Proverbs 27:6 says: “Wounds from a friend can be trusted…” But what in the world does that mean? It means that true friends are in a unique position of trust in our lives. They care about us (and we care about them). Because of that, they can be honest. Although we tend to like honesty, … Continue reading Wounds from a friend
inspiration
Getting back in tune
Instruments need tune ups. Pianos fall out of key, and guitars go out of tune. Well, guess what. Every once in a while, people need tune-ups too. One of the ways to do that is through a spiritual retreat or time-out. I’m not talking about a conference, workshop, or road trip. What I’m talking about is … Continue reading Getting back in tune
An unworthy focus
To those of you who are Christians, let me ask a very direct question: Is Jesus the centre of your Christianity? It’s easy for it to become about something else. If we’re not careful, our religion can become about how well we observe a certain set of rules, or about a certain denomination, or a … Continue reading An unworthy focus
Make time for fun
Having fun is fun. But do you know what? Some people probably don’t do fun things as much as they should. Or, when they do something fun, they feel bad about it. Why? Because they know about people who are struggling, and feel bad or guilty that they’re out having a good time anyway. But … Continue reading Make time for fun
The perfect day to begin again
I came across an unsettling statistic. It was that most suicides occur on Sunday nights, and that most heart attacks happen on Monday mornings. (If you’re reading this on Monday morning, don’t stress—take a deep breath!) Maybe it’s because, for many people, Monday signals the return to responsibility. And with it, a reminder that there … Continue reading The perfect day to begin again
Transformation needs this
Okay, let’s get right to it. Being casual toward the sin in your life is being casual toward God’s will for your life. Here’s what I mean. In Colossians 3:5 (CSB) Paul says to “put to death what belongs to your earthly nature...” He’s referring to sin. Then in verse 10 he goes on to … Continue reading Transformation needs this
Piercing themselves with many griefs
We’ve been talking about idolatry, and how, when many of us hear that word, we think of ancient peoples bowing down to man-made statues. But our understanding of idolatry is often too narrow. Here’s how I think of it: Idolatry is giving first place priority to something or someone who isn’t God. With that definition … Continue reading Piercing themselves with many griefs
What is your (real) goal?
On Monday we talked about idolatry. When many of us hear that word, we think of ancient peoples bowing down to man-made statues. But our understanding of idolatry might be too narrow. Here’s how I define modern idolatry. It’s giving first place priority to something or someone who isn’t God. With that definition in mind, … Continue reading What is your (real) goal?
Just do it for Jesus
Well, I'm pretty excited. Today this devotional is being published as a book! It’s called “Up! – 313 Devotionals To Help You Start Your Day in a Biblical, Relevant Way.” (See the links below.) I started “Up!” in 2015. I had been thinking about a writing a devotional for a while. And I liked the … Continue reading Just do it for Jesus
Modern idols?
When we hear the word "idolatry," many of us think of ancient peoples bowing down to man-made statues. In Exodus 20:3 God says, “You shall have no other gods before me.” No other gods? Check. No problem there! But our understanding of idolatry might be too narrow. Here’s how I define modern idolatry. It’s giving first … Continue reading Modern idols?
