I was visiting a woman in a nursing home. She has aches and pains. She’s had more than her share of heartache. Through it all she’s had an enduring faith in Jesus. On this particular visit, she told me her outlook on life: F.R.O.G. Um, pardon? Then she explained it: “Through every stage of life … Continue reading A FROG in your heart
belief
What’s the least I can do in this relationship?
In his book Eternity is Now in Session, John Ortberg has a helpful illustration that teaches us something about faith in Christ: Let’s say I get married to someone, exchange vows, and pledge to journey with them through life. But what if that night, after the celebration, I ask, “Honey, what is the least I … Continue reading What’s the least I can do in this relationship?
As you stride into 2019
After a short break, the Up! devotional is back for 2019! (It's great to see you.) Do you make New Year’s Resolutions? However you respond, a lot of us are thinking about how to strengthen our faith in 2019. But when it comes to that word “faith,” we can easily miss something important. A lot … Continue reading As you stride into 2019
Can you trick God into a miracle?
Lately I’ve been thinking about miracles. As a part of that, I’ve been looking for patterns in the New Testament stories—particularly the ones about healing. Yesterday I talked about (a) how desperate many of the people were who came to Jesus, and (b) how convinced they were that he could actually help. [You can read … Continue reading Can you trick God into a miracle?
Belief gives birth
In 1932 the baseball World Series was between the New York Yankees and the Chicago Cubs. The story goes that there were two outs, and who should step to the plate for the Yankees, but the famous big-hitting batter, Babe Ruth. The first pitch hurled over the plate. Strike one! The second did the same. … Continue reading Belief gives birth
Fuzzy beliefs, fuzzy behaviours
Writer Craig Groeschel coined the phrase “Christian Atheism.” Here’s the idea behind it. If we say we believe in Jesus, are we actually living like it makes a difference? Or are we just blending in and living our lives as functional atheists? What do we say about prayer, verses how we actually pray? What do … Continue reading Fuzzy beliefs, fuzzy behaviours
Your John 3:16 moment
I had planned on writing about something else today. But a congregant just passed away and I felt the need to share this question with you. Are you ready for your own death? Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t think about it until it’s too late. In previous eras, people thought about death a lot … Continue reading Your John 3:16 moment
God’s got this
“Faith” is a word that is easy to throw around. “Journey of faith,” “Faith in God,” “Have a little faith.” But what does it mean? Hebrews 11:1 (ESV) says this: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Can’t argue with that. It’s in the Bible! But in … Continue reading God’s got this
Abstract faith dies
I live close to an amusement park called Canada’s Wonderland. It has roller coasters, rides, and sugary-foods galore. I first learned about it in T.V. commercials when I was small. I could even tell you where it was, what the sign looked like, and the names of some of the big rides. But it wasn’t … Continue reading Abstract faith dies
Are faith and reason opposites?
Recently I was talking to someone who told me he was an atheist. “I’m just too rational to believe in God,” he said. “That’s interesting,” I replied. “I’m a really rational person too. That’s why I believe in God.” I felt it was important to say because there’s a myth out there that reason is … Continue reading Are faith and reason opposites?
The Up Devotional 