Can you imagine meeting Jesus face-to-face? What would you say? What would you ask him? What do you think he would ask you?It’s amazing to think that one day we will actually get the opportunity to see and speak with our Lord. Until then we learn about him and hear his voice in Scripture. Augustine said … Continue reading Christs to one another
martin luther
Halloween… and Reformation Day
October 31st has become synonymous with Halloween—the day where kids get dressed up, forego the don’t-talk-to-strangers rule, and get a candy buzz that could fly them to the moon. But the date has a greater historical significance. It’s the day when Martin Luther formally began a protest over certain problems in the church of his … Continue reading Halloween… and Reformation Day
Prayer, meditation, affliction
The biblical writers were very honest! What God says through them is refreshing, helpful, hopeful, truthful… and sometimes challenging. Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. Technically, it’s anonymous. Verse 71 says: “It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.” Can you repeat that again? Did … Continue reading Prayer, meditation, affliction
Laughing in the Devil’s face
I recently came across a correspondence between the Reformer Martin Luther and a friend. in The Voice, Keith S. Lindley sets the scene like this: “In July of 1530, Martin Luther penned a letter to his dear friend, Jerome Weller. During a season of depression, Weller began to doubt the reality of his salvation, and … Continue reading Laughing in the Devil’s face
Through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit
Caroling. It’s one of those things that just might be fading away. I hope not. But it may be. I wonder why. Perhaps as towns turn into cities fewer people know their neighbours and therefore feel uncomfortable singing to them. Perhaps it's because as a society we tend to do less singing in general. Perhaps … Continue reading Through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit
I am only the workshop in which God operates
I’ve been reflecting a lot about Mary. A messenger from God named Gabriel came to her. “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” (Luke 1:28, ESV). He went on to tell her that she would miraculously give birth to the Messiah. Here is her response: “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; … Continue reading I am only the workshop in which God operates
The Five Solas
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand” (Romans 5:1-2). When most people look at October 31st on their calendar, they think of Halloween. However, it is also Reformation … Continue reading The Five Solas
The bride whose life was changed
Martin Luther provided an illustration about who we are as God’s people. Imagine a king marrying a poor girl who was also a prostitute, he said. Her life had been filled with poverty, regret, sin and shame. But all of a sudden, things are different because of the marriage. Her status is now changed—she is … Continue reading The bride whose life was changed
Being Christlike to one another
The great Reformer Martin Luther, wrote: “each person ought to become to the other a kind of Christ, so that we may be Christs to one another…“* One of our goals in life is sanctification. I know, I know, big word. But all it means is to become holy, or to become more like Christ. … Continue reading Being Christlike to one another
With humility comes wisdom
[Last devotional until September 6th, 2021. See note below.] Proverbs 11:2 says: “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” Have you ever wondered why that is? It’s because pride wants to take the wheel and be in control. Humility, on the other hand, is about kicking out arrogance so that God’s … Continue reading With humility comes wisdom