and provided much-needed help. But beyond that, you were basically … Continue reading Whoever is kind to the needy
Your soul has a label with three words
This week I’ve been encouraging you to think about how you are valuable. This is no power of positive thinking. This is rooted in Scripture. You are made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27), and you are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14). When we read our Bibles, or speak to a Christian friend, or read … Continue reading Your soul has a label with three words
Who do you want me to love for you today?
In 1 John 3:14 we read: “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love each other.” In World War Two, Japan occupied Korea. There were religious shrines set up all over the place and people were expected to bow down to them. Esther Ahn Kim was a Christian who refused. … Continue reading Who do you want me to love for you today?
215 children
As a pastor, I spend some time in cemeteries. It’s moving to see visitors taking care of headstones, planting flowers, or simply spending quiet moments in reflection or prayer. The peace and tranquility of those scenes stands in stark contrast to a discovery in British Columbia, Canada, where the remains of 215 children were found … Continue reading 215 children
In the face of God
In our society the spotlight is shining brightly on the problem of racial injustice. There is certainly racial discrimination in our world, and that should change. In Matthew 6:10 Jesus teaches us to pray for God’s will and kingdom to come “on earth as it is in heaven.” So doesn’t it make sense for us … Continue reading In the face of God
