If we’re not supposed to store up “treasures on earth,” what does it mean to store up “treasures in heaven” (while we’re still on earth)? This episode and post looks to Jesus’ famous Sermon on the Mount for some answers.
Category: Blogs
Fasting: Powerful, passed-over, and counter-cultural
In this episode of The Pulse Podcast, I discuss the much-neglected (but powerful) practice of fasting. Our society is more into self-indulgence than self-control. But Jesus assumed his disciples would do it. So here is some background and help.
Your Questions about Easter (and the answers)
Originally posted on Matthew Ruttan:
How do a magical bunny, eggs, the names “Maundy” and “Good Friday,” and the death of an innocent man all…
Giving up The Frenemy for Lent
A lot of people “give something up” for Lent? What about the Frenemy, whose grip around your heart is probably tighter than you know.
A Troubling Week for the World—Specific things to pray (and work) for from January 17-23
From the Inauguration to forgotten tragedies, enemies and echo chambers, here are 6 ideas. Listening option available.
Proactively preparing for what could be the worst month of your life
January is bad, even in a good year! Maybe 1 of these ideas will help. Maybe it’s reverse inertia, stepping back from the Frenemy, or standing firm. Listening option available.
Did Jesus Say He Was God?
Just a great human teacher, or God-in-the-flesh? This post looks at 2 categories of passages: clear statements by Jesus himself, and things he did that only God could do. Listening option available.
The Nativity You Never Knew? An in-depth, historical look at Jesus’ birth in Luke 2:1-20
When we hear something so much, we stop hearing it. Instead of paying more attention, we pay less. So here’s an in-depth look at Jesus’ birth in Luke 2. [Audio version included.] Christmas is different, but still meaningful.
Tradition Vs. Traditionalism
A word for my fellow Jesus-followers. Traditions? Yes. Traditionalism? No. Here’s the difference and some suggestions.
A Motto For A Pandemic
Written alongside Richard Topping, this post suggests a short motto for navigating a pandemic as God’s people.
Coping with our broken illusion of control
We like to be in control. But these days, we don’t have as much of it as we’d like. Here’s why, and some coping strategies for a brand new world.
Suggestions for a more robust prayer life
Prayer is important — and sometimes difficult. Okay, maybe often? Here are 8 practical suggestions to help you with “the sweetest work of the soul.”
The Ingredients of True Happiness—according to Calvin
We want to be happy, right? Let’s look beyond the quick fixes and Band-Aid answers of our society with these four suggested ingredients by John Calvin.
Turbulence (The forward to my new book)
Turbulence happens in this short flight called life. Here’s the Forward to my new book that explains a bit more about the storms we experience, and what to expect in the book.
Tips for worshiping in front of a screen
More of us are worshiping online. But there’s a risk. It can become something we WATCH instead of something we DO. Here are practical ideas to help.
The heartache of children during COVID-19
COVID-19 has taken a toll on children as well. They have lost things; they grieve. Here are two suggestions for Christians.
God Cares About Your Well-Being, Even Now [Link]
We need to be proactive (not reactive) about our well-being, especially in the wake of COVID-19. This post links to an article for The Gospel Coalition Canada.
Your mental health—now more than ever
In the midst of COVID-19, I think many people are under significant strain. As a pastor, here’s what I think will help.
Living with uncertainty indefinitely
It’s hard. I know. But these 5 ideas may help you live with uncertainty indefinitely in the midst of Covid-19.
Dear Church, it’s the pastor, don’t come to church this Easter
Every year we meet together to celebrate the resurrection, but not this year. When I say don’t come to church, I’m talking about the building. You ARE the church. Here’s some perspective about an Easter that will be different.
