I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” Philippians 3:12-14 NLT Ten years ago, a skinny 17-year-old struggled in his last year at Milliken Mills High School in Markham, Ontario. In addition to being in with the wrong crowd and dabbling in drug[...]
As we enter August and begin preparing for the fall, we wait with great anticipation for what the next year will hold. Whether it's starting school again or beginning a new career, we each have unknowns ahead of us. In new seasons, we can often prepare by buying new clothes or getting on board with the latest trends to make the[...]
" Yes, and I will rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, 20 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life o[...]
“I am your Father. I have you, don’t worry, I won’t let you go. You want Me to speak, but I speak in the small things, in the everyday things. Don’t shut Me out; listen, I am always speaking. Take the time to hear, to listen. Listen to Me in the sunrise, in the sunset, in the wind. I am still speaking in the no[...]
“The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.” John 21:17 NIV When we understand what Jesus has done for us – I mean[...]
Can I admit something to you? Whenever I read a novel or watch a movie, I inevitably identify with one character over all of the rest. I like their style. I like the way they think or act. I will even admit to having been swayed by wardrobes and hairstyles from time to time. Somehow, someway, I just find myself leaning into som[...]
Most people can easily remember a time that they were genuinely afraid. In November 2008, in a city called Netanya, on a boardwalk adjacent to the Mediterranean Sea, I was paralyzed with fear in the grips of a stranger. Since then, every time a situation occurs, I feel my heart in my throat, my fingers tingling, and an aneurysm-[...]
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10 ESV As I turn the knob to the front door of my home, I notice something strange: it is unlocked. I hesitate. Is someone, or something, in my house? Have they been watching me or waiting for me to come ho[...]
"But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations." Psalm 33:11 NIV We are focusing on our purpose and calling in Christ this month, so fitting after being on this six-month journey of going deeper in God's word. The more we know and understand His word, the more we know and unde[...]
"Peter was very perplexed; what could the vision mean? Meanwhile, as Peter was puzzling over the vision, the Holy Spirit said to him, "Three men have come looking for you." Acts 10:17a, 19 NLT In the journey of life, we can feel like discovering God's specific purpose or calling for us is a bit like building a complex puzzle.[...]