Why was I born? Why were you born? Why were any of us born? Are we here in this world by chance? Or is there a greater purpose to our lives? I once read about a philosophy professor who wrote to 250 people whom he felt were the great thinkers of his day. He asked … Continue reading Born to bless
inspiration
The right kind of order
“The precepts of the LORD are right,giving joy to the heart.The commands of the LORD are radiant,giving light to the eyes” (Psalm 19:8) In our day, the idea of “order” has increasingly come under suspicion. It stinks, some people say, of authoritarianism, control, drill sergeants, and people who are allergic to smiling. But that’s a … Continue reading The right kind of order
He had no legs. And he bought some shoes.
Some days you just need to be inspired by somebody. Well, today is one of those days. Nick Vujicic was born without arms or legs. If you think it’s hard to have your arm in a cast for eight weeks, just imagine what Nick had to deal with on a daily basis with no arms … Continue reading He had no legs. And he bought some shoes.
Look to the example of others
We’ve been talking about perseverance. In the Bible, James gave some very down-to-earth counsel to those enduring hardship: “Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered” (James 5:10-11). … Continue reading Look to the example of others
Praying for ‘little things’
In Philippians 4:6-7, Paul writes: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Sometimes we think that God only wants to hear about … Continue reading Praying for ‘little things’
Eternal things more than temporary things
Over the past few devotionals I’ve been helping us reflect on the fact that mature people mature people. Adjective, noun, verb, noun. In other words, people who are mature can help other people become more mature as well. Because of their faithfulness and maturity they can be a positive role model for us. In addition, … Continue reading Eternal things more than temporary things
What is Ash Wednesday all about?
Today is Ash Wednesday. It’s the official start of Lent, the 40-day period of anticipation and preparation leading up to Easter (excluding Sundays). But what’s it all about? Some Christians attend services where ashes are put on their foreheads. Some, not all; it really just depends on local customs and traditions. Ashes symbolize our mourning … Continue reading What is Ash Wednesday all about?
Applause vs Faithfulness
This week I’m sharing some thoughts about humility. On Monday I talked about the pitfalls of pride. On Tuesday I talked about Jesus’ own example. On Wednesday I talked about some practical ways to “Do nothing out of selfish ambition” (Philippians 2:3). Today let me keep that going. Here are a few more down-to-earth ideas … Continue reading Applause vs Faithfulness
The word she wrote across her chest
Here is one of Paul’s prayers for the Ephesians: “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe” (Ephesians 1:18-19). … Continue reading The word she wrote across her chest
Slaughter untrue thoughts with truth
Many of us face battles. More often than we’d like. And many of those battles begin in the mind. But you can respond swiftly and firmly by slaughtering untrue thoughts with truth as soon as they enter your brain. That truth is, in the words of Paul in Romans 8:37, that “in all these things … Continue reading Slaughter untrue thoughts with truth
