“Jesus saves.” We’ve heard it. We’ve said it. We’ve seen it on a thousand billboards. When we put our trust in who Jesus is and what he has done for us, he saves us from the consequences of our sin. Since “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23) this is extremely good news! He … Continue reading Saved FROM calamity FOR abundance
sin
Are others as messed up as you?
Being aware of your own sin can improve your relationships. I realize that might sound counter-intuitive. When we think of sin we tend to think about how it makes things worse, not better. Yes, I understand that. But those who appreciate the gravity of their own brokenness tend to be less judgmental and superior. They … Continue reading Are others as messed up as you?
Labourers or loiterers?
Today is Ash Wednesday, the official start of Lent—the 40-day period of preparation (excluding Sundays) leading up to Easter. Some Christians attend services where ashes are put on their foreheads. In a pandemic, these services will either be skipped or modified. Ashes symbolize our mourning and regret for sin. They also symbolize our mortality. Recall … Continue reading Labourers or loiterers?
The word they erased from the dictionary
Every once in a while dictionaries get updated. Some words get taken out, others get put in, and the meaning of words can change. Someone once said to me that the writers of dictionaries have a disproportionate influence on history. After all, words powerfully impact how we think. Well, the Oxford Junior Dictionary made an … Continue reading The word they erased from the dictionary
Looking down our noses
In Luke 7 we learn about a woman who had a less-than-stellar reputation. Even though we all mess up and have many missteps in our journey with God, it’s probably not something we want to be known for. This woman was known for sin. She went up to Jesus boldly, looking for forgiveness. An on-looking … Continue reading Looking down our noses
Defined by a Saviour, not sin [Plus, ANNOUNCEMENT!]
She had lived a sinful life. And everyone knew it. But Jesus was coming to town. He was the One. He IS the One. The Messiah. The rescuer. The forgiver. The one who makes new. Luke 7:38 paints the scene: “As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet … Continue reading Defined by a Saviour, not sin [Plus, ANNOUNCEMENT!]
Sinicism
Sinicism. You’re right. It’s actually spelled with a C. Cynicism. But lately I’ve been thinking that an overly cynical view of the world is sin—hence, sin-icism. Let me explain. When it comes to plain old cynicism, I get it. There is a lot we could be cynical about. I mean, a lot. Have you watched … Continue reading Sinicism
Or it will be killing you
Sin. It’s a problem. In the world. In you. And in me. (Sorry to begin this devotional with such a heavy topic, but you know it’s true!) How do we fight against it? Well, that’s a big topic too. But let me suggest something you maybe haven’t thought of before. The most famous part of … Continue reading Or it will be killing you
Dirty windows
Someone shared a newspaper clipping with me.* It told about a young couple who had moved into a new home. Every so often the wife would look out the window and see her neighbour hanging her laundry out to dry. “That laundry is not very clean; she doesn’t know how to wash correctly. Perhaps she … Continue reading Dirty windows
Humility holds a mirror
Jesus’ half-brother James was known for his wisdom and faithfulness. In fact, his nickname was “camel knees” because he apparently spent so much time on his knees in prayer that they swelled and became calloused and huge! He wrote: “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is … Continue reading Humility holds a mirror
