The word “minister” isn’t just a noun—it’s a verb. To “minister” to someone is to serve someone, or to care for someone, especially in a spiritual context. In the past month I’ve heard people say that someone “ministered” to them through a friendly conversation. Another person felt that someone “ministered” to them when they prayed … Continue reading Sing the truth into your heart
truth
Whose words to you will never fail
A friend who doesn’t share my beliefs was telling me his “bucket list”—things he wanted to do before he died, before he “kicked the bucket”! In addition to things like snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef was reading the Bible. He told me that even though he wasn’t a Christian, he realized that the Bible … Continue reading Whose words to you will never fail
Fuzzy beliefs, fuzzy behaviours
Writer Craig Groeschel coined the phrase “Christian Atheism.” Here’s the idea behind it. If we say we believe in Jesus, are we actually living like it makes a difference? Or are we just blending in and living our lives as functional atheists? What do we say about prayer, verses how we actually pray? What do … Continue reading Fuzzy beliefs, fuzzy behaviours
Soul cinderblocks
There was a church who created a website where people could anonymously confess sins and wrongdoings. They did this because they believed in the healing power of confession. Plus, it was a chance to get other people to pray for them. One young woman wanted to confess her promiscuous life and her feelings of shame. … Continue reading Soul cinderblocks
Judging an idea on its abuse
There are a lot of good ideas out there. But a lot of these good ideas are told to us by flawed people or by flawed organizations. Let me tell you what I mean and then what it means for you. Some people discount your ideas simply because you’ve been inconsistent with how you live … Continue reading Judging an idea on its abuse
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
Even if everyone is doing it
When I was learning how to drive a car, the instructor didn’t just teach me what was in the driver’s manual. He taught me other tips too. One of those tips was to go “with the speed of traffic.” ‘When you’re driving on the highway,' he explained, ‘and everyone is going a bit faster than … Continue reading Even if everyone is doing it
Tis only a flesh wound!
Most people have some annoying habits. Sometimes they’re no big deal. But sometimes those habits are actually hurtful. Maybe you’re perpetually insensitive. Or maybe you’re quick to criticize or trample on someone’s well-meaning ideas. And here’s why it can be hard to identify the hurtful habits you may have. It’s because people aren’t usually quick … Continue reading Tis only a flesh wound!
Getting your head in the game
When I was small my Little League team would say a cheer right before we ran onto the field. It was a way to rally ourselves and focus on what we were about to do. Maybe it seems strange, but it can be good practice to have a ritual before you read your Bible too. … Continue reading Getting your head in the game
It’s not supposed to insult your intelligence
The Bible is big... and confusing. So how do you interpret it? As Thomas Merton says, it's supposed to challenge your intelligence (not insult it). Here's how.
