The cross is central to the Christian faith. After all, Jesus says: “whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:27). Clearly, it’s not just about what he did, but about what we do. It’s easy to forget how jarring the cross was (and is). We see it on … Continue reading No matter the cost
sacrifice
The Righteous for the rebel
In the book of Isaiah there are four “servant songs” which include prophecies about a future Messiah who is also a servant who suffers on behalf of his people. This Messiah and servant is Jesus. Isaiah 53:12 (CSB) says that “he bore the sin of many and interceded for the rebels.” At first glance, this … Continue reading The Righteous for the rebel
Why it’s called ‘good’ Friday
There’s a marine training facility called Parris Island. A young man signed up who was a bit out of step with the others. He was nice enough—but he just didn’t fit in. As a result he got picked on. A lot. In his barracks there were guys who were particularly mean. One of them came … Continue reading Why it’s called ‘good’ Friday
When you stand out
A lot of people in North American don’t realize it, but according to Open Doors Canada, 260 million Christians around the world experience high levels of persecution because of their faith in Christ. Globally, that’s about 1 in every 8 Christians. “Every day, an average of eight Christians are killed for their faith and 23 … Continue reading When you stand out
Those who live sacrificially
There are times when we’re just not sure what to do. We need some advice and direction. Yesterday I pointed out that in times like these,God puts people in our lives to help us pilot our lives. But how do we know who these people are? Well, Paul tells us. Someone he lifts up as … Continue reading Those who live sacrificially
Mountain Goat Grace
I heard a story about some mountain goats that lived near the top of a rocky mountain. Around one end of the mountain was a narrow ledge. It was only a foot wide. Fortunately, mountain goats can navigate narrow ledges. One goat started to walk around the ledge from one side of the mountain, and … Continue reading Mountain Goat Grace
Good Friday and a grenade
There’s a marine training facility called Parris Island. A young man signed up who was a bit out of step with the others. He was nice enough—but he just didn’t fit in. As a result he got picked on. A lot. In his barracks there were guys who were particularly mean. One of them came … Continue reading Good Friday and a grenade
Love is…
Everyone loves the idea of love. I'm not necessarily talking about romantic love (although what I'm about to say applies to that too), but love in general. Who's ever heard of someone saying they don’t like love, or that love is bad? Since it’s so widely venerated and used, it’s a word that can easily … Continue reading Love is…
What you give up God fills up
You know that serving and helping others is a good thing. But it leaves you tired. So is it worth it? I think so. And here's why.
If you’re not giving up something
You probably think you're a fairly "giving person." But if you don't do this, you're probably not. (With thanks to the widow's offering.)
