There’s an expression that drives me nuts: ‘God helps those who help themselves.’ (No, it’s not from the Bible.) Even though it’s true that God helps those who help themselves, he doesn’t ONLY help those who help themselves. He also helps the down and out and those who are chasing their tails. In Romans 8:26 … Continue reading In our weakness that strength goes viral
power of God
It’s not You-ianity
The word ‘religion’ comes from the same Latin root as ‘ligament,’ meaning ‘to bind.’ In this sense, ‘religion’ refers to a system of beliefs and practices that ‘bind’ us to God and other people in a community. That’s obviously a good thing. But there’s another way the word ‘religion’ is used which I think is … Continue reading It’s not You-ianity
Personal THEN powerful
At a monthly, regional meeting of church elders in central Ontario, my colleague and friend, William Han, spoke about evangelism. He’s served as a pastor, as the Executive Vice President at Lausanne Canada, and is currently a church planting catalyst with the North American Mission Board. The more he spoke, the more passionate he became. … Continue reading Personal THEN powerful
Marana Tha
Today I’d love to share a short, special prayer with you so that you can include it in your daily arsenal. -When you’re on your knees, or not. -When you’re driving, or walking. -When you’re calm, or fed up. -When you’re composed, or frazzled. It’s biblical, easy to memorize, and powerful. “Marana Tha.” It’s Aramaic … Continue reading Marana Tha
That same God
Check this out: --“And God said, ‘Let there be light’…” (Genesis 1:3) --“The LORD had said to Abram, “Go from your country…” (Genesis 12:1) --“God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” (Exodus 3:4) --“Then the LORD spoke to Job out of the storm…” (Job 38:1) --“Then [Isaiah] heard the voice of the … Continue reading That same God
Powered by God
This week I’ve been focusing on Acts 2:38 that describes how Peter preached to a huge crowed in Jerusalem, saying: “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” This week we’ve already talked … Continue reading Powered by God
The power of “God be with you”
The presence and power of God are always around us—sometimes we just need the reminder. Let me give an example. Many of us say “goodbye” to someone when we part. A few years ago I learned that “goodbye” is from an old word “godbwye.” It’s a short form of “God be with you.” People used … Continue reading The power of “God be with you”
the good news about your weakness
One of the mistakes we often make is to pretend we have it all together when we don’t. It happens innocently enough. A lot of us are doing our prayerful best to grow and become more like Jesus. But we can exaggerate or embellish our progress! Take me for example. I often don’t have answers to … Continue reading the good news about your weakness
Access to the greatest power on earth
Listen to Paul’s powerful prayer in Ephesians 3:16-17: “I pray that out of [God’s] glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.” When you decide to be a Christian — that is, when you acknowledge your brokenness and … Continue reading Access to the greatest power on earth
When bad things amplify good things
Recently I threw out my back. Again. It frustrated me. I’m a super-motivated person who likes to be doing things. And there I was, relegated to my bed for large swaths of my day. I could hear my watch ticking—as if it was taunting me! Lol You’re right. I probably need to relax more. But … Continue reading When bad things amplify good things
