Roy Oswald says: “The truly happy person is the one who wants, more than anything else, what he already has.”His statement is meant to bring attention to the idea that accumulating more stuff or experiences doesn’t necessarily make a person happier. True happiness, he argues, is about wanting what you already have.It’s a surprising statement, … Continue reading The Truly Happy Person
The Up Devo
“Because my God is bigger”
There are a lot of big things happening in the world. They can be scary or unsettling.We hear about missiles and rumours of war. We hear about destruction and pain. And that’s on top of the general malaise or anxiety that a lot of people are feeling.Last winter I was speaking with another parent at … Continue reading “Because my God is bigger”
The only one qualified to throw the stone didn’t
In yesterday’s devotional I shared a few words about the woman caught in adultery in John 8.It’s a powerful and beautiful example of how Jesus “came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).Today let’s focus on a much-neglected detail. In verse 7 he said: “Let any one of you who is without … Continue reading The only one qualified to throw the stone didn’t
The tug-of-war for Jesus
There is a spiritual tug-of-war happening—and it’s happening over Jesus.Different factions are trying to lay claim to him. One group proclaims: “We have the right understanding of Jesus and you are wrong!” The other group bellows the same thing.Even as you read or listen to this certain people come to mind who are actively engaged … Continue reading The tug-of-war for Jesus
What happens in the home
There’s an expression. “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.” The idea is that people are doing things they shouldn’t be doing and don’t want other people to find out about it! “Let’s keep secret what happened in Vegas!”Sometimes we can have that same mentality about our homes—even if we don’t use that expression. I’m … Continue reading What happens in the home
Thoughts are coordinates
Thoughts are coordinates.Huh?Coordinates get you somewhere. They’re about helping you end up at the right destination. Perhaps you type them into your phone or G.P.S. If you don’t input the right data, you end up at the wrong place.Or picture Han Solo and Chewbacca in the Millennium Falcon. Before they make the jump to hyperspace … Continue reading Thoughts are coordinates
Not because of the circumstances we’re in
Certain things are inspiring. It is inspiring when someone breaks a world record. It is inspiring when someone makes a big sacrifice to help someone in need.I also find it very inspiring when someone is able to experience joy even in the midst of hardship.Have you ever met someone like that? They have enduring serious pain. … Continue reading Not because of the circumstances we’re in
Are we coming to worship entitled or thankful?
Today is Friday. In two days from now Christians all over the world will gather together to worship God. They will do so in simple church buildings or fancy ones. They will gather in storefronts or movie theatres. They will gather in someone’s home or out in a field.No matter what their surroundings look like, … Continue reading Are we coming to worship entitled or thankful?
Whose voice is louder?
Bryce Crawford is a young missionary in Los Angeles. He says that many people move to L.A., make mistakes, regret those mistakes, and then wonder what to do next with their life. Because of this, he says, people are hungry for Jesus.My sense is that this experience is not limited to Los Angeles!I recently saw a … Continue reading Whose voice is louder?
Reflecting God or playing God?
“You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13).As the children of our God and King, we strive to live up to our royal pedigree. Are we sinful and broken? Absolutely. But with God’s help we try to grow in Christlikeness and reflect the one in whose image we are made.One of the ways we do this is … Continue reading Reflecting God or playing God?
