“Keep me as the apple of your eye…” (Psalm 17:8)There is a deep human tendency to over-value our achievements. For example, in the movie Rocky, the hard-working boxer’s girlfriend asks him why it is so important for him to “go the distance” in the ring. “Then I’ll know I’m not a bum,” he replies.In the … Continue reading You are more than what the world says you are
purpose
Tragedy: a life without purpose
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10).Rick Warren states: “The greatest tragedy is not death, but life without purpose.”*He’s onto something. For some people, death is most certainly a tragedy. For God’s people, however, it is … Continue reading Tragedy: a life without purpose
The domino effect in the kingdom
“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow” (1 Corinthians 3:6). One of JRR Tolkien’s characters was called Niggle. He spent his entire life trying to paint a picture of a forest. In fact, he envisioned an entire beautiful landscape. But before he could finish, he died. Andy Bannister describes what … Continue reading The domino effect in the kingdom
Your “calling”
What are you “called” to do? The word “calling” can be intimidating. It makes us think of being a missionary, starting a homeless shelter, or coordinating an after-school program for inner city kids. But all of us have a calling, even if we don’t do those sorts of things. First, we’re called to be disciples … Continue reading Your “calling”
Identity and purpose
In yesterday's devotional, I told you about a formula which is used by pastor Jay Strother: Jesus + ___________ = a false gospel.* If we add anything to what Jesus has accomplished for us, we are diminishing his achievement. That’s what Strother’s formula is meant to show. We are made right with God based on … Continue reading Identity and purpose
Glory, then joy
There's a famous (and historic) teaching tool which presents deep biblical truths in question and answer format. It's called the Westminster Shorter Catechism. The first entry is the most famous. Question: "What is the chief end of man?" These days, we might say it like this: What is the ultimate goal of a person's life? … Continue reading Glory, then joy
For such a time as this
Have you ever wondered if you should have been born in another time? Perhaps 19th century France or even in the pioneer days? I realize that it’s fun to dream. But God isn’t that haphazard. God’s people were chosen before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4). He fashioned us in our mother’s wombs and … Continue reading For such a time as this
Little actions, big mission
In one of his speeches John F. Kennedy said that America would put a man on the moon by the end of the decade. “In a very real sense,” he said, “it will not be one man going to the moon—it will be an entire nation. For all of us must work to put him … Continue reading Little actions, big mission
Does your actual life reflect your purpose?
Yesterday, I invited you to write down on a piece of paper the purpose of your life. Some of you will have done that right away. Some of you are taking some more time to think about it. Let me share a next step for whenever you’re ready. Take a bit of time to ask … Continue reading Does your actual life reflect your purpose?
Write down your purpose
In the previous devotional I highlighted Jesus’ words: “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10, ESV). I’d like to invite you to do something. It’s kind of heavy. But I think it’s super-important. Write down on a piece of paper the purpose of your life. You can write it … Continue reading Write down your purpose
