In his book Person of Interest, detective J. Warner Wallace highlights how many political, practical, and linguistic factors came together to maximize the impact and influence of Jesus on the world at that specific time in history. At the pinnacle of Roman Rule, vast areas “were unified under the same economic, military, and linguistic systems.”* … Continue reading God’s big-picture providence for you
providence
What angels do
Hebrews 1:14 says: “Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” We can learn at least four things from this. First, angels are ministering spirits—or, put another way—serving spirits. If you wanted to find a verse that furthered the idea of guardian angels this could be one of them. … Continue reading What angels do
Sustained by his powerful word
Bible scholar Luke Timothy Johnson says the most important question we need to answer is whether or not Jesus is alive. Not only do we believe in the Jesus of history, but in the Jesus who was raised and continues to be alive—reigning and ruling at God’s right hand. See Hebrews 1:3: “The Son [i.e. … Continue reading Sustained by his powerful word
Confidence in providence
Do you ever feel like God may have had a plan for your life at some point in the past, but since you keep messing up he’s probably moved on to someone else to help him accomplish his purposes? If that’s you, think bigger. You should broaden your understanding of God’s… Providence. In short, providence … Continue reading Confidence in providence
Not disqualified
When we’ve made mistakes or experienced failure in the past, we can mistakenly think that we are defined by those experiences on an ongoing basis and that God has no further use for us. But as I said yesterday, God is not limited by your limitations. To think that your previous failures handcuff God’s power … Continue reading Not disqualified
Failure is never final
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (Psalm 73:26). Have you ever felt like a failure? We can feel like we’ve failed when our lives are not what we had wanted them to be, or when we haven’t handled a certain relationship well, … Continue reading Failure is never final
The comfort of God’s sovereignty
“I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose…” (Isaiah 46:9-10, ESV) Harold Kim tells a story about his friend Daniel who had to bury his wife, Maria, due … Continue reading The comfort of God’s sovereignty
Big God vs little “god”
Joseph’s brothers hated him. They sold him into slavery in Egypt when he was 17. He was falsely accused of assault and sent to prison. But since God gave him the ability to interpret dreams, he eventually provided valuable insight to Pharaoh, the most powerful man in the land, and saved untold numbers of people … Continue reading Big God vs little “god”
Brains like a broken Etch-A-Sketch?
What will next month hold? Or next year? Or the next 5 years? At this point in human history, we’re not so sure. Covid-19 has changed a lot of things. But guess what? God provides. Speaking to the Hebrews in Deuteronomy 8:4, Moses reminded them about this very fact, even as they had wandered through … Continue reading Brains like a broken Etch-A-Sketch?
A licence plate or a message from God?
Frederick Buechner was upset about his daughter’s illness. If you’ve ever worried about a sick child maybe you can relate to that gut-wrenching reality. He was sitting at the side of the road parked in his car depressed and afraid. All of a sudden, another car came up from behind him as if out of nowhere … Continue reading A licence plate or a message from God?
The Up Devotional 