In yesterday's devotional, I told you about a formula which is used by pastor Jay Strother: Jesus + ___________ = a false gospel.* If we add anything to what Jesus has accomplished for us, we are diminishing his achievement. That’s what Strother’s formula is meant to show. We are made right with God based on … Continue reading Identity and purpose
beauty
The skies proclaim the work of his hands
The fact that there is a creation is evidence that there is a Creator. Here’s what I mean. In elementary school science class I learned about cause and effect. Something can’t come from nothing. If a baby is born, it didn’t come from nowhere. Something had to happen nine months ago to bring it into … Continue reading The skies proclaim the work of his hands
Glorious
Recently I was walking our dog, Buddy. It was a cold morning, but a beautiful morning. I could see my breath, but also the sun streaming through the trees. There was fresh snow on the ground. As the sun hit the snowflakes, it made them shimmer, like ten thousand sparkling diamonds. I stopped walking and … Continue reading Glorious
True beauty
Our world is often messed up when it comes to what it thinks is beautiful. That’s why I think the Dove Campaign for Real Beauty is such a success. People know—deep within—that we’re paying attention to the wrong things when it comes to beauty. Well, do you want to know who is TRULY beautiful? God. … Continue reading True beauty
Youth isn’t tethered to your age
A lot of people are concerned about looking young, staying young, or being youthful. This can be true for teenagers, middle-agers, or seniors—and for both women and men. And wow, there sure are a lot of books and blogs about it! I’m sure that, to a certain degree, people have always wanted to be at … Continue reading Youth isn’t tethered to your age
The language of God?
Are we just here by chance, or by design? Are we the result of randomness, or is there an orchestrated intelligence to life on earth? A lot of people feel that chance and randomness are the order of the day. But are they sure? The question we need to ask is this: Where does the evidence … Continue reading The language of God?
The moments you’ll never get back
Hi everyone! I’m just getting back from vacation. It was so satisfying to spend time with God, my family, friends, a dozen campfires, and (many) books. It’s time for the kids to go back to school, and for me to get back to some routine, pastoring Westminster, and bringing the “Up!” devotional to you five days … Continue reading The moments you’ll never get back
The true geniuses of the world
We adults have a way of painting the technicolor of the world with boorish gray. Here's what to do about it.
