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Devotions

True Christianity

True Christianity

In 2004, my friends and I went to a local cinema to watch Mel Gibson’s film, The Passion of the Christ. We arrived at the cinema in high spirits chatting away without a care in the world, but by the time the movie ended, I could barely stand up from my seat.  While others began to make their way out of the theater, I continued to sit in a numb and traumatized silence, shocked by the raw and violent scenes I had just witnessed. I was surrounded by a crowd, and yet felt completely alone as I reflected on what Jesus endured to show his love for humanity.

Where is God?

Where is God?

Kenneth Samples, a philosopher and theologian, once stated, “While God’s universe is majestic and eloquently designed to provide humankind with a fine habitat on Earth, it can also be a powerfully dangerous place at times.” Any adult living in the world today knows how true these words are. We humans are caught between the natural beauty and majesty of this created earth, and the looming threat of uncertainty that hangs over our daily lives. In these times of anxiety, strife, challenge and suffering we may be tempted to ask, “Where is God?”

Let Your Light Shine

Let Your Light Shine

Did you watch the gymnastics competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics?  I am an admirer of Simone Biles, the great American gymnast.  I admire her work ethic and her passion for her sport.  Simone addressed every obstacle and challenge imaginable, including sexual abuse and her mental health, on her way to excellence. She has earned the acronym G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time) for a reason. 

Beyond the Gift

Beyond the Gift

These days, it seems that the focus of our Christian faith is mainly on “getting” more and more. Perhaps we have seen those musical TikTok videos that flaunt all the material blessings that we have received as though to suggest it is the only measure for the evidence of God’s favor and working Presence in our lives.  If this were true, what would happen if all these material possessions were to disappear?

Mother's Day

Mother's Day

Today is Mother’s Day.  This special day comes around once a year, and we stop to honor our mothers and all those women who exemplify the wisdom, grace, and influence of godly mothers.  Yet each year I am reminded that though this may be a happy Mother’s Day for some, it is not for others.  It is a difficult day for those who have lost their mothers, especially recently. 

Sabbath Rest

Sabbath Rest

Israel’s rich and powerful merchants and leaders despised God’s rest, they could not wait to get past the Sabbath so they could continue with their unjust and deceptive business practices.  God’s response to them was: “I will expel you from my kingdom. Not because I want to, but because you want to live unjust, unforgiven, and God-forsaking lives.” There are severe consequences for ignoring God’s call to rest.

Christ's Power In Us

Christ's Power In Us

William Whewell (1794-1866), an English Philosopher, scientist and theologian once said, “Every failure, is a step to success.”  It does not feel like that though, does it? Often, when we fail, we are consumed by disappointment, frustration, and shame, because we have been socialized to believe that only success is worthy.  We laud and celebrate success in every sphere of life, but there is often a reprimand or deafening silence when it comes to failure even though we know that children must first learn to crawl and will often fall (that is “fail”), before they can walk and then run.

Do Not Grumble

Do Not Grumble

What kind of influence do you have on those around you? Many years ago, I worked at a business that actively promoted the mantra, “Talk to, not about.”  The employees knew that the success or failure of the business depended on everyone’s attitude, and the resulting culture we created in the workplace. The same can be said for life in general, and the Bible has a lot to say about attitude (Phil. 2:14-15; 1 Cor. 10:10; 1 Pet. 4:9). 

Fully Known -Fully Loved

Fully Known -Fully Loved

In his book, The Meaning of Marriage…(2013), the author, Timothy Keller, says: “To be loved but not known is comforting but superficial. To be known and not loved is our greatest fear. But to be fully known and truly loved is, well, a lot like being loved by God. It is what we need more than anything. It liberates us from pretense, humbles us out of our self-righteousness, and fortifies us for any difficulty life can throw at us.” In simple terms, when someone knows the worst of you and still chooses to love you, that is godly love.