Sometimes encouragement comes in the strangest of ways. Like when it feels that everything is going against you. Or when you are being opposed at every turn. Maybe you’re wondering why those negative feelings or experiences can be sources of encouragement. Let me explain. John Climacus was a monk who wrote an influential book in … Continue reading Being warred against
satan
Our enemies shall not touch us
I recently read the biography of an ancient monk named St. Anthony. It was written by the church father and great defender of the faith, Athanasius. I was struck by Anthony’s humility and power. Usually we don’t think of humility and power going together, but they do. When someone is truly humble, God works powerfully … Continue reading Our enemies shall not touch us
The ongoing billboard of Satan’s defeat
The church is an easy target. We follow a perfect Saviour (but are far from perfect ourselves); we have a moral voice through the Scriptures (but often find ourselves on the “wrong side” of shifting contemporary values); we have a history of building hospitals, feeding the poor, working for justice, and providing free education (but … Continue reading The ongoing billboard of Satan’s defeat
The battle you’re in whether you know it or not
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power” (Ephesians 6:10). Spiritual warfare. William Gurnall says that all Christians are in the battle whether they realize it or not, and that the war is so serious that it makes the cruelest battle between human armies seem like child’s play.* But what is spiritual … Continue reading The battle you’re in whether you know it or not
The enemy’s playground
I’ve recently started watching a TV show called Heartland. That’s the name of a horse ranch in Alberta, Canada. Jack is the family patriarch. He has two granddaughters, Lou and Amy, who live on the ranch. Lou runs the business side of things and Amy is a horse trainer, sometimes called “the horse whisperer.” They … Continue reading The enemy’s playground
Battlegrounds without bombshells
Recently, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about the Lordship of Jesus and the difference it makes in our lives. When Jesus appeared to Thomas after his resurrection, he invited him to touch one of his wounds so that Thomas could confirm what he was seeing. In response he cried out: “My Lord and … Continue reading Battlegrounds without bombshells
The Trojan screen
The Trojan Horse was a wooden horse which concealed Greek soldiers. After the horse was taken within the gates of Troy, the soldiers emerged under the cover of night to lead an ambush on their unsuspecting Trojan foes. Today, when someone calls something “a Trojan horse,” they are referring to hidden strategy to take down … Continue reading The Trojan screen
Satan’s kryptonite
James was the half-brother of Jesus and a prominent leader in the early church. In James 4:7-8 he says, “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you.” Resisting Satan and drawing nearer to God are closely related. If, as a disciple of Jesus, … Continue reading Satan’s kryptonite
Tempted? Do this.
We live in the age of the quick fix. And when it comes to temptation, our impulse for instant gratification can lead us astray. So if you're human and deal with temptation, here's something that will help.
Satan
A lot of people don’t think about Satan very much. Sure, they read about him in the Bible sometimes, and hear an allusion to him in a movie now and then. But he probably doesn’t really figure into their daily thoughts. But that’s the thing. He often DOES figure into our daily thoughts. It’s just … Continue reading Satan
The Up Devotional 