Everyone loves the idea of love. I'm not necessarily talking about romantic love (although what I'm about to say applies to that too), but love in general. Who's ever heard of someone saying they don’t like love, or that love is bad? Since it’s so widely venerated and used, it’s a word that can easily … Continue reading Love is…
The Up Devo
You’ve never fled or fallen too far
“God couldn’t love me. Not after what I’ve done.” I hear this sometimes. Maybe not those exact words. But some form of them. Sure, we know the words to “Jesus loves me” and, on some level, mentally agree that they’re true. But then life goes on, things happen—sometimes terrible things, and we doubt God’s love. … Continue reading You’ve never fled or fallen too far
Rockefeller’s insight (and warning)
The famous businessman John Rockefeller was asked, “How much money does it take to satisfy a man?” He replied, “Just a little bit more.” His answer was insightful—not only about how a lot of people think about money, but about how a lot of people think about life in general. ‘If only I had better … Continue reading Rockefeller’s insight (and warning)
You: The living memory
Siblings can become very close. That was certainly true for Theodore and Amity. But as time went on, Amity contracted cancer. The doctors told her she could have surgery to try and remove the tumor. But since she was getting older and feeling weaker, there was a chance she either wouldn’t survive or would go downhill … Continue reading You: The living memory
Your John 3:16 moment
I had planned on writing about something else today. But a congregant just passed away and I felt the need to share this question with you. Are you ready for your own death? Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t think about it until it’s too late. In previous eras, people thought about death a lot … Continue reading Your John 3:16 moment
An avalanche of gadgetry
Sometimes, habits that seem totally unrelated to your “spirituality” are totally spiritual. Let me tell you what I mean. We live in a time of increased gadgetry. You might even say that we live amidst an avalanche of gadgetry. For example, smart phones have become ever-present. And they can do everything except fold the laundry! … Continue reading An avalanche of gadgetry
Like water off a duck’s back
“You never do it right.” “Your priorities are always messed up.” “You always say the wrong thing!” How do you respond when people unduly judge and criticize you? If you’re like a lot of other people (including me), probably not very well! So I stand in awe of the apostle Paul when he says, “I … Continue reading Like water off a duck’s back
Proving that you’re somebody
Lately I’ve been talking about “Keeping up with the Joneses.” It’s an expression that has to do with how you think you’re measuring up (and keeping up) with the people around you. It has to do with comparison. And do you know what? It’s an exhausting way to live. In an incredibly honest interview with … Continue reading Proving that you’re somebody
If not you, who?
The thing that happens when people gather on Sunday is called a “worship service.” It’s often at a building, but not always. Recently on vacation (in a very warm climate!) we gathered in a circle on the beach. Psalm 66:2 says, “sing the glory of his name; give to him glorious praise!” That’s what we did … Continue reading If not you, who?
Don’t get worked up about $20
When I’m meeting with someone and we’re about to pray, I often ask them what we should pray about. One of the most common answers is to not sweat the small stuff. I get that. Sometimes it’s easy to let something small get blown out of proportion and take over our brain. To help out … Continue reading Don’t get worked up about $20
