John 1:16 "And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace." (ESV) Today's Thought Amazing Grace is one of the best-known hymns. And for a lot of us it conjures up special memories. When I hear it on the bagpipes I think of my Grandpa Ruttan. He was the pipe major in the … Continue reading Amazing grace for a telemarketer?
The Up Devo
What a 4-year-old saw changed her life
1 Thessalonians 5:18 "Give thanks in all circumstances..." (ESV) Today's Thought Ann Voskamp’s earliest memory is when she was four years old. She witnessed her 18-month old sister being run over by a truck in their farmyard. Horror. Ever since she’s struggled in her relationship with God. With this memory seared in her mind, Ann … Continue reading What a 4-year-old saw changed her life
Step out of the traffic
Psalm 46:10 “Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God.” (MSG) Today's Thought I just spent a week in Myrtle Beach. It was… Awesome! Every time I go on vacation I learn something new. For example, last week I learned that... Cheap socks are never worth it The … Continue reading Step out of the traffic
A great investment opportunity
Titus 2:7 “In everything set them an example by doing what is good.” (NIV) Today's Thought Most of us probably have a role model. A role model is someone you look up to, someone who provides you with a good example—something to aspire to in life. For years I would have said my role model … Continue reading A great investment opportunity
The opposite of faith isn’t doubt
1 Corinthians 2:5 “That your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” (ESV) Today's Thought I’ve been a pastor for almost 9 years. And one of the things that happens over time is that you start to see patterns. You start to see certain consistencies with the … Continue reading The opposite of faith isn’t doubt
The mixed messages of Jesus?
Matthew 11:30 “For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (NIV) Today's Thought To be honest, I sometimes feel that living a life of faith is a contradiction. On one hand, Jesus says, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." (Luke 9:23). … Continue reading The mixed messages of Jesus?
Excuses or progress?
Proverbs 4:25 "Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you." (NIV) Today's Thought Sometimes, I think we’re our own worst enemy. We want to be closer to God, but don’t do anything to cultivate the relationship. Or we want to lose 10 pounds but can’t stay away from the high-fat snacks … Continue reading Excuses or progress?
Without food we can live for weeks… but hope?
1 Peter 1:3 “he has given us new birth into a living hope...” (NIV) Today's Thought Unfortunately, we live in a time of increasing despair. Last year, a front page New York Times article titled “U.S. Suicide Rate Surges to 30-Year High,” highlighted the sobering fact that overall suicides rose 24% between 1999 to 2014. … Continue reading Without food we can live for weeks… but hope?
Is your God just a bigger you?
Isaiah 9:6 “And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (NIV) Today's Thought Last year I attended a training session for people in our congregation who visit those who are sick and for those who can’t leave their homes. The leader, Cathy, had us look at a series of … Continue reading Is your God just a bigger you?
Getting out of a rut
Hebrews 12:2 “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus” (NIV) Today's Thought A lot of people think that pastors never fall into the same ruts they do. Since we’re always talking about prayer and community and love, many people think that we never have dry spells in our faith. That’s just untrue. I will, however, … Continue reading Getting out of a rut
