Matthew 5:48 "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." (NIV) Today's Thought As strange as it may sound, you can’t be godly and perfect at the same time. To a certain degree, what I just said doesn’t make sense. After all, in Matthew 5:48 Jesus invites his hearers to “Be perfect… as your … Continue reading Be… perfect?
The Up Devo
What’s the deal with angels?
Hebrews 1:14 “Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” (NIV) Today's Thought So what’s the deal with angels? Well, the answer may surprise you. They’re mentioned 273 times in the Bible; and “angel” is a word that means “messenger.” So an angel is basically a messenger of God. … Continue reading What’s the deal with angels?
Moving toward love
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 “Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love." (NLT) Today's Thought It’s been a difficult week. In addition to whatever happened in your personal life, we hear about walls being built and political protests in the streets. Then on Sunday evening here in Canada, 6 Muslims were shot … Continue reading Moving toward love
They were hiding in barn lofts
Genesis 1:27 “So God created human beings in his own image" (NLT) Today's Thought All week I've been suggesting practical things we can do to love one another more fully. So today I'd like to bring the week to a close with this suggestion: Acknowledge that every single person is made in the image of … Continue reading They were hiding in barn lofts
What’s good in their life?
Philippians 4:8 “…whatever is commendable… think about these things.” (ESV) Today's Thought This week I’m suggesting practical things we can do to love one another. We’ve talked about the importance of taking your own sin seriously, about listening before talking, and about using words that encourage. (To review those posts just scroll down and navigate … Continue reading What’s good in their life?
Before you talk, do this
James 1:19 “...let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak...” (ESV) Today's Thought This week I’m suggesting practical things we can do to love one another better. Yesterday I talked about the importance of taking your own sin seriously. (If you missed it, you can review it here.) Here’s suggestion #2: Listen before … Continue reading Before you talk, do this
What’s Wrong with the World?
Romans 3:23 “…all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (NIV) Today's Thought In the Bible, we’re told to love one another. It’s like the chorus of a catchy song that never goes away. We just keep on hearing it. Unfortunately, we don’t always do it very well. Well, that’s not totally … Continue reading What’s Wrong with the World?
Why you should pray for your leaders
Psalm 133:1 “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” (NIV) Today's Thought I want to start today’s devotional by addressing my American readers. Today, Donald Trump is your 45th President. To say he’s controversial is an understatement. But regardless of what you think of him, I encourage you to pray … Continue reading Why you should pray for your leaders
Lose the guilt
Philippians 2:3-4 “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” (NIV) Today's Thought There are certain bible passages that, to me, are like the mail carrier. They just keep coming back. And … Continue reading Lose the guilt
Looking at him like that offended too many people
Isaiah 53:2 “He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him...” (NIV) Today's Thought When pastor Fred Craddock was in Oklahoma he saw a painting of Jesus. He was asked to look at it for his opinion. But it wasn’t the kind you’d expect to see. The colours were dark, including purples and blacks … Continue reading Looking at him like that offended too many people
