Devotional – Chris MacKinnon

As a pastor I often mention that as Christians our lives should point to Jesus. Whatever we say, whatever we do, are our lives pointing to Him? At times life can seem so mundane and unspiritual. Yet we are called to shine the Light in the darkness, and that Light is Jesus.

So how do we do that? What parts of life point to Jesus? What does it look like from season to season, from good days to bad days, from solitude to spiritual community? Pastor and worship leader Darlene Zschech teaches us about these issues and more in her new devotional book, Revealing Jesus (Bethany House).

Continue reading “Book Review: “Revealing Jesus; A 365-Day Devotional” by Darlene Zschech” →

Bible

“A Holy Adoption” (Hebrews 11:21)

July 19, 2012July 4, 2012 Chris

Like his father, Isaac, Jacob understood the power of God’s blessings and covenant. As he neared his own death he made plans to pass along God’s covenant to his own sons.

Jacob, though, was already seeing the blessing take shape. Where his grandfather, Abraham, had passed the promise to his one son of promise, Jacob had twelve sons. Though Isaac had blessed one son over the other and foreseen two separate nations, Jacob looked at his sons and saw the fathers of one nation.

But the book of Hebrews does not address the blessings and prophecies spoken by Jacob over his sons in Genesis 49. Instead we are pointed towards a special blessing given to two grandsons, Ephraim and Manasseh, the sons of Joseph.

Continue reading ““A Holy Adoption” (Hebrews 11:21)” →

Bible

“Evidence of Things Not Seen” (Hebrews 11:20)

July 5, 2012July 4, 2012 Chris

Isaac was the child of promise, the first and perhaps only child of Abraham and his wife, Sarah. It was through him that God’s promise to Abraham was passed down and fulfilled, though we are told that Abraham had other children before he died (see Genesis 25:1-2). Isaac married Rebekah and they had twin sons, Esau and Jacob. Esau, the hunter, a man of strength and good looks, was the elder and was loved by his father. Jacob, the younger, the homebody, was loved by his mother.

As Isaac neared his death, he recognized that the blessing and covenant of God must be passed to the next generation. Far greater than any earthly gift we might look for in the will of a passing family member, the blessing of God was an inheritance to be cherished, desired and protected. Because of his faith in God and His promise, Isaac made a special effort to pass this gift along to his children.

Continue reading ““Evidence of Things Not Seen” (Hebrews 11:20)” →

Bible, Christian Living

Week of Prayer Devotional: Excellence

January 11, 2011February 7, 2011 Chris

This week a number of churches in our community are joining together for a Week of Prayer. The theme this year is “Excellence in Prayer.” We drew names for dates to speak, and I drew the first night. That was last night.

The reason we’re focusing on excellence is because of a devotion I gave at one of our pastoral meetings. In the devotion I briefly explain how we came to our theme, and then explain three keys to striving for excellence in prayer, or any other part of your life.

View “Excellence” on Google Docs