“You can’t stop progress.” Has anyone ever said that to you? It’s the idea that society changes and moves “forward” in certain ways—in ways many people agree with. Therefore, they attach a positive value to that “forward” movement (called “progress”). Saying ‘you can’t stop it’ is a way of saying ‘don’t even bother trying.’ As … Continue reading I’d rather be on the right side of eternity than history
inspiration
Who is an expert, really?
Several years ago my wife and kids and I were up in Bracebridge, Ontario visiting some family. My daughter got a strange bug bite. And since it looked weird we went to the local walk-in clinic. I was totally impressed by the doctor. First, he listened and didn’t speak down to us. Second, he was … Continue reading Who is an expert, really?
Time to build your old self a coffin and re-enter the world?
“When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.” I’m guessing none of us would use that statement for a church outreach campaign. ‘Hey everybody, come discover what it’s like to follow Christ! It’s great; plus, you die in the process!’ The quote is from The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. He … Continue reading Time to build your old self a coffin and re-enter the world?
When your mind is stretched to a new dimension
Yesterday I said that God loves you as you are—but that God loves you too much to leave you as you are. I said this because we can sometimes use God’s love as an excuse for stagnancy or disobedience. Just because God loves us that doesn’t mean he necessarily condones everything we do. Although we’re … Continue reading When your mind is stretched to a new dimension
Using God’s love as an excuse
Have you ever tried to go somewhere with only half a map? Have you ever tried to assemble a BBQ with basic picture prompts but instructions that were in a different language? If so, you’ll know that having some of the information isn’t the same as having all of the information. That’s what I think … Continue reading Using God’s love as an excuse
Supper’s ready!
I heard about a survey where Americans were asked what words they most liked to hear. Number 1 was “I love you.” No surprise there. Number 2 was “I forgive you.” Makes sense. Number 3 was a bit less predictable. But it totally makes sense… “Supper’s ready!” I wonder why so many people like to … Continue reading Supper’s ready!
When I pray, “coincidences” happen…
William Temple was an English bishop known for many things including his teaching and writing. A few years ago I came across something he said that has really stuck with me. “When I pray, coincidences happen. When I don’t, they don’t.” Today’s devotional is not overly complicated. My point is (a) that the supposed “coincidences” … Continue reading When I pray, “coincidences” happen…
The chains of entitlement
Having a sense of entitlement can be a huge problem for those of us who live in places like North America and Europe. The more we have the more we seem to want. And the more we have the more we seem to think we have to have. And the more we have, the more we … Continue reading The chains of entitlement
Does someone in your life have issues?
Does someone in your life have issues? Someone in your family? A co-worker or classmate? Or maybe a friend? Perhaps it’s just that their priorities are frazzled. And you just don’t know what to do. Maybe it’s legitimate. Maybe it’s not. Maybe you’re just not sure. The point is that it can be complicated. But … Continue reading Does someone in your life have issues?
Over-committed people
Let me start by throwing something out there that might rattle a few cages. Over-committed people are un-committed people. Here’s what I mean because I realize I'm going to have to put a few footnotes on that statement! When you over-commit to the wrong things you can’t deliver on the right things. In other words, … Continue reading Over-committed people
