Category

Life Formation

Life Formation

A PROBLEM WITH THE BIBLE

Every story is told from a vantage point; it has a bias. I’m trying to read the stories of the Bible for all they’re worth, but I’ve got a problem. My vantage point is not as a Hebrew slave suffering in Egypt or a conquered Judean deported to Babylon. I’m certainly not a first century Jew living under Roman occupation. I’m a citizen of a G8 nation, born among the conquerors, and living in the empire. But I want to read the Bible and think it’s talking to me. This is a problem. (more…)
Bob Jones
July 14, 2019
Health MattersLife Formation

UP FROM THE BLUE: SUSAN HENDERSON

Beautiful and maddening, hopeful and condemning, simple, yet like a knot that takes a lifetime to untangle. A heartbreaking, rewarding story that still haunts me. That’s how author Jamie Ford describes Up From the Blue, the debut novel by Susan Henderson. Novels aren't usually a genre I do book reviews for but this one is an exception. And I think you would agree once you meet Tillie. (more…)
Bob Jones
June 22, 2019
Life FormationLife Stories

TATTOO: WHEN ART IMITATES LIFE

Starbucks coffeehouses became my new meeting places when I transitioned out of North Pointe's office space. I like the lattes but I love the unexpected connections with people. Like the one I had on Friday. Waiting in line to pick up my flat white I couldn't help but notice the tattoos of a woman seated to my right. It's not polite to stare but I was tempted. Have you ever noticed that your eyes sometimes just gravitate to people with tattoos? There’s something about tattoos that can really make someone stand out in a crowd. (more…)
Bob Jones
June 15, 2019
Health MattersLife Formation

THE SURPRISING SECRET TO SUCCESS

In the immortal words of Mike Tyson, “Everybody has a plan until you get punched in the face!” Disappointments truly hurt. You bet they do. They sure don't make you happy. But what does make you happy is the ability to rise strong and press on. Just ask the 2019 Stanley Cup Champions, St Louis Blues and their biggest fan Laila Anderson. (more…)
Bob Jones
June 12, 2019
Life Formation

THE ONE WHERE JESUS SAYS YOU’RE GOING TO BE OK

We live in a beautiful, tragic, complicated world. Emotional, intellectual, and spiritual turbulence is a part of life. Turbulence creates uncertainty. Life isn't OK. Over coffee I’ve listened to many people say, “I struggle with my faith. It's funny because I believe very powerfully in God and all that He can do and yet I have so many doubts.” Does God hear my prayers? Is the Bible really true? Will God lead me and keep me safe? With so much suffering how can you believe God to be good? Is God really in control? (more…)
Bob Jones
May 26, 2019
Life Formation

13 THINGS TO STOP DOING TO YOUR MARRIAGE

I’ve been doing marriage counselling for 39 years - just one year less than the number of years my wife has been reminding me that I am a lucky man. Here are 13 things to stop that can be the start of something fantastic for your marriage. (more…)
Bob Jones
May 18, 2019