“Send out your light and your truth; let them lead me…” (Psalm 43:3, ESV). Anthony lived in the fourth century. He has had a massive influence on Christians. He fasted, prayed, shunned wealth and praise, memorized Scripture, and lived a life of focused simplicity. Even though he would go into the desert to be alone, … Continue reading Though it be but words
Take the relationship seriously
Relationships can be a source of great joy in our lives. They can also be a source of pain. Quite often they are somewhere in between. Sometimes they are life-giving, and sometimes they are draining. We modern westerners are at risk of treating people like commodities. Since there is so much individualism and consumerism in … Continue reading Take the relationship seriously
Trading crosses for crowns
The resurrection of Christ was about one man, but it was about more than one man. It is the inauguration of God’s renewed world. I’m thankful to historian and scholar Tom Wright for highlighting the following points in his research. First, God began the work of creation on a Sunday. Well, the work of God’s … Continue reading Trading crosses for crowns
The nails failed
“The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said’” (Matthew 28:5-6). I hope you are en-joy-ing Easter Monday. The resurrection of Jesus was about… Jesus. But it wasn’t only about Jesus. … Continue reading The nails failed
To redeem a race of rebels
Today is Good Friday. It’s when we gather at the foot of the cross to ponder and give thanks that Jesus gave his life for ours. He paid the price for our sin so that we could be reconciled to God. I sometimes tell the story about a young person who asked me why Good … Continue reading To redeem a race of rebels
Things are not always as they seem
Today is Maundy Thursday. It begins a series of days sometimes called the Triduum which include Good Friday and Easter Sunday. “The big three.” On Maundy Thursday we remember Jesus’ new commandment to love one another and celebrate the inaugural Lord’s Supper. On Good Friday we gather at the foot of the cross to ponder … Continue reading Things are not always as they seem
Virtue as we enter the new dark ages
I know, it’s a curious title for a devotional. Perhaps even a bit ominous. Professor Alasdair MacIntyre surveyed how different people have understood virtue throughout history. Morality today, he writes, “is in a state of grave disorder.” Although we are not without hope, he makes a rather stark conclusion that we are living in “the … Continue reading Virtue as we enter the new dark ages
Details and diligence
"Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord" (Romans 12:11). A little while ago a video started circulating online of Bobby Hastings, the head equipment manager for the Toronto Maple Leafs hockey team. During a game, Hastings could be seen on the bench closely watching the play. When a player … Continue reading Details and diligence
Fair-weathered, or all-weather?
Hello everyone! After two weeks away, The Up Devotional is back to your email inboxes, social media feeds, and podcast platforms five mornings a week. We are now in what is often called Holy Week. Yesterday was Palm Sunday. This coming weekend we remember and centre ourselves in the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. It … Continue reading Fair-weathered, or all-weather?
Because that’s what friends do
For the past few devotionals we have been reflecting on God’s providence. That’s his invisible hand, working in the lives of his people even when they can’t see it. Let’s continue with that encouraging theme. In World War One a troupe was engaged in trench warfare. A lieutenant told his men to sneak across a … Continue reading Because that’s what friends do
