Imagine three scenarios. In the first, there you stand with your fellow troops about to head into a life-or-death battle. But you don’t know who your leader is going to be. Out he comes from the tent behind you. None of you has any idea who he is. That certainly doesn’t give you much confidence … Continue reading Courage for the battle
Destination victory
This is a word to the weary. Or to those who are battle-worn, either a little or a lot: When Jesus is your path, your destination is always victory. We are called to a certain way of life. We could also call it a path, or a road. It’s not a physical road, but a … Continue reading Destination victory
Death bed perspective
I’ve had the privilege of talking with many people in their last days on earth. As people look back on their life, there are moments of reflection. Do you want to know what people never say? They never say, “I wish I had earned more money. I wish I had worked more. I wish I … Continue reading Death bed perspective
Ships don’t sink because of water around them
Recently during a Sunday message Jeff Walther shared one of those quotes that makes you think, think again, and then think some more: “Ships don’t sink because of water around them. Ships sink because of water that gets in them. Don’t let what’s happening around you get inside you and weigh you down.”* We’re all … Continue reading Ships don’t sink because of water around them
Genuine beliefs have hands and feet
In Acts 16, Paul and Silas were in prison. Instead of bemoaning their fate they were praying and singing to God! The jailer was captivated, not only by their words but by their behaviour (see verses 25 to 30). He wanted to know what to do to be saved. They told him about believing in … Continue reading Genuine beliefs have hands and feet
Perpetual change and controversy?
Change is everywhere. That was true prior to the pandemic. But that was nothing compared to now. In the past year and a half we’ve experienced (and are experiencing) massive change as we try to adapt to ever-evolving social realities and upheavals. Spinning is not a way to see clearly. We are becoming increasingly polarized … Continue reading Perpetual change and controversy?
Motives, prayer and invisible momentum
Hello! After four weeks of vacation The Up Devotional is back with your one-minute daily shot of soul espresso! In the fictional movie Bruce Almighty, Bruce is played by actor Jim Carrey. He has the unique opportunity to do God’s job for a while. He wants to be nice to everyone so he says Yes … Continue reading Motives, prayer and invisible momentum
With humility comes wisdom
[Last devotional until September 6th, 2021. See note below.] Proverbs 11:2 says: “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” Have you ever wondered why that is? It’s because pride wants to take the wheel and be in control. Humility, on the other hand, is about kicking out arrogance so that God’s … Continue reading With humility comes wisdom
The awesomeness of his uniqueness
Jesus is different. And if you belong to him, you’ll most likely be considered different or strange as well. So let’s buttress ourselves and take a closer look at the awesomeness of his uniqueness. First, Jesus is God-with-us. He is the very fullness of God in human form (Colossians 2:9). ‘Do you mean to say … Continue reading The awesomeness of his uniqueness
