Jesus said: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…” (Matthew 5:44)Do you have enemies? Perhaps you do, perhaps you don’t. If you don’t, perhaps you still have people who you feel are somehow “against” you. They always seem to say the wrong thing at the right time. They foil your plans, put you … Continue reading The love that jams the Devil’s wheels
inspiration
When getting things done isn’t the point
“And after he had taken leave of them, [Jesus] went up on the mountain to pray” (Mark 6:46).Towards the end of last year, I went away on a silent retreat. It was a peaceful time to read, pray and sing the psalms.I’m an introvert, so the silence wasn’t difficult. Other than the worship and a … Continue reading When getting things done isn’t the point
The ripple effect of words
In James 3:8 we read: “…no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.”At first that sounds a bit harsh—but not if you’ve been on the receiving end of some verbal poison! Today’s devotional is quite simple. Be careful with your words. They can do serious good, and they … Continue reading The ripple effect of words
Spiritual muscle matters
Motivation matters. For example, people who do better in surgery are people who have a reason to live afterwards. It’s a matter of motivation.Or consider the 17-year old girl who didn’t want to go to soccer practice. But then her mom told her that the scout for the university soccer team would be there. “Why didn’t … Continue reading Spiritual muscle matters
See to it that no one takes you captive
“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ” (Colossians 2:8).In the Odyssey, Ulysses is travelling by boat past the island of the sirens. He knows that when he and his crewmates hear the … Continue reading See to it that no one takes you captive
Listen to him
In Mark 9 we learn about the transfiguration of Jesus. “There he was transfigured before them. His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them” (verses 2-3).Then Moses and Elijah arrive. Then a voice from heaven proclaims: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” (verse 7)Both then … Continue reading Listen to him
What does it mean to be disciplined?
I recently asked some young people what they thought of when they heard the word “discipline.”One of them said “hard work.” Another said: “when you get in trouble you get disciplined.” A third said “self-control.”They had good insights. I was impressed.Self-control is definitely closely related to discipline. Self-control is listed as a fruit of the … Continue reading What does it mean to be disciplined?
Being mentally present
“You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. For this people’s heart has become calloused…” (Matthew 13:14-15).Jesus often speaks against hypocrisy. It is giving lip service to faith. It is pretending, or simply going through the religious motions.So how do we guard against hypocrisy in our own … Continue reading Being mentally present
From observation to participation
In Mark 6 Jesus fed a crowd of 5,000 men with only five loaves and two fish. Before he did so, the disciples had wanted to send the people away so they could get some food. That’s when Jesus looked at them and said, “You give them something to eat” (verse 37). In the Greek, … Continue reading From observation to participation
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
