“I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways” (Psalm 119:15). What would you do if you were walking down the road, and all of a sudden everyone around you snapped to attention and started running after something down an adjacent street? I’m guessing that you’d be really intrigued. I’m also … Continue reading Worth chasing or worth missing?
Opportunities to connect
One of the things COVID-19 has made me appreciate—even more than before—is the importance that other people play in our faith. I miss having our church family all together at the same time. When we would go to a worship service, we would primarily worship God, of course. But we would also talk, encourage one … Continue reading Opportunities to connect
Not everything, but something
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). Tony Campolo was doing work for an organization that does amazing things over the world, including Haiti. One night he was going into his hotel in Port-au-Prince when he was approached by three girls in their early teens. They indicated that he … Continue reading Not everything, but something
Looking for answers in all the (wrong) places
Looking for answers in all the (wrong) places The “Up!” Devo for September 8 If we look for answers in incorrect places, we’ll get answers that are incomplete. For example, sitting on my desk are three textbooks. One is for the Greek language, one is for philosophy, and one is for psychology. If I try … Continue reading Looking for answers in all the (wrong) places
In the face of God
In our society the spotlight is shining brightly on the problem of racial injustice. There is certainly racial discrimination in our world, and that should change. In Matthew 6:10 Jesus teaches us to pray for God’s will and kingdom to come “on earth as it is in heaven.” So doesn’t it make sense for us … Continue reading In the face of God
Your giants tumble
How many of you face invisible giants on a daily basis? I’m guessing a lot of you. Here are a few examples of what I mean by “invisible giants”: stress at home, a persecutor, a financial worry, loneliness, an addiction… Here’s a helpful word from Max Lucado: “Focus on giants you stumble. Focus on God … Continue reading Your giants tumble
The hedge of protection
As a pastor, I’ve had many people pray for a “hedge of protection” around me. I’ve also prayed it for other people. Maybe you have too. But what is it? And where does the idea come from? As far as I can tell it comes from the biblical book of Job. Job was a faithful … Continue reading The hedge of protection
Jesus in the back of the canoe
In my neck of the woods there is a coming-of-age experience that many young people go through: Learning how to paddle a canoe. I remember my dad telling me to get into the back. He got into the front and off we went. It didn’t go very well! He paddled as he normally would, but … Continue reading Jesus in the back of the canoe
Something we GET to do (because we’re not slaves)
Hi everyone! After a month of vacation, the “Up!” devotional is back! One of the good things about getting away is regaining some perspective. One of the things I regained some perspective about was REST. We all need it. We all want it. But not all of us get it as much as we should. … Continue reading Something we GET to do (because we’re not slaves)
Physical rest without mental rest? (1 1-day invitation)
[Note: After today, the Up! devotional is going on pause for August while I’m on vacation. Full announcement below.] Many people are experiencing what I call “soul fatigue.” An article from the University of California describes the situation well: “We’re tired of being cooped up, tired of being careful, tired of being scared… ‘This is … Continue reading Physical rest without mental rest? (1 1-day invitation)
