The primary task of every follower of Jesus is to tend to the matters of the heart. It is in the garden of the heart where God’s Spirit dwells and looks to walk with us in the cool of the day (Genesis 3:8). We have great responsibility to guard our hearts and weed out anything that would hinder our communion with the Lord.
Read MoreNone compares to Jesus Christ. In him, and the beauty of his holiness, we daily come alive and thrive in faith. We no longer try to satiate the thirst of our soul on the Red Bulls of the world.There’s no need to seek out another. It is Jesus! He is altogether lovely. May we daily be born again and again to this glorious, gospel reality.
Read MoreThere is an old story of a king who called for artists to submit their best picture of peace. Many artists rendered their portraits of peace, and the king finally chose two of the best. The first picture was of a quiet lake among majestic mountains. It’s glassy surface reflected an azure sky with but a few soft clouds gently floating along.
Read MoreWe all have loved ones, neighbours, co-workers, and friends, who need salvation. Faithful time in God’s Word and prayer will compel us to desire that they too taste and see that God is good. Yet, how do we practically go about doing this?
Read MoreSight sees a gate, a roadblock. Faith humbly trusts that God’s purpose for each of us can never be blocked. Peace comes in accepting that God’s plan is best whether an iron gate miraculously opens, or remains locked.
Read MoreHowever, our God, who is Spirit and invisible, has in the most glorious way, revealed himself to us through his Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus, if you will, is God’s Selfie! “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). At Christmas we celebrate this incredible truth of the incarnation.
Read MoreSo when his intimidation tactics fail to turn you from Christ, but instead others, through your faithfulness, come to Christ, it’s like he too is jerked back and falls on his face. This is to cheat the Devil, and it’s certainly no sin, but rather glorious to maybe even have a good chuckle at the Devil’s expense.
Read MoreThe messes of life may get us down, but the fact that we are even able to make messes of things, is something beautiful in itself. Your worn out shoes, scuffed furniture, dirty dishes, dented cars, relational tensions, grey hairs, wrinkles, and scars, all testify that you have been a part of life. God knows that not all things are good in our lives, but wonderfully - even through our messes, he can work all things together for good that we might reflect the beauty of Christ (Romans 8:28)
Read MoreThe truth is, nothing has ever - in this digital age, or any age - been hidden from God. He not only hears and sees our every word and action, but the very thoughts of our hearts and minds are continually open to him. “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good” (Proverbs 15:3). “And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:13). It’s best to live in this constant awareness that God knows all and sees all.
Read More"And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:14-16
Read MoreIn Christ, a good conscience before God also removes the fear of what others may think about you, or say about you. Yes, you may feel perplexed as you lie upon your pillow at night, but to paraphrase Sir Walter, “My friend, it matters little how your head lies so long as your heart is right!”
Read MoreBelieving this gospel truth quells my fear of condemnation and rejection because my acceptance and self-worth is not based on my performance any longer, but on Christ’s performance and perfect work alone. Rejoice and remember what great things Jesus has accomplished and secured for you. It will conquer your fear of failure and propel you past your procrastination so that you may flourish more joyfully in your faith.
Read MoreSome memories of my dad growing up, in light of Father’s Day this Sunday, would be: His Bible was never dusty, or merely ornamental. I can see it now - well worn, dog-eared, marked up, and so highlighted in neon yellow it resembled a flag person’s vest. I would often discover my dad kneeling over his bible, deep in prayer and study.
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