In the Old Testament, God is described as master over the waves. God “alone stretched out the heavens and trampled the waves of the sea” (Job 9:8). So even though it’s surprising, it’s no surprise that Jesus walks on water in John 6. After all, he is God come to us in human form. Not … Continue reading It is I; do not be afraid
presence of God
Being alert with God
When a pilot gets into the cockpit I think it’s important that he or she isn’t drunk, dizzy or dozy. There are times when alertness is very important! Imagine writing a final exam, suiting up for a playoff game, or making a big presentation at work and being asleep at the switch. Another time that … Continue reading Being alert with God
Walking in the presence of God, then and now
Consider this scene between the risen Jesus and the two disciples on the road to Emmaus: “When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked … Continue reading Walking in the presence of God, then and now
You don’t have it all together; but he does
You’re not at your best. None of us are. Living through a pandemic—especially through lockdowns—is no walk in the park. Nor is continued political turmoil, fear of illness, or uncertainty about the future. Today I offer a word of comfort. In Luke 4:40 we read: “At sunset, the people brought to Jesus all who had … Continue reading You don’t have it all together; but he does
Blurry thinking
The prophet Elijah was scared. Queen Jezebel had threatened his life. As a result, he fled about 600 kilometres to a cave at Mount Horeb. “What are you doing here, Elijah?” God asked. “He replied, ‘I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and … Continue reading Blurry thinking
The power and the glory
“For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen” (Matthew 6:13, KJV). Several years ago I led an online study. During one of the sessions, I invited participants to share a time when they experienced the powerful presence of God in the midst of a difficult situation. Liz Brown subscribes … Continue reading The power and the glory
In your pain
In the first century, one of the reasons many people rejected the idea that Jesus was the Messiah was because he suffered and experienced pain. We humans can often think that the presence of pain means the absence of God—back then or now. Some people continue to think that suffering—whether it be at the hands … Continue reading In your pain
Christ cannot be quarantined
Where is God in a pandemic? It’s a big question. I addressed it more fully this past Sunday. [Link below.] But for today, let me just say two things. First, God is always on his throne. Nothing ever changes that. He is our sovereign and eternal ruler and king. Second, God is in YOU and … Continue reading Christ cannot be quarantined
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”
When you feel like God isn’t there
It’s easy to think that if you don’t see God dramatically intervening in your life that he isn’t there. If you’ve ever had those kinds of thoughts, you’re not alone. Listen to these famous voices from the Bible itself: -Gideon: “If the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us?” (Judges 6:13) … Continue reading When you feel like God isn’t there
The Up Devotional 