“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:1-3).What does … Continue reading Who are we most closely tethered to?
perspective
Even if I could multiply myself a thousand times
“In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him” (1 John 4:9).Autumn is a time of gratitude. The leaves on the trees are beautiful. We sing “Great is thy faithfulness” and remind ourselves about the good people … Continue reading Even if I could multiply myself a thousand times
What if we stopped chasing?
Gregory was a church father from the sixth century. He said: “You can tell how much you love something by the degree of sorrow you experience when you lose it.”*I think that’s a helpful piece of perspective. If I buy a new expensive watch, and if I am so utterly devastated when I lose it … Continue reading What if we stopped chasing?
When all seems broken, uncertain or wrong
Professor Michael Reeves says: “When all seems broken, uncertain, or wrong, remember God the unchanging who, through it all, cannot be broken, uncertain, or wrong.”* Let’s just sit with that for a minute. Are there times when things seem broken?Are there times when things seem uncertain?Are there times when things seem wrong?Yes, yes, and yes. … Continue reading When all seems broken, uncertain or wrong
Humbly. Thankfully. Gladly.
John Bunyan was a Christian who had his share of ups and downs, including time in prison for his beliefs. He was separated from loved ones, including his wife and children. Instead of beating him down, his hardships built him up. They refined and fortified his faith. In a biography about his life, the following … Continue reading Humbly. Thankfully. Gladly.
Having sight but no vision
Helen Keller was an inspirational figure. She was born in 1880 in Alabama. When she was only a toddler she got a high fever. As a result, she became blind and deaf. She couldn’t see or hear. At the time, doctors called it “brain fever.” Today, doctors speculate that it was most likely scarlet fever … Continue reading Having sight but no vision
Laughter—through the tough times too
“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones” (Proverbs 17:22). “Laughter is the best medicine.” We’ve probably all heard that expression. It may be based on the proverb quoted above. I’m not sure. Either way, the expression (and proverb) resonates because (a) we know it to be true from … Continue reading Laughter—through the tough times too
Fear: a doorway, not a disaster
Have you ever noticed how much angels tell people to not be afraid? When Gabriel appeared to Mary, he said: “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God…” (Luke 1:30) When the angel appeared to the shepherds keeping watch over their flocks, he said: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good … Continue reading Fear: a doorway, not a disaster
Supersizing the wrong things
In the previous devotional we talked about simplicity of lifestyle and how it can keep you focussed on what matters most. Today, let’s continue with that same theme. To be clear, what matters most is God. If we fail to appreciate that, the mixed-up culture around us will also mix-up our priority list. Kevin Myers … Continue reading Supersizing the wrong things
Look for the good
I read about a psychology experiment. Some of the participants were sad. Others were happy. The entire group was asked to descramble messages. There were a variety of phrases which could be made. Here’s what happened. The people who were already sad created more sad messages, even though happier ones were possible. And people who … Continue reading Look for the good
