A.W. Milne was a missionary. He and some others became known as the one-way missionaries. They bought one-way tickets because as they went to far flung regions and into uncertain circumstances they knew they might face danger, lose their lives, and never come back.So they did something strange. They packed all of their belongings to … Continue reading Pack your coffin
putting God first
A leader above all leaders
There’s often more happening in Bible stories than we realize. Take, for example, when Jesus fed 5000 men in the wilderness. Yes, it shows us that Jesus can do miraculous things. But it also demonstrates that he is the new and greater Moses. Here’s what I mean, and why it matters. Moses led God’s people … Continue reading A leader above all leaders
Whose kingdom?
Herod Antipas decapitated John the Baptist. In short, Herod married his brother’s wife, Herodias. This was contrary to biblical law. John the Baptist criticized him for it and was thrown in jail. During his birthday party, Herod made a lavish promise to his stepdaughter: “Whatever you ask I will give you, up to half my … Continue reading Whose kingdom?
They tied a rope around his ankle
[New podcast and blog - link below] ~ “But only the high priest entered the inner room, and that only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance” (Hebrews 9:7). Bill Leslie described the high and holy reverence that was shown … Continue reading They tied a rope around his ankle
Preparing for big situations with little situations
In the previous devotional I said that honouring God in a big situation is 99% preparation. We know this to be true in other aspects of life. Let’s say that a sprinter wants to be successful in his race. That race represents 1% of his time. The other 99% is preparation. The same can be … Continue reading Preparing for big situations with little situations
Honouring God in big situations
Jesus did big things. So did his early followers. They spoke boldly, even in the face of violent opposition. They loved enemies, turned the other cheek, gave freely, and laid down their lives for others. Too often, we find ourselves being people-pleasers instead of God-pleasers. Instead of saying or doing something which honours God but … Continue reading Honouring God in big situations
He makes your life better, not worse
Don Miller tells a story about when he started to take God more seriously in his life. A key moment came at Christmas: “For my mother that year I had purchased a shabby Christmas gift—a book, the contents of which she would never be interested in. I had had a sum of money with which … Continue reading He makes your life better, not worse
When a relationship becomes TOO central to your soul
“I am the LORD; that is my name! I will not yield my glory to another…” (Isaiah 42:8). I’ve been writing about your soul’s appetite. Fill it with the wrong thing and be eternally corroded; fill it with the right thing and be eternally contented. We’re spending a few days on “wrong things,” contrasted with … Continue reading When a relationship becomes TOO central to your soul
Jim Carrey’s wish
Recently my wife Laura came across a quote by actor Jim Carrey: “I think everyone should get rich and famous and do everything they dreamed of so they can see that it is not the answer.” Imagine that scenario playing out. Everyone gets rich. Then they get famous. They do whatever they want. They assume … Continue reading Jim Carrey’s wish
Single-minded fidelity
Hebrews 1:5 says: “For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father”? It’s a rhetorical question. The answer is ‘None.’ Jesus is greater than angels. Apparently some people had been doubting Jesus. Since they were still seeking the wisdom, strength and blessing of God, … Continue reading Single-minded fidelity
