Talking about the return of Jesus, the apostle Peter wrote, “You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming” (2 Peter 3:11-12). But what does it mean to be holy? Something that is holy is set apart; it is made for a special, … Continue reading Don’t shortchange your life
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How to memorize a Bible passage [with Video]
I’ve talked before about memorizing Bible verses as a way to grow spiritually. But I realize some people find it difficult. So I did a short video with some tips. [Click the link below to watch.] Here’s a summary. 1. Pick a passage For this example, let’s choose 2 Timothy 3:16-17: “All Scripture is God-breathed … Continue reading How to memorize a Bible passage [with Video]
Wasting time well spent
Maybe we should all get a bit better at wasting time sometimes. Now hear me out. I’m not saying we should be lazy. And I’m not saying we shouldn’t work hard. We should. Just not every second of every day of every year. We generally look down our noses at wasting time. After all, we’ve … Continue reading Wasting time well spent
Being persecuted for the right (not wrong) reasons
For a few days this week I’m sharing some thoughts about Matthew 24. It’s where Jesus answers a question about when the Jerusalem temple would be torn down, and also when he would return at the “end of the age” (v. 3). In response, he offers various insights about what to expect, including this: “Then … Continue reading Being persecuted for the right (not wrong) reasons
The darker it gets
In Matthew 24, Jesus answers a question from his disciples about when the Jerusalem temple would be torn down, and also when he would return one day in glory at the “end of the age” (v. 3). In response, he offers various insights about things that are going to take place, including this: “Because lawlessness … Continue reading The darker it gets
Grafted to the hub of his heart
Jesus’ words in Matthew 24 are often cited when looking for ‘signs’ that the world as we know it is coming to an end. Fair enough. Among other things he talks about false Messiahs (v. 5), “wars and rumours of wars” (v. 6), “famines and earthquakes” (v. 7), and persecution (v. 9). But more specifically, … Continue reading Grafted to the hub of his heart
Limited opportunities or eternal possibilities?
This week I was reading Psalm 143:11 where David says, “For your name’s sake, LORD, let me live” (CSB). He was in trouble and called out to God for help. As a part of that, he asked God to let him live for the sake of his name. But what does that mean? It means … Continue reading Limited opportunities or eternal possibilities?
Standing out and standing firm
I’d like to suggest something as we approach Advent and Christmas. It’s to make your faith visible. I don’t just mean with words and deeds—although that is very important too. What I mean is including visible faith-based objects in your celebrations. What about a nativity scene? Or an Advent wreath? What about putting up a … Continue reading Standing out and standing firm
Introducing NIGBY-ism
Sometimes it’s hard to know what to do; it can be hard to know what will honour God, especially if you’re wrestling with a decision with no easy answer, or a situation with no simple solution. But sometimes it is. Like picking up some garbage. I know, I know: That suggestion doesn’t sound very “fancy” … Continue reading Introducing NIGBY-ism
God’s grip on you—kind of like a sleepwalking rope
No matter how often we’re told otherwise, it’s easy to slip back into the thinking that God only loves us if we do a really, really good job of loving him back. All the time. ‘If we’re really bad,’ we think, ‘he won’t forgive us.’ ‘If we miss the mark, have an off day (or … Continue reading God’s grip on you—kind of like a sleepwalking rope
