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
Who is your highest authority?
There’s usually more happening in the Bible than we realize. Here’s an example.In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus famously said: “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…” (Matthew 5:44). That’s huge. The love that Jesus taught and exemplified changed (and changes) the world.But let’s also take note of something that happens in … Continue reading Who is your highest authority?
If fifty million people say something foolish
A writer named William Somerset Maugham said: “If fifty million people say something foolish, it is still foolish.”*His words are a helpful (and accurate) reminder that we need to evaluate ideas based on their merit, not popular opinion. As followers of Christ, we also need to evaluate ideas based on whether or not they agree with … Continue reading If fifty million people say something foolish
How do I discern God’s will when the path is uncertain?
The words of Psalm 143:10 are a good prayer for all of us: “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.”As followers of Jesus, we want to do God’s will. Sometimes his will is clear. Sometimes it is not. What do we do … Continue reading How do I discern God’s will when the path is uncertain?
Believe big things
“Now the LORD provided a huge fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights” (Jonah 1:17).As you begin September, do you need a reminder that with God all things are actually possible?As modern people, we can get sucked into the prevailing skepticism of our time. … Continue reading Believe big things
Think first
“All who are prudent act with knowledge, but fools expose their folly” (Proverbs 13:16).If you ever get caught under a colossal pile of snow as a result of an avalanche, don’t dig blindly. Spit first. Let me explain.Science Magazine told the story of an individual who, after being trapped under the snow, died. But before … Continue reading Think first
Knowing + Doing =
Hello and welcome back to The Up Daily Devotional. I’ve been taking some vacation time but am now back five mornings a week to your email inbox, social media and podcasts feeds, and radio airwaves.I also return to teach and preach at Westminster this coming Sunday.Okay, here we go.I often say that September is the … Continue reading Knowing + Doing =
