When it comes to a worship service, I’m usually the one doing the talking. So I was really looking forward to a service I attended on Tuesday night in Midland at Knox Church. My friend and colleague Alton Ruff said that when Jesus calls us to do something, it quite often involves going out of … Continue reading Worth the risk
The Up Devo
Why other people’s standards are distracting
As you know, the “Up!” devo was on a break for a week while I was on vacation. But now I’m back and ready to walk faithfully into a new year. I hope you are too. And one of the things that helps us do that is to evaluate what we’re spending our time thinking … Continue reading Why other people’s standards are distracting
If you’re not dead
A lot of people make “New Year’s Resolutions.” When the year behind gives way to the year-to-come, they “resolve” to do something differently. Some people make these kinds of resolutions. Some don’t. Either way, many of us make personal goals. And a new year is a time to look forward to the next 365 days … Continue reading If you’re not dead
Help for the relaxation impaired
I have a confession to make. I’m not very good at relaxing. What I mean is that it takes some work to calm my mind. When I’m supposed to be mellow in a semi-trance of blissfulness with my uber-cool sunglasses, my brain easily wanders back to my gargantuan to-do list. Can you relate? If not, … Continue reading Help for the relaxation impaired
Don’t waste it dwelling on the negative
Human (noun): “a homo sapien who has the ability to breathe, reason, and become an expert at second guessing themselves and dwelling on the negative.” Okay, you’re right. That definition isn’t in the dictionary… but it could be! Especially after Christmas. You’d think that after celebrating the birth of the Messiah we’d be on cloud … Continue reading Don’t waste it dwelling on the negative
The means to live (but no meaning to live for)
Holocaust survivor, neurologist and psychiatrist Victor Frankl said that, “Ever more people today have the means to live, but no meaning to live for.” He was referring to what I call the crisis of purpose. I think it’s a huge part of the general malaise and apathy which can seep into so many people’s minds … Continue reading The means to live (but no meaning to live for)
It’s easy to throw in the towel (but don’t)
Have you noticed? The world is troubled. There are political tensions, there is a lot of anxiety, and depression is increasing. Plus, many people suffer from a ‘crisis of purpose’ and whether or not there is any greater meaning to their lives. Because of all that it’s easy to just throw in the towel—to just … Continue reading It’s easy to throw in the towel (but don’t)
Merry Christmas! (special edition)
You’re right. I don’t usually send out a devotional on Monday morning. But today I wanted to make an exception. Why? Because I wanted to say Merry Christmas! “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11 KJV). The way I see it, … Continue reading Merry Christmas! (special edition)
Open me
There are certain moments in life when time seems to stand still. It’s when something really significant is happening and the usual routine of daily life is disrupted. One of these times is the birth of a child. Another is the death of someone we deeply care about. And I think that Christmas is one of those times … Continue reading Open me
What if it was something annoying within ourselves?
Something a lot of people enjoy at this time of year is getting together with friends and family. But let’s be honest. There's also a lot of people who DON’T enjoy that part of the holidays! Why? Because certain people can drive us crazy. Some have attitudes, habits and opinions that drive us up the wall! … Continue reading What if it was something annoying within ourselves?
