One of the most well-known verses in John the apostle’s first letter is this: “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18). People tend to quote that verse to say we never have any need to be afraid of anything. However, the second part of the verse explains the context: … Continue reading Perfect love casts out fear?
Surround yourself with people who make you…
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” (Proverbs 17:17).I sometimes see T-shirts or online memes that say something like this: “Surround yourself with people who make you happy.” I get it. But that’s an unfortunately shallow way to look at life. Now, before you think I’m being too harsh or … Continue reading Surround yourself with people who make you…
Unduly attached to the earthly
One of Jesus’ most famous statements—and also one of his most challenging—is about taking up your cross. Here it is:“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and … Continue reading Unduly attached to the earthly
Love has a rival
“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12).What comes to mind when I say the word “rival”?A rival competes for something—and that competition is usually fierce. Perhaps you think about a sports rivalry, like the one that exists between … Continue reading Love has a rival
Bearing the family resemblance
I’m going to share Jesus’ famous statement about loving our enemies. Then I’m going to point out what is perhaps the most neglected part of that statement:“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who … Continue reading Bearing the family resemblance
A request
Hi everyone, Matthew here with a quick reminder that The Up Daily Devotional is on pause this week. I'm having some dedicated study and prayer time. It will return this coming Monday. Until then, here's a short message and request for those who listen to the podcast version:
The Lord of the Rings and encouragement
“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).I was recently surprised to learn that JRR Tolkien could get discouraged about his work. He wrote the epic Lord of the Rings trilogy, perhaps one of the greatest movie epics of all time. It chronicles the battle between … Continue reading The Lord of the Rings and encouragement
Faithfulness is a team sport
My colleague Paul Carter says: “Faithfulness is a team sport.”*That’s an important reminder, especially for Christians in the modern west. Our society is highly individualistic. We can get sucked into the thinking that faith is only about “me and Jesus.”Don’t get me wrong. It is definitely about you and Jesus. But it is also more … Continue reading Faithfulness is a team sport
The heart enlargement business
Look at the word ‘encouragement.’ In the middle of it there is the word ‘courage.’ It’s based on an old French word for heart: ‘corage.’ Encouragement is about enlarging or fortifying someone’s heart—who they are within—so that they can face the battles of life. As Jesus’ people, encouragement isn’t just something we receive, but something we share … Continue reading The heart enlargement business
Help of the helpless, oh abide with me
Today is Remembrance Day, also called Veterans Day or Armistice Day in other countries.We remember and give thanks for those who lost their lives in the miseries of war.We wear poppies. We read In Flanders Fields. We thank veterans. We pray for peace. We consider the value of our freedoms. We attend Remembrance Sunday services … Continue reading Help of the helpless, oh abide with me
