Today is Valentine’s Day. Although it’s a day often characterized by cards, chocolates and romance, did you know that Valentine was actually a Christian martyr from the 3rd century? [If you want to know more about him, or some advice for a stronger love, click on the blog post below.] But today I want to … Continue reading To simply listen
love
A wall you build between you and God
Your ego is a wall you build between you and God. Let me explain. Ego is an inflated sense of self; a disproportionate love of self; and a me-first approach to life which reeks of superiority. By focusing on how great you think YOU are, you neglect how great God is, and how other people … Continue reading A wall you build between you and God
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
Even when you can’t see through the fog
Romans 8:28 is a text we could chew on for a lifetime: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” It’s a part of a wider passage about living faithfully even in the midst of hardship. What Paul … Continue reading Even when you can’t see through the fog
#Blessed?
#Blessed is a really popular hashtag, especially at this time of year. When posting pics many people—including myself—will say we’re somehow #blessed and that God has been good to us. To be honest, I love seeing it. It's an awareness of God as a loving provider. But get this. In Luke 11:27-28 a woman in … Continue reading #Blessed?
Being persecuted for the right (not wrong) reasons
For a few days this week I’m sharing some thoughts about Matthew 24. It’s where Jesus answers a question about when the Jerusalem temple would be torn down, and also when he would return at the “end of the age” (v. 3). In response, he offers various insights about what to expect, including this: “Then … Continue reading Being persecuted for the right (not wrong) reasons
The darker it gets
In Matthew 24, Jesus answers a question from his disciples about when the Jerusalem temple would be torn down, and also when he would return one day in glory at the “end of the age” (v. 3). In response, he offers various insights about things that are going to take place, including this: “Because lawlessness … Continue reading The darker it gets
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
Our coordinate, route & destination for peace
There are a lot of stories of about people over-relying on, or misusing, the GPS units in their vehicles. In England a big rainfall made the police close a road. The river went over the banks, making it impassable. But every day for two weeks at least one car drove past the warning sign and right … Continue reading Our coordinate, route & destination for peace
When you cannot direct the winds
When people go through a tough time in life, they sometimes lash out at the people they care about most. After a hard day, in a period of anxious uncertainty, or during a year of gut-wrenching decision-making, we can blame, shame or yell at the people in our own boat—after all, they’re the ones close … Continue reading When you cannot direct the winds
