She knew that she needed to stop this sinful habit. But she couldn’t. This sin had become so much a part of her life that no matter how hard she tried, she just couldn’t stop. And when she was honest with herself, she didn’t know if she really wanted to stop. Yes, she agreed that … Read more
I vividly remember the first big decision I had to make in life. I remember the tears streaming down my face, the overwhelming thoughts racing through my brain, the deep desire to honour God with this decision, and the utter inability to make sense of what to do. Up until this point, all my big … Read more
The first time I saw The Greatest Showman was during an 11 hour flight in the middle of the night. Despite the tiny airplane screen and headphones I couldn’t help but understand the craze over this movie score. The award winning-music danced through the dark. The colourful characters owned the screen. And the motivating lyrics … Read more
“What do you think the most important thing in life is?” The question came out of nowhere. I was finishing my shift at work – sorting the deliveries while carrying on a casual conversation with the delivery guy. It was during a lull in our conversation that he stoped, looked at me, and asked that … Read more
With the start of January, it seems like everyone is picking up a new Bible reading plan or resolution for daily devotional habits. I’m one of you. Last week I started an intense plan to read through the Bible in 6 months. But along with our Bible reading resolutions, I see people picking up a … Read more
I talk about God, and church, and the Bible. I tell my coworkers about Bible studies, and worship band practices, and prayer meetings. They know my opinion on politics, euthanasia, abortion, birth control, legalized marijuana, life after death, and the spirit realm.
But for all my talk no one has come to salvation. Why do I see no fruit from my labors?
Maybe because Jesus didn’t tell us to go and talk about church and bible studies and “our opinion” on life after death. Actually, He didn’t even tell us to preach about a God we believe exists. He told us to preach the gospel.
Perpetua held her wounded friend in her arms, a perfect picture of bravery and joy even in the centre of chaos and blood. The crowd cheered as the two girls stared death in the eye.
Perpetua came from a wealthy family. Growing up with her brothers in Rome during the height of it’s glory, her future seemed bright and certain. But when she heard the gospel she eagerly gave it all up to follow Christ.
Even though it was a crime to preach the gospel in Rome, Perpetua boldly confessed Christ, knowing it would mean certain imprisonment and possibly death.
When Sierra started taking her faith seriously she didn’t expect her friends to stop texting or her boyfriend to break up with her. She didn’t anticipate the strange looks and whispering behind her back.
People counselled her to stop taking her religion so seriously, that science had disproven the Bible, and that she was very closed minded to say Jesus was the only way to heaven.
Suddenly, Sierra had lost the social status she had worked so hard to maintain. She was no longer popular and didn’t even fit in with her peers.
“Dear 25 year old self,
Today is your 20th Birthday. I don’t know if you will still be on earth for your 25th birthday.
But assuming you are still in the trenches, here are some hopes, dreams and prayers from your 20 year old self. ”
It’s become a tradition of mine to take time to remember the goodness of God and plan for the future every New Year’s and every birthday. Last summer on my 20th I did this in the form of a letter to my future-self.
One particular set of hopeful words buried in that letter have provided more motivation than I could have ever imagined when they dripped from my pen.
Obviously the world isn’t giving us answers to our beauty insecurities. So what can we do when we feel less than beautiful? I’m going to share with you 4 steps that have helped me fight insecurity and feelings of worthlessness. . .