In the past few devotionals, I have been sharing some insights about a parable Jesus told in Matthew 25 about his return.In short, a groom shows up at his own wedding banquet. Five women who were faithfully waiting for him get let in to the festivities. Five women who were unprepared get left out. The … Continue reading Faith, loving action, perseverance
loving others
Serving those who cannot repay us
Mark 9:36-37 describes a moving scene: “He [Jesus] took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, ‘Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.’”Today, people think … Continue reading Serving those who cannot repay us
From observation to participation
In Mark 6 Jesus fed a crowd of 5,000 men with only five loaves and two fish. Before he did so, the disciples had wanted to send the people away so they could get some food. That’s when Jesus looked at them and said, “You give them something to eat” (verse 37). In the Greek, … Continue reading From observation to participation
To the one who has, more will be given
Mark 4:25 causes some people to scratch their heads. They think it’s unfair. That’s where Jesus says: “For to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” To understand what is happening, we need to look at the context. Jesus … Continue reading To the one who has, more will be given
To help you love others
In the previous devotional I encouraged us to think about spiritual disciplines. According to Jeff Loach, they are “historically and biblically rooted ways to deepen your relationship with God.” They are faith-based practices which form you to be more like Jesus. I referenced Bible-reading, prayer, corporate worship, and fasting. These are some of the most … Continue reading To help you love others
What does it mean to bless someone?
In yesterday’s devotional I said that you were born to bless. In a world where many people aren’t sure if they’re here on this earth on purpose or by chance, followers of Jesus can be confident that God has put us here for a reason. So let’s flush out what it means to “bless” someone. … Continue reading What does it mean to bless someone?
Love outpoured
In the past few devotionals we’ve been speaking about holiness. In more recent times, people tend to think that holiness is either (a) about hoity-toity self-righteousness, or (b) an inner state of being. The first is simply wrong, and the second is only half-true. Holiness is about being set-part for a special, godly purpose. If … Continue reading Love outpoured
