Teach us to realise the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom. (Psalm 90:12) The older I get, and the more I talk with and listen to older people, the more I sense a growing discontentment rather than acceptance. I witnessed it in my own father during the last decade of his […]
Read MoreCategory Archives: Christian Living
A Great Outlook on Life
That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. (2 Corinthians 4:16) Let’s consider a couple of alternative responses to aging. First, view life as a challenge not a threat. You’ve been around long enough to know that nobody can predict our tomorrows. So, obviously […]
Read MoreCommitted Disciples
“So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own.” (Luke 14:33) I must confess that I misunderstood the teaching of Jesus in Luke 14 for many years. Within the context of declaring the extreme terms of discipleship, He slips in two stories that explain why the terms are so costly. The first […]
Read MoreMaking Disciples
Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted! Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, […]
Read MoreLearning Contentment
After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. (1 Timothy 6:7–8) Contentment is something we must learn. It isn’t a trait we’re born with. But the question […]
Read MoreMoney
Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. (Philippians 4:11–12) Even […]
Read MoreKnow Your Body
Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbours. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honourable behaviour, and they will give honour to God when […]
Read MoreStrengthen Your Grip on Purity
Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we urge you in the name of the Lord Jesus to live in a way that pleases God, as we have taught you. You live this way already, and we encourage you to do so even more. For you remember what we taught you by the authority of the Lord […]
Read MoreEncouragement in Action
If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person? (1 John 3:17) Going to the statement found in Hebrews 10:24, we are to “consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds.” In other words, […]
Read MoreLove with Authentic Affection
Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honouring each other. (Romans 12:9–10) As I search God’s Word for reasons to break with the isolationism of this age, I find two inescapable facts: God […]
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