For a few days this week I’m sharing some thoughts about Matthew 24. It’s where Jesus answers a question about when the Jerusalem temple would be torn down, and also when he would return at the “end of the age” (v. 3). In response, he offers various insights about what to expect, including this: “Then … Continue reading Being persecuted for the right (not wrong) reasons
inspiration
Grafted to the hub of his heart
Jesus’ words in Matthew 24 are often cited when looking for ‘signs’ that the world as we know it is coming to an end. Fair enough. Among other things he talks about false Messiahs (v. 5), “wars and rumours of wars” (v. 6), “famines and earthquakes” (v. 7), and persecution (v. 9). But more specifically, … Continue reading Grafted to the hub of his heart
Limited opportunities or eternal possibilities?
This week I was reading Psalm 143:11 where David says, “For your name’s sake, LORD, let me live” (CSB). He was in trouble and called out to God for help. As a part of that, he asked God to let him live for the sake of his name. But what does that mean? It means … Continue reading Limited opportunities or eternal possibilities?
Standing out and standing firm
I’d like to suggest something as we approach Advent and Christmas. It’s to make your faith visible. I don’t just mean with words and deeds—although that is very important too. What I mean is including visible faith-based objects in your celebrations. What about a nativity scene? Or an Advent wreath? What about putting up a … Continue reading Standing out and standing firm
Introducing NIGBY-ism
Sometimes it’s hard to know what to do; it can be hard to know what will honour God, especially if you’re wrestling with a decision with no easy answer, or a situation with no simple solution. But sometimes it is. Like picking up some garbage. I know, I know: That suggestion doesn’t sound very “fancy” … Continue reading Introducing NIGBY-ism
God’s grip on you—kind of like a sleepwalking rope
No matter how often we’re told otherwise, it’s easy to slip back into the thinking that God only loves us if we do a really, really good job of loving him back. All the time. ‘If we’re really bad,’ we think, ‘he won’t forgive us.’ ‘If we miss the mark, have an off day (or … Continue reading God’s grip on you—kind of like a sleepwalking rope
Since God hasn’t given up on the world
Someone wrote to a denominational magazine and asked, “Why are there so few sermons in our churches on the Second Coming? Is this part of our belief or not?” The wise “answer person” replied this way: “Not all Christians think alike on matters of theology, but it would be hard for someone to feel at … Continue reading Since God hasn’t given up on the world
Take the word with you
Today I’d like to offer a very practical, super-simple, down-to-earth, easy-peasy, knock-it-out-of-the-park idea: Take your Bible with you. Let me explain. Followers of Jesus think the Bible is very important. It’s the primary place where we learn about God’s will and wisdom for our lives. Many of us hold the conviction—as I hope you do—that … Continue reading Take the word with you
A FROG in your heart
I was visiting a woman in a nursing home. She has aches and pains. She’s had more than her share of heartache. Through it all she’s had an enduring faith in Jesus. On this particular visit, she told me her outlook on life: F.R.O.G. Um, pardon? Then she explained it: “Through every stage of life … Continue reading A FROG in your heart
It’s not imposing, it’s loving
To the Colossians, Paul wrote: “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (Colossians 4:6). Keep that in mind for a moment. There’s a story about a man who went to India and struck up a friendship with a woman. She had never … Continue reading It’s not imposing, it’s loving
