Our world is often messed up when it comes to what it thinks is beautiful. That’s why I think the Dove Campaign for Real Beauty is such a success. People know—deep within—that we’re paying attention to the wrong things when it comes to beauty. Well, do you want to know who is TRULY beautiful? God. … Continue reading True beauty
worship
The strengthening effect of praising God
Do you want to be fortified, braced, strengthened? Me too. That’s why it’s vital to praise God. Here’s how those things are connected. In Psalm 103 David talks about praising God. A lot. Check it out: Verse 1: “Praise the LORD, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.” Verse 2: “Praise the LORD, … Continue reading The strengthening effect of praising God
Do you EXPECT to hear from God?
Do you want to hear from God? With some help to make a decision, or for encouragement? If so, consider this.
A worship state of mind
Today, let’s worship God. ‘But Matthew, it’s not Sunday.’ Well, yes—you’re right. It’s not. But worship is an all-the-time thing, not just a some-of-the-time thing. Theologian John Piper writes that “worship means consciously knowing and treasuring and showing the supreme worth and beauty of God.”* Oh yes. While there is something special that happens on … Continue reading A worship state of mind
The privilege to worship the newborn King
Last week I visited someone who’s had a lot of challenges in the past year. Let’s call him Jake. Jake was sad because for the first time ever he won’t be able to go to a Christmas Eve service. Physically, he just can’t do it. How many of us can do it—quite easily, actually—and therefore, … Continue reading The privilege to worship the newborn King
Tell them about your plans
When you’re the only Christian in a conversation it might make you feel different. Confidence comes with time and prayer. But because of feeling different, it can be easy to downplay your faith. That's why I’d like to suggest something. When people ask you what you’re doing this weekend, include something about your faith: --“On … Continue reading Tell them about your plans
Subconscious worship
I’m a firm believer that what you do shapes you. I’ve talked about that before. Your daily habits impact your thinking and your decisions. When you pray regularly, you’re more likely to see God at work in your daily life. And when you serve or volunteer regularly, you’re more likely to feel like the hands … Continue reading Subconscious worship
For a healthier and better grounded you
Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about mental health. According to the Canadian Association of Mental Health, mental illness affects people of all ages and backgrounds. Suicide accounts for 24% of all deaths for 15-24 year olds. And by age 40, about fifty percent of people in my country will have or have had a … Continue reading For a healthier and better grounded you
What if God was Einstein and we were ants
Imagine a small child wandered into an operating room at a hospital only to discover their daddy cut open on a table, surrounded by doctors holding knives and wearing weird masks. Oh, and there’s blood all over the place. Naturally, the child would scream out, “Nooo! Stop hurting daddy!” The child simply didn’t realize that … Continue reading What if God was Einstein and we were ants
Sing the truth into your heart
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
