In Chase the Lion, Mark Batterson talks about a special sermon by Dr. Halverson called the “old man speech.” Here’s the gist of what he says: You’re going to meet an old man one day down the road. He will be you. He is the composite of everything you are thinking, saying and doing right … Continue reading The future you
spiritual growth
Suffering can produce perseverance
I recently learned about a bird in the Australian rainforest called the Cassowary. If you google a picture you’ll see that it is not to be messed with. It can fight off large predators, and even humans! A little known fact is that it plays a part in germinating the seeds of the rare Ryparosa … Continue reading Suffering can produce perseverance
To help you love others
In the previous devotional I encouraged us to think about spiritual disciplines. According to Jeff Loach, they are “historically and biblically rooted ways to deepen your relationship with God.” They are faith-based practices which form you to be more like Jesus. I referenced Bible-reading, prayer, corporate worship, and fasting. These are some of the most … Continue reading To help you love others
God doesn’t expect us to grow on our own
Spiritual disciplines. According to Jeff Loach, they are “historically and biblically rooted ways to deepen your relationship with God.” Although some people can get tripped up by the word “discipline,” they needn’t be. These are faith-based practices which form you to be more like Jesus. (Have you ever noticed that the word “discipline” looks a … Continue reading God doesn’t expect us to grow on our own
The ‘unforgivable sin’
I sometimes get asked about the ‘unforgivable sin.’ It’s found in Mark 3:28-30. Jesus said: “Truly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the children of man, and whatever blasphemies they utter, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”—for they were saying, “He … Continue reading The ‘unforgivable sin’
It’s about Jesus
I’m often curious about the day-to-day spiritual practices of famous, faithful people. Did they shine only when others were watching, or was their devotion to God sincere and consistent? Did Saint Francis ever have dry spells in his prayer life? Was Billy Graham gracious to others when he was off the stage? Did Augustine frequently … Continue reading It’s about Jesus
Integrity is a trajectory
If you are increasing in spiritual maturity you are going to have an increasingly honest understanding of yourself. Yes, you will grow in confidence that you are a child of God. But at the same time you will become increasingly aware of your own sin. This is one of the things that makes you more … Continue reading Integrity is a trajectory
Prayer, meditation, affliction
The biblical writers were very honest! What God says through them is refreshing, helpful, hopeful, truthful… and sometimes challenging. Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. Technically, it’s anonymous. Verse 71 says: “It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.” Can you repeat that again? Did … Continue reading Prayer, meditation, affliction
Make me receptive soil
In the parable of the sower, Jesus describes a sower who sows some seed—which, he says, is a metaphor for the word of God. Ideally, the seed lands on receptive soil. Luke 8:15 spells it out: “the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain … Continue reading Make me receptive soil
Roots, testing and falling away
The Parable of the Sower is one of Jesus’ most famous parables. A sower sows some seed—which, Jesus indicates, is a metaphor for the word of God. Ideally, the seed lands on receptive soil. That’s what you and I should want for everyone. But there are a few situations which don’t work out. One is … Continue reading Roots, testing and falling away
