There are times when we struggle with our faith. Perhaps we have an unanswered question. Perhaps we’ve experienced something that makes us doubt. Whatever it is, it can make us feel… Stuck. When that happens you should definitely pray, learn and talk to others. But there’s something else, and it’s today’s focus: don’t stop moving. … Continue reading Unless you go forward
The Up Devo
Whoever loses their life for me
This is what Jesus says in Mark 8:34-35: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.” Following Jesus means denying yourself, taking … Continue reading Whoever loses their life for me
Mesus and McJesus
Kyle Idleman came up with the term “Mesus.”* It’s when we project the things we like about ourselves onto Jesus---and only those things. If we like acts of mercy and adventure, we focus on those things in Jesus (while neglecting everything else). We think we’re honouring Jesus, but we’re really just honouring what we like … Continue reading Mesus and McJesus
Triumphant (over evil)
"Don't be afraid." That's easier to say than it is to live. Generally speaking, people need a reason to be unafraid. For example, if I'm an 8-year old and I see a bully on the playground, I might be afraid. But if I then see my big brother come onto the playground---who just so happens … Continue reading Triumphant (over evil)
Partialness or fullness?
In Colossians 1:25 Paul says that God has given him a specific mission: “to present to you the word of God in its fullness…” This important theme comes up elsewhere too. When speaking to the elders of Ephesus he said: “For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God” (Acts … Continue reading Partialness or fullness?
Cooperating with God’s forward motion
In yesterday’s devotional I shared an anonymous saying: “God meets you where you’re at, not where you should be at.” It’s a reminder that God doesn’t require you to be in tip-top moral shape or a top-notch theologian to come to you and intervene in your life. But when that happens, what happens next? Cooperate … Continue reading Cooperating with God’s forward motion
Where you’re at, not where you should be at
Johnny Cash is known as the “man in black.” Early in his music career he got into some pretty bad things. His life was not going well. At all. “I never wanted to see another dawn. I had wasted my life. I had drifted so far from God and every stabilizing force in my life … Continue reading Where you’re at, not where you should be at
Is something “off”?
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen…” (James 1:19) Something still seems “off.” I’ve sensed it. Have you? Maybe not for everyone, but for more people than you realize. I’m talking about life after the pandemic. Have you said (or felt) these things? Or has someone you … Continue reading Is something “off”?
Praying as a unit
Colossians 4:2: “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Different families have different temptations. Matthew Henry wrote: "Busy families are in temptation to wordliness, and neglect of religious duties; mixed families are in temptation to discord, and mutual jealousies; decaying families are in temptation to distrust, discontent, and indirect courses to help themselves.”* If … Continue reading Praying as a unit
You never see a U-Haul behind a hearse
There’s a saying from an old pastor: “You never see a U-Haul behind a hearse.” I don’t know his name. But I’m sure it came from years of experience. We pastors see a lot of things. We follow hearses to cemeteries and lead prayers. We spend time at hospital beds. We see tears and family … Continue reading You never see a U-Haul behind a hearse
The Up Devotional 