Revelation 21:4 “He will wipe every tear from their eyes.” (NIV) Today’s Thought When Tom Long was in training to be a pastor, his supervisor sent him to visit some families in the Carolinas. One of them was a mother with a bunch of children. But one of the children—whom we’ll call Robert—wasn’t included in … Continue reading Already healed
The Up Devo
Pour yourself into what’s in front of you
In World War Two, Viktor Frankl found himself in a Nazi concentration camp. His book Man's Search for Meaning recounts many of the terrible things he endured. But he also talks about how you can find meaning even in horrible situations. Here’s an example. Some of Frankl’s fellow prisoners had figured out a way to escape. … Continue reading Pour yourself into what’s in front of you
What do you pray for in a situation like that?
Ephesians 3:20 "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine…" (NIV) Today's Thought Zeb Mengistu is a pastor in Ethiopia who tells about one of their church’s documented healings. During one of his church’s healing services a boy came forward with no fingers. What do you pray … Continue reading What do you pray for in a situation like that?
Best friends with the enemy
When you think about your worst enemy, who you do think about? A betraying friend? Someone who has abused you? Satan? How many of you answered, ‘Me’? I’m guessing not very many. But I’m also guessing that many of us act that way. Let’s consider Hall of Fame baseball pitcher Gaylord Perry. He was known … Continue reading Best friends with the enemy
The Silver Bullet
We humans often make things more complicated than they are. A few days ago I saw someone having a really hard time raking their lawn. Mind you, they had a phone in one hand. And with the other, they were raking a pile of dead leaves leftover from the fall… with a shovel. That’s right. … Continue reading The Silver Bullet
Speak Life (and a request for some help)
A few words can alter someone’s life: “You got the job!” “It’s a boy!” When we think about life-altering words, we usually think about big events with photo-ops and months of planning. But you can also have a positive, life-altering impact in your everyday conversations with the people around you. “I’m proud of you.” “You … Continue reading Speak Life (and a request for some help)
When many things are important none of them are
Ephesians 2:10 "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works..." (NIV) Today's Thought 15 years ago one of my co-workers had a habit of writing important things on sticky notes and pasting them around his computer screen. He soon ran out of space. So when the area around his computer … Continue reading When many things are important none of them are
A Person who demands your confidence
Matthew 28:8 "So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy..." (NIV Today's Thought Holidays and traditions are great. I love big meals, hot cross buns, and Easter egg hunts as much as the next guy. But when the things we do start to eclipse the meaning behind WHY we do … Continue reading A Person who demands your confidence
Shouldn’t it be called Sad Friday?
It always perplexed me. Why is it called “good” Friday if it’s when Jesus was crucified? As a child at church asked me last year, ‘Shouldn’t it be called Sad Friday?’ One explanation I’ve heard for the name is that the word “good” comes from God. So it’s really like “God’s Friday.” Of all the … Continue reading Shouldn’t it be called Sad Friday?
Why does Maundy Thursday matter?
Maundy Thursday is one of those days that leaves a lot of people scratching their heads. For a long time, that was certainly true for me too! What does the name mean? Why do some churches hold special services? And what does it matter to me? The word “Maundy” comes from Jesus’ words in John … Continue reading Why does Maundy Thursday matter?
