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
worship
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
On the wall of a slave’s cell
If you go out of your way to worship God, and if someone asked you WHY you did that, what would you say? -That it spiritually feeds you? -That you like the music? -That it helps you pray? -That the sense of community is meaningful? -That it’s a sense of duty? -That God deserves it? … Continue reading On the wall of a slave’s cell
The cure for poor I-sight
It’s no secret that our society is highly individualistic. It often seems like everyone’s elbowing for room in a me-first world where there’s only so much happiness, opportunity or money to go around. From a Christian point of view, the problem is that we’re supposed to put God first—not ourselves. Jesus said, “If anyone would … Continue reading The cure for poor I-sight
What is the purpose of life?
A question most people ask at some point in their lives is this: What is the purpose of life? I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but our society seems to have an answer: 'The purpose of life is to be healthy and happy.' That’s certainly what the TV shows, talking heads, radio programs, advertisers, and … Continue reading What is the purpose of life?
If not you, who?
The thing that happens when people gather on Sunday is called a “worship service.” It’s often at a building, but not always. Recently on vacation (in a very warm climate!) we gathered in a circle on the beach. Psalm 66:2 says, “sing the glory of his name; give to him glorious praise!” That’s what we did … Continue reading If not you, who?
The battle plan
Psalm 95:1 says, “Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!” It’s no secret that I like statements of truth which are clear, practical, and to-the-point. I came across one of these recently by author and speaker Lysa TerKeurst. Here it is: “My … Continue reading The battle plan
Jerked up by the collar
What do you expect when you worship God? Some of us expect to give something—whether it be our time, talent, money, voice, or prayers. But many of us expect to get something too—whether it be teaching, or friendship, or inspiration, or even comfort. Today I want to focus on the idea of comfort. Don’t get … Continue reading Jerked up by the collar
Stopping problems from putting down roots
Have you ever noticed how the Bible is packed with statements about God wanting us to worship, glorify and serve him? And have you ever thought to yourself, ‘Doesn’t that seem kind of selfish? Why is the all-loving God so consumed with his own glory?’ Well, it’s actually for our benefit. Let me explain. Last … Continue reading Stopping problems from putting down roots
