“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence…” (Psalm 16:11) We live in the age of the quick-fix. Instant gratification is on the menu. If I have a craving for a cheeseburger I can go to a drive-thru window. If I want my house to … Continue reading Joy is a diet (not a pill)
The Up Devo
Making margin
I recently had the opportunity to interview the Rev. Dr. Sarah Han. She’s a professor at Tyndale University in Toronto (and also a friend) who is writing a book about “margin.” Having margin in your life is having mental and emotional space in your life. It’s also having a schedule which isn’t consistently jam-packed. Sarah … Continue reading Making margin
Persistence without insight
The Mandalorian is a TV series and a part of the Star Wars enterprise. The main character is a bounty hunter named Din Djarin. Every once in a while he meets up with the Armourer—a lady who offers wisdom and, as her name suggests, makes armour. During one of their conversations they are talking about the … Continue reading Persistence without insight
Christ will wipe it off
The Bible never fails to surprise. I recently came across 1 Peter 4:14 where the apostle is writing to encourage believers who are surrounded by hostility. Here is what he says: “If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.” … Continue reading Christ will wipe it off
Return hatred with love
If you play hockey in a full-contact league, do not be surprised if you get body-checked. If you go outside when it’s raining, do not be surprised if you get wet. And if you follow Jesus, do not be surprised if the world hates you. The apostle John says that very thing in 1 John … Continue reading Return hatred with love
Don’t confuse a battleground for a playground
In John 15 Jesus warns his disciples that the world will hate them. That’s pretty strong language. Matthew Henry says that hatred “is the character and genius of the devil’s kingdom.” Serious language for a serious situation! But why would Jesus spend so much time telling them about the world’s hatred? First, he wants to … Continue reading Don’t confuse a battleground for a playground
When you feel like a misfit
When I was younger I loved the cartoon version of Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer. One of the scenes is about The Island of Misfit Toys. It’s for toys that don’t fit in. They sit there dejected, waiting for someone to want them. That’s a how a lot of Christians feel today. With each passing year, … Continue reading When you feel like a misfit
Pruning
In John 15, Jesus provides a metaphor: He is the true vine, his heavenly Father is the gardener, and we are the branches. As the branches we are to “bear fruit.” This means that our lives are to show evidence of our faithfulness and discipleship. In verse 2 he says this: “Every branch in me … Continue reading Pruning
How do you spell love?
I once heard someone ask, “How do you spell love?” Seems simple, doesn’t it? L-O-V-E. “No,” they said. “You spell it T-I-M-E.”* Technically you don’t spell love like that. But they were obviously making a point: One way you can give someone your love is to give them your time. It’s a powerful message in … Continue reading How do you spell love?
Being warred against
Sometimes encouragement comes in the strangest of ways. Like when it feels that everything is going against you. Or when you are being opposed at every turn. Maybe you’re wondering why those negative feelings or experiences can be sources of encouragement. Let me explain. John Climacus was a monk who wrote an influential book in … Continue reading Being warred against
