King David was able to persevere through many challenges in his life. I think he was able to do this—even through such pain and difficulty—because he was CALLED by God to a godly purpose. 1 Samuel 16 tells the story of his anointing as the future king of Israel. He knew that God has summoned … Continue reading The power of perseverance
meaning
What you’re doing impacts how you’re doing
Yesterday I highlighted Psalm 37. David was feeling frustrated by his lot in life. He felt persecuted and under threat. He had a concern that bad people seem to prosper more than good people. He was angry, and was somehow hurting. Despite all this, he stressed that God’s people should do good regardless of their … Continue reading What you’re doing impacts how you’re doing
A purpose that offsets your pain
In Psalm 37 David is feeling frustrated by his lot in life. He feels persecuted and under threat. He has a concern that bad people seem to prosper more than good people. He’s angry, and has somehow been hurt or is hurting. But this is what he says: “Do not fret because of those who … Continue reading A purpose that offsets your pain
The dead faith of the living?
Theologian Jaroslav Pelikan said: “Tradition is the living faith of the dead, traditionalism is the dead faith of the living.” Let me explain. Tradition is the “living faith of the dead.” It’s a reference to the dynamic and life-changing Christian faith of those who have gone on before us, and which we remember through certain … Continue reading The dead faith of the living?
Is the point of life to be a good person?
Is the point of life to be a good person? A lot of people think so. But what do they mean by “good”? Many things that were “good” in our society 50 years ago are no longer “good.” And many things that are “good” today will no longer be considered “good” 50 years from now. … Continue reading Is the point of life to be a good person?
Time to build your old self a coffin and re-enter the world?
“When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.” I’m guessing none of us would use that statement for a church outreach campaign. ‘Hey everybody, come discover what it’s like to follow Christ! It’s great; plus, you die in the process!’ The quote is from The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. He … Continue reading Time to build your old self a coffin and re-enter the world?
Smashed trophies
I heard a story about a college student who REALLY wanted to be the school tennis champion. It was all he wanted. He focused exclusively on that goal to the detriment of his relationships, grades and everything else. And he did it. He won the championship! And the trophy was prominently displayed in the school’s … Continue reading Smashed trophies
You’re not starting at ground zero
In North America depression is on the rise. But why? It’s a complicated topic, but psychologist Martin Seligman says we have replaced church, faith, and community with a tiny little unit that cannot bear the weight of meaning—and that tiny little unit is “the self.” What I think he means is that when people used … Continue reading You’re not starting at ground zero
Despite your circumstances
Viktor Frankl was a psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor. In World War Two he was in a concentration camp serving voluntarily as a doctor to his fellow prisoners. Some men approached him because they thought they found a way to escape. They wanted to know if he wanted in on the plan. He thought about it… … Continue reading Despite your circumstances
Doing something “significant”
[My apologies to those of you who received this yesterday as well -- programming error!] What does it mean to do something “significant”? John Bowen tells a story about his friend Paul, a top student at Yale University. During his summers he was a camp counselor. He worked in a program that helped disabled young people. … Continue reading Doing something “significant”
