Jesus said: “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven…” (Matthew 5:11-12). I’d like to share a comforting thought. You might not think it’s very comforting at first, but hear me … Continue reading Great is your reward… in heaven
The Up Devo
Calling on the name of the Lord
The writer of Psalm 116 had experienced trauma—the “griefs of the grave,” as it is stated in the Geneva Bible translation. Whatever his particular affliction, he had called out to God for help, and received it! In gratitude and thanksgiving he said he would “call on the name of the LORD” (verse 13). We’ve heard … Continue reading Calling on the name of the Lord
When promises are stabilizing handrails
The writer of Psalm 116 had been through trauma. He cried out to God for help and received it. To show his appreciation he said: “I will fulfill my vows to the LORD…” (verse 14). It’s telling that fulfilling his vows is a part of how he shows his gratitude. Since God had been true … Continue reading When promises are stabilizing handrails
Avoiding the crash
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up…” (1 Thessalonians 5:11) Earlier this year I invited therapist Sarah Covey to speak at a workshop. She talked about the possibility of a post-pandemic “crash.” Not for everyone, but for some. Generally speaking, we’re designed to handle crises for short periods of time. But the COVID-19 … Continue reading Avoiding the crash
Unlocking doors for the Spirit
Do you sometimes feel like you’re not a real Christian because you continue to struggle with sin? The Bible teaches that when you believe in the risen Jesus, the Holy Spirit starts to live inside you. In Galatians 4:6 (NLT) Paul writes: “because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son … Continue reading Unlocking doors for the Spirit
I look for the good things
I know someone who seems incapable of seeing anything in a positive way. Cynicism is the air they breathe—both in and out. They even seem to think that their tainted outlook makes them wise. But it doesn’t. If you’re like the rest of humanity, this most recent chapter of life hasn’t been ideal. That’s why … Continue reading I look for the good things
Joy is what happens when…
Yesterday I highlighted Act 14:17 where Paul was telling the people of Lystra about God: “He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.” He told them how God was personally involved in their lives and … Continue reading Joy is what happens when…
Kindness, kindness, kindness, kindness
In Acts 14:17 Paul was telling the people of Lystra about God: “He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.” He was highlighting how God was personally involved in their lives and actively providing for … Continue reading Kindness, kindness, kindness, kindness
The skies proclaim the work of his hands
The fact that there is a creation is evidence that there is a Creator. Here’s what I mean. In elementary school science class I learned about cause and effect. Something can’t come from nothing. If a baby is born, it didn’t come from nowhere. Something had to happen nine months ago to bring it into … Continue reading The skies proclaim the work of his hands
A distracted lifestyle vs focus
Someone told me they had a squirrel’s attention span, meaning that their focus ping-ponged from this to that, regardless of what this or that was. Unfortunately, distraction is the air we breathe these days. It’s hard to avoid. We are continually interrupted, bombarded with information and advertising, or the next shiny new thing. Alan Noble … Continue reading A distracted lifestyle vs focus
