When someone uses the word “strict,” what comes to mind?Maybe you think about a “strict” parent—someone who has lots of rules and doesn’t want their kids to have any fun. Some people think about God like this as well. But this simply isn’t true. Let me highlight one of the uses of the word “strict” in the … Continue reading The surprising detail about “strictly” following God

A regular habit of prayer shapes you. Let me explain.In the sixth century B.C., Darius passed a law that no one could “petition” any man or god except himself for 30 days. It was most likely an act designed to consolidate political loyalty across the new empire. If anyone broke the law, he would be … Continue reading Marching to a different beat—through prayer

Today, let me offer this definition: True bravery is kneeling before God while facing the lions. It is inspired by Daniel in the lion’s den. It’s one of the most famous Bible stories—and for good reason. Daniel had served in a foreign court for nearly 70 years. At this point, he was in his early 80’s. … Continue reading The definition of true bravery

Today is Ash Wednesday. It marks the beginning of Lent, the forty-day period (excluding Sundays) leading up to Easter. The word itself, Lent, was chosen for convenience. It traces to an old English word for “springtime,” lencten. More literally, it means “lengthen,” which is a reference to the lengthening of days after a long, dark winter. … Continue reading Lent and the significance of “forty days”

Today is known as “Shrove Tuesday.” It’s the day before Lent begins on Ash Wednesday.What does it mean?The name comes from a practice in England to “shrive” on this day—meaning confessing our sins and seeking God’s forgiveness.Since many people fast during Lent, there was a custom of using up fatty foods on this day to … Continue reading Shrove Tuesday, “Shriving,” Sin and Mercy

When I ask people about their favourite Bible verse, many point to Matthew 11:28. That’s where Jesus says: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”He goes on to talk about his “yoke” which is easy, and his burden which is light. A “yoke” was shared with … Continue reading Come to me, and I will give you rest

Have you ever had someone say to you that all religions are basically the same, and that none is better than the other? I answered this question in a recent podcast episode. You can listen to my full response below. For today’s devotional, however, I’d like to give you a shortened version of my response because … Continue reading Aren’t all religions basically the same?

In Daniel 5 the king was perplexed by some mysterious writing on a wall. Since Daniel had developed a reputation as a wise man, he was summoned to help. In exchange for this help the king would give him rewards and status. In response, Daniel said: “Let your gifts be for yourself, and give your rewards … Continue reading Our God is never not on the move

“Then the king commanded, and Daniel was brought and cast into the den of lions. The king declared to Daniel, ‘May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you!’” (Daniel 6:16)When you picture Daniel in the lion’s den, what do you see? A young vibrant man full of vigour and prayerful bravery?As I often tell … Continue reading God uses faithful servants—no matter their age

“We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing” (2 Thessalonians 1:3).What if you are someone’s answered prayer even though yours feel unanswered?You’ve probably heard the first part of that statement … Continue reading Being someone’s answered prayer (when yours feel unanswered)