There’s a marine training facility called Parris Island. A young man signed up who was a bit out of step with the others. He was nice enough—but he just didn’t fit in. As a result he got picked on. A lot. In his barracks there were guys who were particularly mean. One of them came … Continue reading Why it’s called ‘good’ Friday
Jesus Christ
The house started to sink
Billy Graham tells a story about a family who purchased a plot of land for a home in the Appalachian Mountains. It was breathtaking, overlooked a valley, and faced some beautiful mountains. They made plans, chose a builder, and the house was completed. After about a year, things started to go terribly wrong. They noticed … Continue reading The house started to sink
Going Thud on the metaphorical ground
I once heard a story about a 5-year old boy who lived on a farm. His parents were harsh, especially his father. It was a brick farm house with a large porch that wrapped around the front. In those days there weren’t always railings so children had to be careful, especially since it was about … Continue reading Going Thud on the metaphorical ground
My sheep listen to my voice
A group of young people saw a downhill skier going down the hill with someone else super close behind them. The skier in the front was an instructor. They were yelling instructions to the person behind: “Left, right, straight, right.” Thinking it would be funny to mess them up, the youth started calling out their … Continue reading My sheep listen to my voice
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
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
Super-conquerors
If you’re a follower of Christ you’re a “super-conqueror.” Did you know that? Do you feel like it? (Need some convincing?) In Romans 8:37 Paul writes: “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” The words “we are more than conquerors” translate a Greek word meaning, quite literally, … Continue reading Super-conquerors
Personal THEN powerful
At a monthly, regional meeting of church elders in central Ontario, my colleague and friend, William Han, spoke about evangelism. He’s served as a pastor, as the Executive Vice President at Lausanne Canada, and is currently a church planting catalyst with the North American Mission Board. The more he spoke, the more passionate he became. … Continue reading Personal THEN powerful
Peace when it seems fragile
Today many of us wake to disturbing news. We hear of rising tensions between America and Iran. Just a few weeks ago we were celebrating the birth of the Prince of Peace: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:14). In times like … Continue reading Peace when it seems fragile
“Is your face turned toward me?”
Dallas Willard tells a touching story about a young boy who needed some assurance. At night, unable to sleep, he went into his daddy’s room and crawled into his bed. But because it was dark he couldn’t tell if his dad was facing him or not. “Is your face turned toward me, Father?” he asked. … Continue reading “Is your face turned toward me?”
