My colleague and friend Richard Topping has said: “No one who is baptized is without work to do.”* There are times when that work is some sort of official ministry. Maybe you’re a youth group helper, teacher, prayer warrior, behind-the-scener, or another kind of God-honouring volunteer. There are also times when we are already doing … Continue reading The work of the baptized
Sustained by his powerful word
Bible scholar Luke Timothy Johnson says the most important question we need to answer is whether or not Jesus is alive. Not only do we believe in the Jesus of history, but in the Jesus who was raised and continues to be alive—reigning and ruling at God’s right hand. See Hebrews 1:3: “The Son [i.e. … Continue reading Sustained by his powerful word
Looking for something other than Jesus?
Hebrews 1 begins like this: “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe” (verses 1-2). Wow, what … Continue reading Looking for something other than Jesus?
Courage for the battle
Imagine three scenarios. In the first, there you stand with your fellow troops about to head into a life-or-death battle. But you don’t know who your leader is going to be. Out he comes from the tent behind you. None of you has any idea who he is. That certainly doesn’t give you much confidence … Continue reading Courage for the battle
Destination victory
This is a word to the weary. Or to those who are battle-worn, either a little or a lot: When Jesus is your path, your destination is always victory. We are called to a certain way of life. We could also call it a path, or a road. It’s not a physical road, but a … Continue reading Destination victory
Death bed perspective
I’ve had the privilege of talking with many people in their last days on earth. As people look back on their life, there are moments of reflection. Do you want to know what people never say? They never say, “I wish I had earned more money. I wish I had worked more. I wish I … Continue reading Death bed perspective
Ships don’t sink because of water around them
Recently during a Sunday message Jeff Walther shared one of those quotes that makes you think, think again, and then think some more: “Ships don’t sink because of water around them. Ships sink because of water that gets in them. Don’t let what’s happening around you get inside you and weigh you down.”* We’re all … Continue reading Ships don’t sink because of water around them
Genuine beliefs have hands and feet
In Acts 16, Paul and Silas were in prison. Instead of bemoaning their fate they were praying and singing to God! The jailer was captivated, not only by their words but by their behaviour (see verses 25 to 30). He wanted to know what to do to be saved. They told him about believing in … Continue reading Genuine beliefs have hands and feet
Perpetual change and controversy?
Change is everywhere. That was true prior to the pandemic. But that was nothing compared to now. In the past year and a half we’ve experienced (and are experiencing) massive change as we try to adapt to ever-evolving social realities and upheavals. Spinning is not a way to see clearly. We are becoming increasingly polarized … Continue reading Perpetual change and controversy?
Motives, prayer and invisible momentum
Hello! After four weeks of vacation The Up Devotional is back with your one-minute daily shot of soul espresso! In the fictional movie Bruce Almighty, Bruce is played by actor Jim Carrey. He has the unique opportunity to do God’s job for a while. He wants to be nice to everyone so he says Yes … Continue reading Motives, prayer and invisible momentum
