Tomorrow is Good Friday. Today is a lesser-known day called Maundy Thursday—not “Monday” but “Maundy.”The word “Maundy” comes from Jesus’ words in John 13:34. Although he spoke Aramaic, the oldest record of his words are in Greek. Those words have been translated into many languages, including Latin. “Mandatum novum” is the Latin wording for “new … Continue reading He washed Judas’ feet
loving one another
The relational nature of our faith
We live in a time in which we have incredible access to information. This includes information about our faith. If we want to know when the Exodus happened, where Nazareth was, or what verses talk about angels, we can look them up in one of a thousand different resources.We can also research end-times theories, in-depth … Continue reading The relational nature of our faith
Prioritizing what Jesus prioritizes
In the previous devotional we talked about “distracted living.” Just how someone can become a “distracted driver” when behind the wheel, we can lose our focus about what and who matters most in life.As the people of God, it can be helpful to think deliberately about this with the following question: Am I prioritizing what … Continue reading Prioritizing what Jesus prioritizes
Distracted driving, or distracted living?
One of the biggest threats to road safety today is distracted driving. The national collision database says it contributed to 25.5% of serious injury collisions in 2021. Each year it seems to be increasing. A national survey found that 79% of drivers admitted to being distracted while driving. But this devotional isn’t about distracted driving. It’s … Continue reading Distracted driving, or distracted living?
Christian is also a verb
When we call ourselves “Christians” what do we think that means?The earliest followers of Jesus were called “disciples.” That word is used about 269 times.In those early days, the followers of Jesus were also called the people of “the Way.” That phrase occurs five times. So, when did the title “Christian” come into use? We first … Continue reading Christian is also a verb
This is how we know that we love the children of God
The apostle John wrote: “Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen” (1 John 4:20). As we can see, loving other people in the church is clearly important. … Continue reading This is how we know that we love the children of God
A love-first mentality
“Do everything in love” (1 Corinthians 16:14). Jesus had a love-first mentality. Therefore, we also want to have a love-first mentality. Love isn’t wishy-washy or wobbly. It is a resolute commitment to seeking the good of others. It honours God and is often self-sacrificing. But it takes some work. Our default setting is to take … Continue reading A love-first mentality
Destructive self-importance
An enduring devotional work from the fourteenth century is The Scale of Perfection by Walter Hilton. Hilton was writing to those seeking a deep spiritual life. More specifically, he was writing to a fellow believer most likely in a convent at the time. Among other things, he wrote about humility. His words certainly stand in … Continue reading Destructive self-importance
How do you spell love?
I once heard someone ask, “How do you spell love?” Seems simple, doesn’t it? L-O-V-E. “No,” they said. “You spell it T-I-M-E.”* Technically you don’t spell love like that. But they were obviously making a point: One way you can give someone your love is to give them your time. It’s a powerful message in … Continue reading How do you spell love?
People we don’t like—and our true source of unity
Hebrews 10:24-25 says: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing…” Let me say something which is perhaps a bit awkward. People can be difficult. They can rub us the wrong way. You know … Continue reading People we don’t like—and our true source of unity
