In his book, A Hunger for God, John Piper writes: “we are less sensitive to spiritual appetites when we are in bondage to physical ones.”* Fair enough. Here’s where I want to focus us. Some of your physical appetites can be good. But they’re not your boss. Previous generations were much more used to denying … Continue reading Hearing a ‘still small voice’ over the roar of your appetites
Podcast
Impact bias
In yesterday’s devotional I talked about your soul’s appetite. Fill it with the wrong thing and be eternally corroded; fill it with the right thing and be eternally contented. In light of that, I suggested that you think proactively about how you are responding to your deepest longings since they can only and truly be … Continue reading Impact bias
Your soul has an appetite
Hello! I’m back after a week away, and so is The Up Daily Devotional to your email inbox, social media feeds or podcast subscriptions five mornings a week! Let’s get to today’s devotional. A lady who was hard up for cash tried to sell her soul on eBay for $2000. Apparently eBay now has a … Continue reading Your soul has an appetite
God’s big-picture providence for you
In his book Person of Interest, detective J. Warner Wallace highlights how many political, practical, and linguistic factors came together to maximize the impact and influence of Jesus on the world at that specific time in history. At the pinnacle of Roman Rule, vast areas “were unified under the same economic, military, and linguistic systems.”* … Continue reading God’s big-picture providence for you
The best way to teach someone else to trust and follow Jesus
Several years ago I led a workshop about faith formation in children and youth. ‘What can we do or say to help them trust and follow Jesus?’ Is there anything more important? No, there isn’t. Here’s where we landed. The best way to teach someone else to trust and follow Jesus is to trust and … Continue reading The best way to teach someone else to trust and follow Jesus
It is I; do not be afraid
In the Old Testament, God is described as master over the waves. God “alone stretched out the heavens and trampled the waves of the sea” (Job 9:8). So even though it’s surprising, it’s no surprise that Jesus walks on water in John 6. After all, he is God come to us in human form. Not … Continue reading It is I; do not be afraid
Uncertainty, opportunity, intimacy
There is a lot to feel uncertain about: global armed conflict, differing opinions about the pandemic, other illness, potential food shortages, gas prices, a troubled relationship, random acts of violence, interest rates… Not only are there uncertainties, but sensationalism in the media can further contribute to fear and panic. Frank Furedi counted how many times … Continue reading Uncertainty, opportunity, intimacy
Every year you grow, you will find me bigger
“Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed” (Revelation 5:5). In a book by C.S. Lewis called Prince Caspian, a girl named Lucy sees a lion named Aslan. She hasn’t seen him in many years. He has changed; he is bigger. “Aslan, you’re bigger,” she says. … Continue reading Every year you grow, you will find me bigger
The E word
Evangelism. It’s sharing the good news about Jesus. But in a society that is increasingly apathetic or hostile toward the things of God, it can be intimidating, or even scary. A few years ago I helped organize a talk on the subject by Will Han. He’s a Buddhist monk-turned-Christian, church planter, former classmate, and friend … Continue reading The E word
Peace not panic
In the epic story Moby Dick, there is a turbulent scene where a whaleboat races to try and catch the great whale. The scene is frantic. Sailors are yelling and working hard. The enraged Captain Ahab is at the helm. But one person is calm amidst the chaos. He is steady and focused. It’s the … Continue reading Peace not panic
