For those of you with children or grandchildren, or for those of you who lead or teach children and youth in some other way, I’m about to share something that might be a bit jarring. But there are times when some soul-rattling is in order. Let me share it with you, and then explain my … Continue reading (Really) prioritizing the faith of children as we re-vision our lives
Desperation at the feet of Jesus
John 4:47 describes a desperate scene: “When this [royal official] heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to him and begged him to come and heal his son, who was close to death.” This was a world of honour and of strict social convention. The royal official humbled himself before Jesus—something … Continue reading Desperation at the feet of Jesus
Cast Away – but never hopeless
Do you remember the Tom Hanks movie called Cast Away? He played a FedEx employee named Chuck. His plane crashed into the sea. Chuck was the only survivor and washed up onto a deserted island. Several packages also washed ashore. He opened them hoping that the contents would help him survive. One package contained hockey … Continue reading Cast Away – but never hopeless
Un-drifting from shore
Hello! The Up Devotional is glad to be back after two weeks of vacation. My family spent some time at the ocean. And yes, it was warm enough to swim. We even saw dolphins! One day my daughters and I were jumping in the waves. They would crash into us. We tried to keep our … Continue reading Un-drifting from shore
He experienced your death sentence to set you free
In A Tale of Two Cities two characters named Sydney and Charles love the same woman. The two men look a bit alike, but she ends up marrying Charles. They have two children together. Much later, Charles is put in prison and sentenced to death. In a powerful act of self-sacrifice, Sydney breaks into the … Continue reading He experienced your death sentence to set you free
Love one another: The meaning of Maundy Thursday
Today is Maundy Thursday. The word “Maundy” comes from the Latin translation of Jesus’ words in John 13:34. “Mandatum novum” means “new commandment.” This new commandment is to “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” We could spend a lifetime pondering and applying those words. And we do. … Continue reading Love one another: The meaning of Maundy Thursday
Criticized for faith? Rejoice!
William Lane Craig is a well-known defender of the faith. He writes books, speaks at conferences, and debates atheists in front of thousands upon thousands of people. This makes him a frequent target. He is yelled at, ridiculed, and criticized—over and over and over. Someone asked him how he responded to all of this. He … Continue reading Criticized for faith? Rejoice!
Fickle or faithful?
Crowds can be fickle. One day they’re yelling “Hosanna!” and “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” (John 12:13) and later in the week they’re crying, “Crucify him!” (John 19:15) If they weren’t yelling, they had already abandoned him. Where are we in the mix? Are we fickle or faithful? The people … Continue reading Fickle or faithful?
Talking faith? Take the pressure off
In 1 Peter 3:15, the apostle says: “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” Always? Yes. But the fact of the matter is that many of us lack confidence or clarity when we try to explain (or defend) our faith. … Continue reading Talking faith? Take the pressure off
Yield your thoughts
“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24). I … Continue reading Yield your thoughts
