In yesterday’s devotional I shared a few words about the woman caught in adultery in John 8.It’s a powerful and beautiful example of how Jesus “came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).Today let’s focus on a much-neglected detail. In verse 7 he said: “Let any one of you who is without … Continue reading The only one qualified to throw the stone didn’t
mercy
Fatty foods in the cupboard and sin in the heart
Today is known as Shrove Tuesday. It’s the day before Lent begins on Ash Wednesday.The name comes from a practice in England to “shrive” on this day—meaning confessing our sins and seeking God’s forgiveness.Since many people fast during Lent, there was (and is) a custom of using up fatty foods on this day to get … Continue reading Fatty foods in the cupboard and sin in the heart
Being pursued by goodness and mercy
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life…” (Psalm 23:6, ESV) Max Lucado tells a story about a mother and her first grade son, Timmy. She became worried when Timmy wanted to walk to school by himself. The mother wasn’t sure it was a good idea. But Timmy thought it … Continue reading Being pursued by goodness and mercy
Shrove Tuesday and confessing sin
Today is known as Shrove Tuesday. It’s the day before Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. The name comes from a practice in England to “shrive” on this day—meaning confessing our sins and seeking God’s forgiveness. Since many people fast during Lent, there was (and is) a custom of using up fatty foods on this day … Continue reading Shrove Tuesday and confessing sin
Grace opens doors
She had been caught in the act of adultery. In the very act! She was dragged out in public for everyone to see. According to the law, they could have stoned her. They brought the case to Jesus to test him. He said: “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first … Continue reading Grace opens doors
We want Scott!
In 1991 Scott Norwood played for the Buffalo Bills football team. It was the Super Bowl. There was time for one last play. The Bills were down by one point. That’s when Norwood came onto the field. He was their leading scorer. If he scored, they would win. The world watched as he got ready … Continue reading We want Scott!
A recipe for national happiness?
Generally speaking, people want to be happy. But what is happiness, anyway? Is it related to status, money, or an all-expenses paid vacation? What about a lollipop while watching the sunset? I want to briefly share four “ingredients of true happiness” according to John Calvin, a theologian from the 1500’s. I value his insight not … Continue reading A recipe for national happiness?
Not just what to believe, but how
In Luke 16:14 we are told about Pharisees who “loved money” and who were “sneering at Jesus.” Jesus said: “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in God’s sight” (verse 15). Shortly afterward Jesus then told the story of … Continue reading Not just what to believe, but how
Showing mercy broadly
In the well-known story of the Good Samaritan, two respectful people—a priest and a Levite—pass by a man who has been stripped, beaten, and left half-dead. He needs help, but they don't. Luke 10:33-34 tell us what happens next: “But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, … Continue reading Showing mercy broadly
The baggage of bitterness
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:31-32). There’s a medieval story about two monks. They came to a choppy river that was very fast moving, but … Continue reading The baggage of bitterness
