David Brooks is a New York Times columnist. He talks about the difference between “resume virtues” and “eulogy virtues.” He writes: “The resume virtues are the skills you bring to the marketplace. The eulogy virtues are the ones that are talked about at your funeral—whether you were kind, brave, honest or faithful. Were you capable … Continue reading Resume Virtues vs. Eulogy Virtues

Jesus says comforting things. He also says challenging things. The following statement from Matthew 6:34 is both comforting and challenging at the same time! “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” I agree with that statement. I also struggle to live that … Continue reading The best thing you can do for tomorrow

Do you ever wonder why God is taking so long in making his kingdom come and his will being done “on earth as it is in heaven”? 'God, why are there still so many problems?''God, why hasn’t A, B or C happened in my life or in the world?' In Mark 4:26-27 Jesus explains a … Continue reading Trust God (and leave the results to him)

October 31st has become synonymous with Halloween—the day where kids get dressed up, forego the don’t-talk-to-strangers rule, and get a candy buzz that could fly them to the moon. But the date has a greater historical significance. It’s the day when Martin Luther formally began a protest over certain problems in the church of his … Continue reading Halloween… and Reformation Day

Mark 4:25 causes some people to scratch their heads. They think it’s unfair. That’s where Jesus says: “For to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” To understand what is happening, we need to look at the context. Jesus … Continue reading To the one who has, more will be given

Professor Michael Reeves says: “When all seems broken, uncertain, or wrong, remember God the unchanging who, through it all, cannot be broken, uncertain, or wrong.”* Let’s just sit with that for a minute. Are there times when things seem broken?Are there times when things seem uncertain?Are there times when things seem wrong?Yes, yes, and yes. … Continue reading When all seems broken, uncertain or wrong

In the previous devotional I encouraged us to think about spiritual disciplines. According to Jeff Loach, they are “historically and biblically rooted ways to deepen your relationship with God.” They are faith-based practices which form you to be more like Jesus. I referenced Bible-reading, prayer, corporate worship, and fasting. These are some of the most … Continue reading To help you love others

Spiritual disciplines.  According to Jeff Loach, they are “historically and biblically rooted ways to deepen your relationship with God.” Although some people can get tripped up by the word “discipline,” they needn’t be. These are faith-based practices which form you to be more like Jesus. (Have you ever noticed that the word “discipline” looks a … Continue reading God doesn’t expect us to grow on our own

Douglas Murray is a journalist. In his book, “The Strange Death of Europe,” he says that as he travelled around the world he noticed young people asking a question: “Is this all there is?”  They seemed to instinctively know that they are not ‘mere animals.’ But neither are they ‘mere consumers.’ There has to be … Continue reading The eternal God picked you

In yesterday’s devotional I said that you were born to bless. In a world where many people aren’t sure if they’re here on this earth on purpose or by chance, followers of Jesus can be confident that God has put us here for a reason. So let’s flush out what it means to “bless” someone. … Continue reading What does it mean to bless someone?