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
The Up Devo
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
With humility comes wisdom
[Last devotional until September 6th, 2021. See note below.] Proverbs 11:2 says: “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” Have you ever wondered why that is? It’s because pride wants to take the wheel and be in control. Humility, on the other hand, is about kicking out arrogance so that God’s … Continue reading With humility comes wisdom
The awesomeness of his uniqueness
Jesus is different. And if you belong to him, you’ll most likely be considered different or strange as well. So let’s buttress ourselves and take a closer look at the awesomeness of his uniqueness. First, Jesus is God-with-us. He is the very fullness of God in human form (Colossians 2:9). ‘Do you mean to say … Continue reading The awesomeness of his uniqueness
The difference being different makes
Have you ever felt strange because of your faith? What if that wasn’t a bad thing? And what if there was a purpose in it? Paul’s teaching about the risen Jesus to the philosophers of Athens provoked accusations of strangeness: “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? You are bringing … Continue reading The difference being different makes
Falling out of love with fitting in
In John 15:19 Jesus said this to his disciples: “you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.” To understand what he means, we need to know that in this context the phrase “the world” is a way of speaking about … Continue reading Falling out of love with fitting in
The One who makes our voices soar [and your musical favs]
Earlier this week, I invited you to submit your favourite praise songs or hymns. The full list is below. Thanks for sharing! Perhaps there is something in there to uplift you. God can use music to do just that! In The Shawshank Redemption, an inmate named Andy goes into the office of one of the guards … Continue reading The One who makes our voices soar [and your musical favs]
