This week we’re considering Luke 6:31: “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” It can be tempting to over-simply this idea. That’s what we do when we say it’s “just about being nice.” Well, being nice is good—but it steers us away from thinking more deeply and intentionally about how to … Continue reading Guessing at people’s motives
love your neighbor
Doing unto others—together
There’s a story about two brothers. They farmed together, split the work, and split the profits. Each had their own granary. One of the brothers had a family—he was married with some children. The other brother was single. One day the brother who was single and lived by himself thought: ‘If is not fair that … Continue reading Doing unto others—together
A faith that is dead, or alive?
“As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” So said an influential leader in Jerusalem named James in chapter 2, verse 26 of the biblical book that bears his name. When he talks about “faith” in this context he’s referring to a partial understanding of faith. He’s referring to … Continue reading A faith that is dead, or alive?
His power at work within us
This week I’ve been highlighting some tools you can use in the war against fear, whether it be fear of the unknown, illness, or financial problems. But I’m calling them weapons. These aren’t physical weapons, but spiritual ones. There are many weapons we could use. But here I’m highlighting what I think we can pick … Continue reading His power at work within us
How will we judge ourselves?
Why do bad things happen? Well, in certain situations that’s an easy question to answer. For example, if we drive carelessly and hurt ourselves in an accident the reason is because we were driving carelessly. But there are other times when an explanation isn’t so easy. But do you know what? Even when we don’t … Continue reading How will we judge ourselves?
Blessed people bless people
A lot of people are feeling overwhelmed. It’s understandable. After all, there’s a pandemic going on. It’s easy to feel out of control, uncertain, or even paralyzed. But although you don’t have much say about what happens to you, you do have a say in what happens through you. God’s people can be proactive about … Continue reading Blessed people bless people
When you’re always rushing
Jesus says, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31). John writes that “if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us” (1 John 4:12). To the Romans, Paul says, “Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up” (Romans 15:2). I don’t … Continue reading When you’re always rushing
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”
Like a wounded coyote backed into a corner? Um, no.
This week I’ve been sharing some thoughts about facing trouble and persecution for your faith. Maybe this idea is new to you, maybe even bothersome. But even though we usually think of persecuted Christians as people in desperate situations on the other side of the world, it’s going to be an increasing issue here in … Continue reading Like a wounded coyote backed into a corner? Um, no.
Love boldly. But when you miss the mark…
James 2:8 says, “If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right.” With that in mind, let me tell you a story. In 1993 a well-known theologian from Croatia named Miroslav Volf was doing a talk on loving your neighbour. Afterward someone asked him, “But … Continue reading Love boldly. But when you miss the mark…
The Up Devotional 