A new year is upon us. And more than one of you have set some kind of Bible-reading goal. And even if you haven’t, hopefully you know the importance of being continually rooted in the Scriptures. An inspiring verse about the importance of God’s word is found in Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp … Continue reading Struggle to understand the Bible?
As you stride into 2019
After a short break, the Up! devotional is back for 2019! (It's great to see you.) Do you make New Year’s Resolutions? However you respond, a lot of us are thinking about how to strengthen our faith in 2019. But when it comes to that word “faith,” we can easily miss something important. A lot … Continue reading As you stride into 2019
Merry Christmas! (Don’t be the 90%)
Merry Christmas everybody! I’m not sure what you’re up to today, but I hope you take some time to give thanks that God comes to us personally in Jesus to offer forgiveness, salvation, peace, and purpose. I also invite you to consider this question: How will I make room for Jesus in my life in … Continue reading Merry Christmas! (Don’t be the 90%)
Your life and legacy
Welcome to Christmas Eve! It’s a special time. After the presents have been bought, we gather to sing carols and ponder the significance of Christ’s birth. [If you’re close to Barrie and are looking for somewhere to worship tonight check out the links below.] But we live in a world of skepticism. Many people ask … Continue reading Your life and legacy
Annoying people
Do you want to know something people dislike about holiday gatherings? Annoying people. I know, maybe it’s awkward to talk about, but it’s true. Among other things, annoying people: (a) Think they know everything (b) Only talk about themselves (c) Frequently criticize others (overtly, or passive aggressively) At this point, you’re probably thinking I’m going … Continue reading Annoying people
Does it make you uncomfortable?
Do some of Jesus’ teachings make you uncomfortable? Be honest. Think about a story or teaching that makes you squirm a little. -Maybe it’s one of the ones about helping the poor and it makes you uncomfortable because you know you can be apathetic to the plight of those who are struggling. -Maybe it’s about … Continue reading Does it make you uncomfortable?
The helpee
Today I want to talk with you about love—but from an angle you maybe haven’t thought much about. Usually when we think about love, we think about how God wants us to be proactive in the love we have for one another. In John 13:34 Jesus says, “As I have loved you, so you must … Continue reading The helpee
Pay attention to the prompts
We live in a time when the true meaning of Christmas can get lost. The hungry hustle and hype of our consumeristic culture does its best to muscle the manger off the stage to make room for Santa. Make no mistake about it: the true meaning is found in Luke 2:11: “Today in the town … Continue reading Pay attention to the prompts
Are people getting harsher?
Is it just me or do people seem to be getting harsher? It’s not uncommon to see people lash out at others online, on the news, or even in your own home! That’s why gentleness can seem strangely out of place. And welcome. Gentleness is one of the characteristics God grows in his people. “But … Continue reading Are people getting harsher?
A toxic thought life
Whenever I write about our inner ‘thought life’ I get more responses than usual. People say things like, ‘How did you know?’ and ‘This is what I needed to hear.’ It’s not because I’m a mind-reader. I’m not. It’s because most of us have an active ‘thought life’—these are the non-stop thoughts we have throughout … Continue reading A toxic thought life
