1 Peter 3:15 "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect..." (NIV) Today's Thought If someone were to ask you, “Why do you believe in God?”, what would you say? In the first century, … Continue reading But WHY do you believe?
The Up Devo
“I guess nobody loves me”
1 Peter 4:8 "Above all, love each other deeply..." (NIV) Today's Thought My friends, today it’s really simple. A few months ago I was in the common room of a nursing home. It’s where the residents pick up their mail. A nearby elevator door opened and two ladies came out pushing their walkers. Going to the … Continue reading “I guess nobody loves me”
Intentionally in light of eternity
1 John 3:18 "let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth." (ESV) Today's Thought Music takes what you feel and believe on a deep level and gives it expression in a way that you couldn't by yourself. Quite often when we hear a song that we love we just can’t … Continue reading Intentionally in light of eternity
To get something great
Proverbs 25:28 "A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls." (NLT) Today's Thought I’m three days in to a three week coffee fast. Just to be clear, that means I’m not drinking ANY coffee. For three weeks. At all. Zilch. For some of you that’s no big deal. But for me, coffee has … Continue reading To get something great
More than behaviour
2 Peter 3:18 “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (NIV) Today's Thought You’re trying. -You have good intentions about praying, but when you close your eyes your mind races to a thousand lesser things. -You want to volunteer for that project that’s been on your heart but you’re … Continue reading More than behaviour
What if you’re SUPPOSED to feel different?
1 Peter 2:9 "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation..." (ESV) Today's Thought Barna researchers asked people what kinds of religious behavior they considered “extreme.” 93% said that using religion to justify violence was extreme. I’d agree with that one! But 60% also said that evangelism was extreme. Evangelism is … Continue reading What if you’re SUPPOSED to feel different?
A dating world with no competition
Exodus 20:5 “I the LORD your God am a jealous God…” (ESV) Today's Thought Imagine a dating world with no competition. You’d be focused on your partner… exclusively. They on you, and you on them. Your eyes wouldn’t wander. And you wouldn’t have to worry about their eyes wondering either! The trust would build. It … Continue reading A dating world with no competition
How many times you get up
1 Timothy 6:11 “But you, man of God… pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance…” (NIV) Today's Thought In this country, about 10 million people just made a New Year’s Resolution. Apparently, the most popular ones have to do with living a healthier lifestyle, focusing on the positive, and spending more time with family and friends. … Continue reading How many times you get up
Dad, how could you?! (A case of false assumptions)
Proverbs 18:2 “Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.” (NIV) Today's Thought I forget how old I was but we were obviously doing a unit in public school about drugs. You know, what a bad choice they are and how they mess up your brain. So you can only guess … Continue reading Dad, how could you?! (A case of false assumptions)
The boy who thought he was a turkey–and the true meaning of Christmas
John 1:9 "The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world." (ESV) Today's Thought Joseph Shulam is a pastor in Jerusalem. He tells a strange-but-powerful story that sears the true meaning of Christmas into your mind. One day after coming home, a young boy took off his clothes and went into the back … Continue reading The boy who thought he was a turkey–and the true meaning of Christmas
