In yesterday’s devotional I highlighted two questions from Tim Keller’s book, Counterfeit Gods.** Today I’m going to highlight two more. They are designed to help us think about our ultimate commitments. Is God number one in our lives, or have we let something or someone else compete for the throne that only belongs to him?1. … Continue reading A perpetual factory of idols
john calvin
Your “calling”
What are you “called” to do? The word “calling” can be intimidating. It makes us think of being a missionary, starting a homeless shelter, or coordinating an after-school program for inner city kids. But all of us have a calling, even if we don’t do those sorts of things. First, we’re called to be disciples … Continue reading Your “calling”
Cannot be thrown down
In Colossians 2:6-7, Paul encouraged his readers like this: “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him…” One of the reasons he wrote these words to them was because they were straying off course. They were devaluing Jesus. As a … Continue reading Cannot be thrown down
Expect opposition
Many of us grew up playing team sports—whether soccer, baseball, football, hockey or something else. Early in the game you tend to identify the strongest players on the other team. You pay special attention. You check them more closely. They’re the ones who can really sting you if you’re not careful. In this I see … Continue reading Expect opposition
An unshakable kingdom
[Note: I'm on vacation next week so the devotional will go on pause after today and will return on March 20th.] Certain events and experiences can shake and unsettle us. A world war can do that. So can events like September 11, 2001. I still remember the day. When terrorists flew planes into the World … Continue reading An unshakable kingdom
Joy is a diet (not a pill)
“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence…” (Psalm 16:11) We live in the age of the quick-fix. Instant gratification is on the menu. If I have a craving for a cheeseburger I can go to a drive-thru window. If I want my house to … Continue reading Joy is a diet (not a pill)
With the Paraklete you are plural
In the previous devotional I highlighted that the Holy Spirit is our Helper. Jesus said: “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever…” (John 14:16, ESV) In Greek, the word is Parakletos. It’s a word that is also translated as Counselor, Advocate and Comforter. J.I. Packer … Continue reading With the Paraklete you are plural
A recipe for national happiness?
Generally speaking, people want to be happy. But what is happiness, anyway? Is it related to status, money, or an all-expenses paid vacation? What about a lollipop while watching the sunset? I want to briefly share four “ingredients of true happiness” according to John Calvin, a theologian from the 1500’s. I value his insight not … Continue reading A recipe for national happiness?
Desperation at the feet of Jesus
John 4:47 describes a desperate scene: “When this [royal official] heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to him and begged him to come and heal his son, who was close to death.” This was a world of honour and of strict social convention. The royal official humbled himself before Jesus—something … Continue reading Desperation at the feet of Jesus
Will you knock in vain on a closed door?
Jesus healed a man who was born blind. This irked some of the Pharisees. They peppered the man who was healed (and his parents) with questions, trying to discredit the man or the miracle. Quite understandably, he got tired of repeatedly explaining how it happened. “I have told you already,” he said, “and you would … Continue reading Will you knock in vain on a closed door?
