Darryl Dash's Blog, page 15

Where Does Your Help Come From? (Psalm 121)

Big Idea: Jesus is the helper of his people now and for eternity.

We’ve been looking at psalms of courage this summer, and we’re finally at the end. We’re also at one of my favorite psalms of all.

The question is: where will you turn for help when life gets hard?

This is a question that’s highly relevant to some of you, because you need help, and you need it yesterday. You have bills you can’t pay, problems you can’t solve, relationships that need help. There’s a group of us here that are at the en...

Saturday Links

Curated links for your weekend reading:

A Short FAQ on Sex and Gender

In this first FAQ, we answer three important questions: what does it mean to be a person? Should we distinguish between gender and biological sex? And lastly, how can we help a person whose biological sex is ambiguous?

What to Cover in a New Members’ Class

What needs to be taught and shared in this class? A lot could be said, but I believe the following must be said.

Who Is Supposed to “Be Still and Know That I Am God”?

Who is God t...

I Want an Old, Tattered Bible

One of our church’s members has an old, tattered Bible. I asked her once if she had considered sending it away to be rebound. She looked at me, shocked. She could never bear to be away from her Bible for that long, she said.

I got thinking about her Bible. There was a day that I had an old, tattered Bible too. That’s changed now, but I want to go back.

From One Bible to Many and Back Again

The biggest reason I gave up my old, tattered Bible is that I changed versions, not just once but a few times....

Saturday Links

Curated links for your weekend reading:

I Used To Dream Big Dreams

Now, if I dream at all, it’s not of plaudits and trophies and not of awards and accolades. Rather, it’s of being faithful and finishing well.

The Weary Missionary: Four Ways We Endure Discouragement

Especially in a cross-cultural setting, where trials take on new dimensions and missionaries can easily question God’s call, we need to learn the discipline of joyful endurance.

The Loss of Intellectual Curiosity — and Why It’s Dividing th...

One Old, Good Book

We don’t make enough money to go to fancy restaurants often. Once in a while, though, we manage to either get a good deal or we get invited to a restaurant that’s out of our price range.

When the food comes out, I often look at what’s served and have two thoughts. First: amazing presentation! Second: that’s it for what I just spent? I often feel like I’ll have to stop at McDonalds on the way home to get a bit more food.

But then I begin to eat the meal and realize that it’s on a whole other level ...

When People Oppose You (Psalm 56)

Big Idea: When people oppose you, remember that God is greater and cares for you, and then give thanks to him.

Psalm 56:4 asks an interesting question: “What can flesh do to me?”

The answer is, actually, a lot. Take this psalm, for instance. It was written by David, and people were doing a lot to make his life miserable. Verses 5 and 6 say:

All day long they injure my cause;
all their thoughts are against me for evil.
They stir up strife, they lurk;
they watch my steps,
as they have waited for my life....

Saturday Links

Curated links for your weekend reading:

From Prospect to Retiree: Supporting Every Pastor on His Journey

The five categories are Prospects, Players, Injured Players, Suspended Players, and Retired Players. Each category has specific conditions and needs that require proactive, preventative, and personal care.

If You Confess

We might describe healthy confession in four parts.

Sanctification Explained Simply

Sanctification isn’t a stairway upwards to higher and higher rungs of holiness. No, sanctificati...

Love Your Neighborhood

There’s something refreshing about loving locally.

The first time I emerged from the Runnymede Subway Station in Toronto, I knew I’d discovered something different. I’d spent my entire life in suburbs, which had its own advantages. Bloor West Village, just off Runnymede Road, felt like something new. It was a village within a city, with residences, shops, businesses, and schools within walking distance of each other. There was nothing uniform or homogeneous about the area. It was messy, colorful,...

How to Handle Overwhelming Trials (Psalm 46)

Big Idea: When facing overwhelming trials, find your security in God, focus on your eternal home, and look to Jesus, not your problems.

In your life, you will face two kinds of crises.

One category is the kind of crisis you can manage on your own. It won’t necessarily be easy, but you’ll figure it out. Mortgage rates go up; you can trim your expenses and cover the increase. You get laid off; you can pivot and get a new job. Your marriage hits a rough spot; you get some help and work to improve it....

Saturday Links

Curated links for your weekend reading:

Live Among the Flock

Here are three reasons why I would encourage every pastor to teach his congregation the value of proximity.

The Healing Power of Confessing Sins to One Another

In order to be fully known, we have to trust others with our stubborn sins and wandering love. And in so doing, our faith is built up stronger.

When Spiritual Disciplines Took Over My Life

How can pastors and church leaders recognize and minister to a member wrestling with scrupulosit...