“Only strong people are close to God. Only smart people know anything about God.” In case it’s not obvious, those two sentences are incorrect! But we still tend to let those kinds of thoughts creep into our heads, don’t we? And yet. God shows grace to the humble (James 4:6). And your salvation is something … Continue reading Only strong and smart people?
Month: January 2021
Where fear flourishes
Many people are afraid right now. Maybe you’re one of them. It’s not something we like to admit. So there it hides, deep within; but there it remains. Afraid of lockdowns, loneliness, sickness or sadness.Afraid of political turmoil, tomorrow, job security or uncertainty. But did you know that fear flourishes where God is not known? … Continue reading Where fear flourishes
Just to be is a blessing
We’re used to earning things. If we study hard we earn good grades.If we have a job we earn money.If we keep our word we earn respect. Since this mentality-of-earning is so deeply engrained in our brains we can also start to think that we can only experience God’s blessings if we earn them. And … Continue reading Just to be is a blessing
Surround me with songs of deliverance
In Psalm 32:7 a struggling David prays these words to God: “You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.” He needs relief. He needs protection. And so he asks that God surround him “with songs of deliverance.” He knows that the music will serve as … Continue reading Surround me with songs of deliverance
Our Father’s business
Mary, Joseph and Jesus went with a caravan of other people to Jerusalem for the annual Passover festival. On the way back, Mary and Joseph discovered that Jesus wasn’t with them. They broke from the group and headed back to Jerusalem to find him. “After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting … Continue reading Our Father’s business
Is someone on earth Lord, or Jesus?
Lord. It’s who Jesus is. The angel announced to the shepherds that “a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord” (Luke 2:11). Philippians 2:11 describes how every tongue will acknowledge that “Jesus Christ is Lord.” 1 Corinthians 12:3 explains how “no one can say, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ except by the … Continue reading Is someone on earth Lord, or Jesus?
Discouragement is a comma, not a period
There’s a movie that some people watch every year: It’s A Wonderful Life. There’s a scene right at the start of the movie where we overhear what is supposed to be a conversation between God and a guardian angel named Clarence. “A man down on earth needs our help,” God says, referring to George Bailey. … Continue reading Discouragement is a comma, not a period
For ALL people (Epiphany)
Today is Epiphany. Um, what? “Epiphany” means “manifestation.” Historically, it’s a day when Christians mark the manifestation (or appearing, or showing-forth) of Jesus to the gentiles—in other words, to ALL people (not just Jews). It’s associated with the visit of the wise men who came from a faraway country: “When they saw the star, they were … Continue reading For ALL people (Epiphany)
Stand firm in things eternal
At the start of a new year some people make resolutions. They resolve to improve something in their lives. Maybe it’s getting in shape, getting out of debt, or quitting smoking. Personally, I’m not too keen on making resolutions. But what I am keen on is developing practices and routines that help us stand firm … Continue reading Stand firm in things eternal
2021: In the arms of an certain God
Welcome to 2021! After a week off, the “Up!” daily devotional is back. And welcome to those who have newly subscribed over the past week. In 2008 there was a College softball game. Sara Tucholsky came to the plate. She only had three hits all season. But she smashed the ball out the park. It … Continue reading 2021: In the arms of an certain God
