Do you ever find it hard to pray? If so, you’re not alone. There are times when we’re so tired or frazzled that we just can’t muster the energy for a talk with the Almighty. Maybe those are the times when we need to talk to him most. But depending on the day and on … Continue reading Breathe the Name
Jesus
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
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
Incomparable magnetism
I firmly believe that apologetics will become increasingly important for Christians. “Apologetics” is the art of defending and explaining the faith. I’m not sure if you’ve noticed but Christianity is increasingly misunderstood. There’s a lot of misinformation floating around. And, in general, as our society continues to be confused about morality, there is a lot … Continue reading Incomparable magnetism
Worth the risk
When it comes to a worship service, I’m usually the one doing the talking. So I was really looking forward to a service I attended on Tuesday night in Midland at Knox Church. My friend and colleague Alton Ruff said that when Jesus calls us to do something, it quite often involves going out of … Continue reading Worth the risk
Enjoying things without owning them
As far as I can tell, Jesus didn’t own very much. The Gospels don’t tell us anything about a storage unit for his overflow belongings. As I write this I’m aware that in comparison to him I have a lot of stuff. I have a house and a car in the driveway. I have a room full … Continue reading Enjoying things without owning them
It all goes back in the box
Jesus told his followers to avoid storing up “treasures on earth.” These are things that don’t last—things like homes, money, and material things. Are they evil in and of themselves? Of course not. As a means to an end, they can be useful. But as ends in themselves, they can be distracting and devastating. Instead, … Continue reading It all goes back in the box
Abstract faith dies
I live close to an amusement park called Canada’s Wonderland. It has roller coasters, rides, and sugary-foods galore. I first learned about it in T.V. commercials when I was small. I could even tell you where it was, what the sign looked like, and the names of some of the big rides. But it wasn’t … Continue reading Abstract faith dies
In spite of you
Think God can't save or use you because you always mess up and are imperfect? Think again.
Aren’t all religions basically the same?
It’s a good question. After all, we live in a diverse society, and a lot of religions speak about some kind of higher power and have a version of the golden rule. I can’t fully explore this issue in a short devotional. (To hear a longer podcast about it click on the link below.) But it needs … Continue reading Aren’t all religions basically the same?
The Up Devotional 