In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus describes four responses to God’s word—three lead to nothing, and the fourth to everything. People in this last category “hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop—some thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times what was sown” (Mark 4:20). Wow! That’s definitely something to shoot for! But … Continue reading Why your love outlasts you
inspiration
The Faith “Authenticator”
Apparently there are “authenticators” in major league baseball. I recently heard about it on sports radio. Baseball teams like the Blue Jays, Astros or Yankees (or whoever), employ these authenticators at games to authenticate what was actually used in a game. It makes sense. After all, the baseballs, bats and other equipment that is used … Continue reading The Faith “Authenticator”
October 31 is… Reformation Day?
October 31 has become synonymous with Halloween—the day where kids get dressed up, forego the don’t-talk-to-strangers rule, and get a candy buzz that could fly them to the moon. But the date has a greater historical significance. It’s the day when Martin Luther formally began a protest over certain problems in the Church of his … Continue reading October 31 is… Reformation Day?
When things that seem fine are fatal
In Mark 4:18-19 Jesus says that some people “hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.” He’s describing people who don’t respond well to God’s word and message because of three things. Today we focus … Continue reading When things that seem fine are fatal
Confused about the true value of things
In Mark 4:18-19 Jesus says that some people “hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.” He’s describing people who don’t respond to God’s word and message because of three things. The one we’ll focus … Continue reading Confused about the true value of things
The talent you never knew you had
I’m guessing that a lot of you have a talent you never knew you had: Listening. Many people are burdened. Maybe that’s why Paul encouraged the Galatians to “Carry each other’s burdens…” (Galatians 6:2) People had them then. People have them now. Listening is just that. Listening. Not talking. Not solving. Not judging. Not fixing. … Continue reading The talent you never knew you had
Despite the darkness
When you think of being “like Jesus,” what do you think of? Being more loving, humble or forgiving? What about this: Being faithful despite the darkness. Consider Luke 22:44: “And being in anguish, [Jesus] prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.” And then he was crucified! He gave … Continue reading Despite the darkness
In the chaos
Last week I was talking to one of our church elders about the Canadian federal election. He said, ‘No matter who wins, God is still in control.’ He wasn’t being dismissive. Elections matter. What he was doing was demonstrating great confidence in the almightiness of God. God is on his throne. As we read in … Continue reading In the chaos
The modern fountain of youth?
Many books and movies have explored the idea of a fountain of youth—a magical flow of water that stops the aging process, and which makes you younger and feeling great. As far as we know, it doesn’t exist. But one of the things I’ve come to discover is that a well-rested soul may be the … Continue reading The modern fountain of youth?
Your reward is great
In Jesus’ day, it was assumed that his followers would face trouble and persecution. Although many of us in North America haven’t yet faced overt persecution because of our faith, I truly think we’re headed in that direction. With this in mind, last week we discussed how we should expect to be different, how we should … Continue reading Your reward is great
