Imagine having the perfect mentor, someone who knew you inside out and was able to direct you exactly in the way you needed to go. In his book, The Divine Mentor, Wayne Cordeiro writes to remind us that we do. Reading this book I was struck by the simplicity of what he says, and yet…
inspiring new faith
I met recently with “Jessica” (not her real name), a new and growing Jesus-follower who has so much to learn, and so much stuff from her past to overcome. But boy, is her ‘infant’ faith inspiring. I wish I saw this kind of drive and determination in long-time ‘christians’… Alright, I wish I had this…
May 16 — Luke 9:57-62
SCRIPTURE: Luke 9:57-62 “Your duty is to go and preach about the Kingdom of God.” OBSERVATION: Jesus was more concerned about fulfilling His mission than about finding a comfortable place to stay. Not even family obligations could get in the way of fulfilling His mission. Those who allow ‘things’ to distract them are not really ready…
why Jesus follower?
For some time now I have sensed that the word ‘christian’ has lost its original punch. Many people seem to use the label ‘christian’, without having a sense of what it means to follow Jesus. Many others seem to react negatively to anything associated with the word ‘christian’, but not for reasons related to what…
church and the Canadian culture
I attended a teaching session with David Fowler, church planter in Durham Region who has done extensive studies of the Canadian culture and its implication for the shape and ministry of the church. Some of the key points that I got out of this session were…
May 15 — Luke 9:46-56
SCRIPTURE: Luke 9:46-56 “Then he said to them, ‘Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me also welcomes my Father who sent me. Whoever is the least among you is the greatest.’” OBSERVATION: Ouch, three scenes where the disciples reveal their true character: who was the…
May 14 — Luke 9:37-45
SCRIPTURE: Luke 9:37-45 “Awe gripped the people as they saw this majestic display of God’s power.” (Luke 9:43) OBSERVATION: Two things strike me in this story. The first is the gripping awe that came over those who saw this dramatic event. I have become desensitized to Jesus casting out demons. But if I picture this as my…
May 13 — Luke 9:28-36
SCRIPTURE: Luke 9:28-36 “Then a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my Son, my Chosen One. Listen to him.’ When the voice finished, Jesus was there alone. They didn’t tell anyone at that time what they had seen.” (Luke 9:35-36) OBSERVATION: It is not clear why Jesus only takes Peter, James and John. But this is…
May 12 — Luke 9:18-27
SCRIPTURE: Luke 9:18-27 “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.” (Luke 9:23-24) OBSERVATION:…
May 11 — Luke 9:10-17
SCRIPTURE: Luke 9:10-17 “Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them….They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftovers! (Luke 10:16-17) OBSERVATION: The disciples have witnessed – and been a part of – amazing miracles. Could they have imagined this next…