The past several devotionals have been about hearing (or discerning) God’s voice in our lives. We’ve talked about the importance of the Bible, prayer, seeking the counsel of other godly people, and being humble. Here’s something else to consider: love. If you think you’re receiving some sort of message for God, and it does not … Continue reading Love is important to God—and to his people
love
Love one another: The meaning of Maundy Thursday
Today is Maundy Thursday. The word “Maundy” comes from the Latin translation of Jesus’ words in John 13:34. “Mandatum novum” means “new commandment.” This new commandment is to “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” We could spend a lifetime pondering and applying those words. And we do. … Continue reading Love one another: The meaning of Maundy Thursday
Who do you want me to love for you today?
In 1 John 3:14 we read: “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love each other.” In World War Two, Japan occupied Korea. There were religious shrines set up all over the place and people were expected to bow down to them. Esther Ahn Kim was a Christian who refused. … Continue reading Who do you want me to love for you today?
215 children
As a pastor, I spend some time in cemeteries. It’s moving to see visitors taking care of headstones, planting flowers, or simply spending quiet moments in reflection or prayer. The peace and tranquility of those scenes stands in stark contrast to a discovery in British Columbia, Canada, where the remains of 215 children were found … Continue reading 215 children
Good kinds of hurt?
This might sound strange, but there are good kinds of hurt. Obviously, not all hurt is good, but some of it can be. Here’s what I mean. What I’ve just said is very counter-cultural. A case could be made that our society is highly hedonistic. That’s where the pursuit of pleasure and happiness is the … Continue reading Good kinds of hurt?
Forgiven people love people
In Luke 7:41-42, Jesus told a story about two people who had their debts forgiven. One of them had a particularly big debt erased. As a result, they reeeeeeaaaally loved the person who forgave them. No kidding! In verse 47, Jesus summarized his point like this: “whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” Or, put … Continue reading Forgiven people love people
People of patience sleep on it
1 Corinthians 13 is well-known for its profound description of love. There is so much wisdom jam-packed into that one short chapter that many of the words get leap-frogged and passed over. So let’s pause for a moment on these three: “Love is patient…” (verse 4) Here’s a very practical application about how to be loving … Continue reading People of patience sleep on it
Playing Favourites
James 2:1 makes it clear: “believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.” But what is favouritism? It’s showing preferential treatment to someone based on status or outward appearances. James gives the example of two men coming into a meeting. One has fancy clothes and the other has “filthy old clothes.” If … Continue reading Playing Favourites
Giving Grace
Things are crazy right now. Can I get an Amen? Remember when the pandemic started and everyone was very supportive of one another? Fast forward to today and we’re all wearing thin. We are stretched. We are tired. We are weary. We are impatient. We are bombarded by news reports, conspiracy theories, and decisions which … Continue reading Giving Grace
Not everything, but something
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). Tony Campolo was doing work for an organization that does amazing things over the world, including Haiti. One night he was going into his hotel in Port-au-Prince when he was approached by three girls in their early teens. They indicated that he … Continue reading Not everything, but something
The Up Devotional 