Jesus said: “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matthew 7:24).John Chrysostom was a church father who was known for his eloquence, his commitment to a simple lifestyle, and his success at repelling demons.But he was also known … Continue reading Do I fear? No!
The Up Devo
When the world doesn’t keep it’s promise
C.S. Lewis was a famous literary critic and author. He converted to Christianity from atheism. Here is one of his more famous quotes: “There are all sorts of things in this world that offer to give it to you, but they never quite keep their promise… If I find in myself a desire which no experience … Continue reading When the world doesn’t keep it’s promise
You can’t illuminate darkness with darkness
The apostle John walked and talked with Jesus, the one who said he was the very light of the world (John 8:12). In 1 John 1:5 he shared this insight of clarity and power: “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” As his people we are to “walk in the light, as … Continue reading You can’t illuminate darkness with darkness
Close or distant? Permanent or occasional?
“By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked” (1 John 2:5-6).What does it mean to “abide” in Jesus? After all, this is an important word. It comes up 40 times in the Gospel of John and … Continue reading Close or distant? Permanent or occasional?
Your advocate in the divine court room
“But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1)This verse was written by the apostle John. In it, he offers a powerful word of encouragement. But to see the full scope of his reassurance, we need to keep something in mind.Picture a legal setting, a … Continue reading Your advocate in the divine court room
If all your prayers were answered
In his book, Your Story Has a Villain, John Pokluda asks: “What would you change if all your prayers were answered?”When I first read that question, I paused and tried to think about all the prayers I had said the previous day. Pokluda’s question made me wonder if my prayers were too timid or small. … Continue reading If all your prayers were answered
A trustworthy eyewitness is speaking to you
The first letter of John the apostle starts with a lot of enthusiasm—and this energy is for a reason:“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life…” (1 John 1:1)Let me explain … Continue reading A trustworthy eyewitness is speaking to you
Are you dying for him?
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).In A Tale of Two Cities two men look a lot alike. Their names are Charles and Sydney. They both fall in love with the same woman. She falls back in love with … Continue reading Are you dying for him?
Wisdom. Purity. Clarity.
In 1 John 1:5-6 John the apostle says “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.”In this verse, what does “light” mean? In the Bible, light often refers to wisdom. It “illuminates” our understanding. It can also refer to purity or holiness. It also provides clarity. Let’s say you’re stumbling around in … Continue reading Wisdom. Purity. Clarity.
Evicting dark thoughts
“If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth” (1 John 1:6).Nectarios Trevino is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He was as a squadron commander and also worked in intelligence. He served on General Schwarzkopf’s staff during the Gulf War. After Trevino … Continue reading Evicting dark thoughts
