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Our culture has an incredible influence on our lifestyle - from how we spend our time and money, to whom we choose to hang out with, to how we pursue careers and past-times. Usually these influences promise excitement and fulfillment, but often result in mundane motions that make us feel more like we're running on a treadmill than living life to the fullest. So what would it look like to really em...

When we think of a "missionary" we tend to think of someone who has abandoned the North American way of life to move to a remote and needy part of the world in order to bring help that wouldn't be there without them. We tend to think of these "missionaries" as having a high calling, and for the most part, we're comfortable leaving the missionary stuff to those who have received "the call". But wha...

We live in a culture of comparison. Against a variety of standards, whether economic, social, moral, or ethical, we're constantly evaluating those who measure up and those who don't in our "humble" opinion. We even do this to ourselves, regularly wrestling with questions about whether we're in or out from other people's perspectives. But is this how Jesus looks at us? Who does he consider to be 'a...

We live in a culture of comparison. Against a variety of standards, whether economic, social, moral, or ethical, we're constantly evaluating those who measure up and those who don't in our "humble" opinion. We even do this to ourselves, regularly wrestling with questions about whether we're in or out from other people's perspectives. But is this how Jesus looks at us? Who does he consider to be 'a...

For the most part, we like to maintain control of our lives and manage our lifestyles in order to make sure that everything is just the way we like it. We have a vision of the "good life" and we know what it takes to get it. Is that true of our life with Jesus as well? Though we may believe that Jesus offers a superior way of life, how much would we prefer that he doesn't interfere with our own. W...

We've all experienced the 'storms of life'. Whether a dismissal or a diagnosis, a breakup or a breakdown, a crisis or a curve ball, none of us are immune to what life may throw our way, and none of us are truly prepared when it does. Sometimes in these moments it can feel like Jesus is asleep at the switch, slow to respond, maybe even blissfully unaware of our problems. Where is Jesus when the sto...

When we want something bad enough, we're willing to do whatever it takes to get it. Whether it means forking over a few more dollars for the latest model, working extra hours to earn the promotion, embracing new hobbies to impress that special someone, or pulling the all-nighter to ace the exam, when something of value is on the line, we do whatever it takes. But is that true when it comes to foll...

The identity of Jesus, who he really was and what he really did, is one of the perennial questions of thoughtful people, one that seems to resurface in new ways in every era. Some people imagine Jesus as a great teacher, others as a fiery prophet. Still others think of Jesus as an amazing miracle worker or a spiritual guru or an inspiring example. Who does the Bible portray Jesus to be? And what d...

The question is often asked, how is believing in a man who lived and died two thousand years ago relevant to my life today? Does who Jesus is and what he did still have any impact on our time, our culture, our lives, and our future? Why should we bother trusting in him or try to follow his lead and emulate his example? What difference will it make if we do?

First things first: when we think of faith, we usually think of God. But who is God? Ask fifty different people to describe God and you'll probably end up with fifty different deities! So, what is God really like? And what, if anything, does he want to do with me? What does he want from me or for me? Most importantly, how does knowing God make a difference in my life?

First things first: when we think of faith, we usually think of God. But who is God? Ask fifty different people to describe God and you'll probably end up with fifty different deities! So, what is God really like? And what, if anything, does he want to do with me? What does he want from me or for me? Most importantly, how does knowing God make a difference in my life?

First things first: when we think of faith, we usually think of God. But who is God? Ask fifty different people to describe God and you'll probably end up with fifty different deities! So, what is God really like? And what, if anything, does he want to do with me? What does he want from me or for me? Most importantly, how does knowing God make a difference in my life?

Jesus said that whoever believes in him will be saved. But he also said that unless we leave our old life behind and follow him we won't experience all he has to offer. So do we have a choice between salvation and surrender? Does God love and accept us only if we change? What if God loves us just as we are, but loves us too much to leave us there?

Some people say they love Jesus but have no need for the church. Others seem to think that their faith depends on participation and involvement in a faith community. So which is it? Can I follow Jesus all on my own? What does my faith have to do with everybody else?

Christianity is about everyone believing the exact same thing, right? Then why does there seem to be so much disagreement among denominations and different churches, let alone people within the same faith community? What do we do when we can't all agree?

When it comes to faith, some people seem to think that everything is black and white. Others seem to suggest that everything is grey. So how do we ease the tension between the absolutes and the grey areas? How do we find God in the black, white, and the grey?

Sometimes it feels like life just happens. Day after day much is beyond our control so we simply eat, sleep, work, and go with the flow. But what if we looked at our lives as an endless series of choices being made in every moment of every day? What if we are constantly faced with the choice to follow Jesus' footsteps or not? You have a choice... What will you choose?

The difference between right and wrong has been debated throughout history, often resulting in countless "dos" and "don'ts" that must be carefully adhered to. But is navigating a laundry list of rules in every decision and interaction really the way to live? What if there's a simpler way to get things right?

A life devoted to the teachings of Jesus is a tall order. When you discover Jesus' high standard for our behaviours as well as our attitudes, perspectives, and motives, it can seem nearly impossible to live up to. But what if there's a key to unlocking a Jesus-shaped life? What if there's a simple solution to getting this right? What if we could find everything we need to follow everything Jesus s...

There's no use putting lipstick on a pig. No matter how much you dress it up, it's going to roll around in its own slop and filth, ruining any attempts to improve its image. So why do we think we can dress up sin to make it appear as something better than it is? What if we saw ourselves as the precious pearl that we are; would we be less careless with the treasure we've been given? Hear what Jesus...

Sometimes the smallest cuts can hurt the most. And like a tiny sliver, the small issues in our lives can consume our full attention, so much so that we don't even notice the very large issues that threaten our spiritual well-being. As Jesus teaches us how to deal with the sin in our lives, he reminds us to not miss the forest for the trees by focusing on the slivers and forgetting the stumps.

A walk in the woods can be very peaceful. As the birds sing and the animals play, there's no anxiety about where their next meal will come from. Trees and flowers grow big and beautiful without so much as a thought about self-improvement. Most living things enjoy such a carefree existence that it makes you wonder if we, humans, have got it all wrong. We labour and strive, hurry and stress, piling...

Most of us are totally confused when it comes to knowing how much to spend, save, or invest wisely. We all want to get ahead, but these days it seems you need a whole lot more, just to have enough. The more you earn, the more you get taxed. The nicer your house or car, the more you pay for upkeep and insurance. All the while, our assets depreciate and our interest is devoured by inflation. But bel...

There is one thing we all have in common: a mother. For some our mom means fond memories of a nurturing and caring spirit, for others, our relationship with our mom was defined by difficulties and challenges. But whatever the case, we all share a picture and desire for who only a mom can be in our lives: and it may be the toughest job on the planet. So how do we best honour our moms on a day like...

Having given His life on the cross and then risen from the dead, Jesus rallied His newly inspired followers around a brand new vision for life on earth. It was a vision defined by all-consuming, unconditional, self-sacrificing love. He commissioned this fledgling community to change the world, even predicting that the impact of their love would exceed His own. It's hard to imagine how this could p...