In Luke 6 Jesus is teaching the masses about God’s kingdom and love. He says: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:36). Yup, it’s a tough time. For you, but also for others. That’s why we should show mercy proactively. Is there someone who has said something to you in haste? Is … Continue reading Imitate God, disappoint Satan
mercy
Blessed are the merciful
In Matthew 5:7 Jesus says, “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” As I shared yesterday, my Gingrich New Testament dictionary tells me that someone who is “blessed” is the “privileged recipient of divine favor.” In other words, blessed people have been shown generosity (or favour) from God. Those who show mercy … Continue reading Blessed are the merciful
Going out of your way for compassion
Before I tell you about Evan, let me share Colossians 3:12: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion…” Okay, back to Evan. He was a boy from St. George, Ontario in Canada. He had an inoperable brain tumor. He was so ill that they worried he wouldn’t live long … Continue reading Going out of your way for compassion
You’ve ALREADY forgiven them, right?
Many of us have memorized the Lord’s Prayer, including this line: “And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.” The original Greek word for “trespasses” is epheilemata which could also be translated as debt, or sin. But what I want to emphasize today is how the entire sentence should actually … Continue reading You’ve ALREADY forgiven them, right?
Desensitized
Unfortunately, because we get bombarded by stories of trauma and travesty on a daily basis, we’re at risk of desensitization. Seeing commercials about suffering children used to be alarming. Now they’re “normal.” Hearing about disasters or shootings used to be rare. Now they seem to be commonplace. Nearly every grocery store line I go through … Continue reading Desensitized
The boy who thought he was a turkey–and the true meaning of Christmas
John 1:9 "The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world." (ESV) Today's Thought Joseph Shulam is a pastor in Jerusalem. He tells a strange-but-powerful story that sears the true meaning of Christmas into your mind. One day after coming home, a young boy took off his clothes and went into the back … Continue reading The boy who thought he was a turkey–and the true meaning of Christmas
A noose God has already loosed
1 Peter 2:24 "[Jesus] himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness…” (NIV) Today's Thought In 1829 George Wilson robbed a mail carrier. For a crime “against the peace and dignity of the United States of America” and endangering the mailman he … Continue reading A noose God has already loosed
