I remember reading a book which provided a summary of the biblical descriptions of the church. It was (and is) the body of Christ, the bride of Christ, the people of the Spirit, the household of God, a community of disciples, etc.Another one was “a servant people.” Jesus’ people are a people who serve. This … Continue reading A servant people

[Apologies! - Some of you may have received this on July 2 and July 3. The error has been corrected. This is the devotional for July 3, 2025] In Matthew 6:19-21 Jesus says: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but … Continue reading In this glitter-obsessed world

I’ve been spending a lot of time thinking about the Ten Commandments. Commandment number ten says “You shall not covet…” (Exodus 20:17).Coveting is desiring or taking deep pleasure in something that belongs to someone else. It’s a heart issue. It is internal. Coveting is closely related to envy. Let’s focus on a few key ideas related … Continue reading The Coveting Thief

Roy Oswald says: “The truly happy person is the one who wants, more than anything else, what he already has.”His statement is meant to bring attention to the idea that accumulating more stuff or experiences doesn’t necessarily make a person happier. True happiness, he argues, is about wanting what you already have.It’s a surprising statement, … Continue reading The Truly Happy Person

There are a lot of big things happening in the world. They can be scary or unsettling.We hear about missiles and rumours of war. We hear about destruction and pain. And that’s on top of the general malaise or anxiety that a lot of people are feeling.Last winter I was speaking with another parent at … Continue reading “Because my God is bigger”

In yesterday’s devotional I shared a few words about the woman caught in adultery in John 8.It’s a powerful and beautiful example of how Jesus “came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).Today let’s focus on a much-neglected detail. In verse 7 he said: “Let any one of you who is without … Continue reading The only one qualified to throw the stone didn’t

There is a spiritual tug-of-war happening—and it’s happening over Jesus.Different factions are trying to lay claim to him. One group proclaims: “We have the right understanding of Jesus and you are wrong!” The other group bellows the same thing.Even as you read or listen to this certain people come to mind who are actively engaged … Continue reading The tug-of-war for Jesus

There’s an expression. “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.” The idea is that people are doing things they shouldn’t be doing and don’t want other people to find out about it! “Let’s keep secret what happened in Vegas!”Sometimes we can have that same mentality about our homes—even if we don’t use that expression. I’m … Continue reading What happens in the home

Thoughts are coordinates.Huh?Coordinates get you somewhere. They’re about helping you end up at the right destination. Perhaps you type them into your phone or G.P.S. If you don’t input the right data, you end up at the wrong place.Or picture Han Solo and Chewbacca in the Millennium Falcon. Before they make the jump to hyperspace … Continue reading Thoughts are coordinates

Certain things are inspiring. It is inspiring when someone breaks a world record. It is inspiring when someone makes a big sacrifice to help someone in need.I also find it very inspiring when someone is able to experience joy even in the midst of hardship.Have you ever met someone like that? They have enduring serious pain. … Continue reading Not because of the circumstances we’re in