Here in Canada it’s Thanksgiving Monday. Even though it’s a tough time, there’s a lot to be thankful for. I’ve got a gratitude list the length of the Great Wall of China. But today I want to think about thankfulness from another angle. There was a time when the ancient Israelites were exiled from their … Continue reading Contributors, not just receivers
thankful
A simple ‘Thank you, Lord’ — from Little House to yours
Here in Canada it’s Thanksgiving Monday. I remember an episode of the iconic Little House on the Prairie. The dad and farmer in the family was Charles Ingalls, played by Michael Landon. It was harvest time. He walked through his bountiful field, swaying his hands through his beautiful crop. As he did so he looked … Continue reading A simple ‘Thank you, Lord’ — from Little House to yours
What you’ve already been given
Bob Russel tells a story about a farmer who once grew discontent on his farm.* The lake needed to be stocked and managed and the farm itself was an incredible amount of work. It was hilly, the cows needed tending, and the fences needed mending. He decided he was unhappy and wanted to move somewhere … Continue reading What you’ve already been given
Guarding against the noose of envy
Being thankful is harder than it seems. But it’s worth it. It can exponentially improve your outlook. And, as I’ll explain on Sunday, intentional gratitude can even play a significant role in improving your mental health. But a part of the reason it can be hard to cultivate an attitude of gratitude is because there … Continue reading Guarding against the noose of envy
Give God the credit
If your friend fixed your garage door for free, and then someone came over the next day and complimented it, what would you do? You'd give your friend the credit. Why don't we do the same for God?
Writing ‘thank you’ on every bill?
Romans 13:1 says, “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.” A lot of people discount this verse for a whole host of reasons. It makes them uncomfortable. But even though governments are made up of flawed humans who often miss the mark, I … Continue reading Writing ‘thank you’ on every bill?
Surviving a firing squad
Before he was a writer, Fyodor Dostoevsky was arrested by the czar of Russia and sentenced to death by firing squad. Leading up to the day of his execution, Dostoevsky became acutely aware of the gift of life. He savoured every moment, every meal, every memory. He knew he had only so long to enjoy … Continue reading Surviving a firing squad
Three tips to go deeper
Yesterday I shared the powerful story of Corrie ten Boom and her ability to be thankful even in hellish experiences. Following the lead of 1 Thessalonians 5:18 where Paul says to “give thank in all circumstances,” she was even able to thank God for the fleas in a World War Two concentration camp. It might … Continue reading Three tips to go deeper
Thankful in a hellish experience
During World War Two, Corrie ten Boom and her family sheltered many Jews who were fleeing the Nazis. In 1944 the Nazi police seized Corrie, her sister Betsie, and their father. They ended up in a concentration camp, all the while holding firm to the promises of God. One day they moved into Barracks 28. … Continue reading Thankful in a hellish experience
At risk of contamination
Last year I overheard a child ask his mother this question: “What is Easter about?” The mom paused for a moment and said, “It’s about family and fun and chocolate and spring.” A part of me wanted to whip out my Bible and say, “Actually, it’s about the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ!” But … Continue reading At risk of contamination
The Up Devotional 