Generations ago, Lewis Bayly wrote a devotional book. It was a how-to manual for living faithfully in the modern world, beginning at home. A lot has changed in society since Bayly’s book was first published in 1611. But many of his insights endure, like this one: “wish rather a good life than a long.”* His … Continue reading A good life than a long
life is short
You never see a U-Haul behind a hearse
There’s a saying from an old pastor: “You never see a U-Haul behind a hearse.” I don’t know his name. But I’m sure it came from years of experience. We pastors see a lot of things. We follow hearses to cemeteries and lead prayers. We spend time at hospital beds. We see tears and family … Continue reading You never see a U-Haul behind a hearse
Prepare to meet thy God
Today is Ash Wednesday. It’s the official start of Lent, the forty day period (excluding Sundays) leading up to Good Friday and Easter. [It’s also Valentine’s Day. If you’re curious about who Valentine was, see the link at the bottom of this devotional for a short explanation.] Back to Ash Wednesday. Some Christians put ashes … Continue reading Prepare to meet thy God
Teach us to number our days
Moses went through tough times. He made mistakes. He spoke with God. He accumulated wisdom. He led others. In Psalm 90:12 he offered this prayer: “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” His meaning is this: Remind us that life is short so that we live our lives … Continue reading Teach us to number our days
Don’t shortchange your life
Talking about the return of Jesus, the apostle Peter wrote, “You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming” (2 Peter 3:11-12). But what does it mean to be holy? Something that is holy is set apart; it is made for a special, … Continue reading Don’t shortchange your life
The more seriously you take your death…
Genesis 3:19 "...for you are dust, and to dust you shall return." (ESV) Today's Thought There are certain things we just don’t like to think about. Things like taxes. Things like flooded basements. Things like that embarrassing picture of you in grade 11 going up on Facebook! And things like… Death. But do you know … Continue reading The more seriously you take your death…
